Bichons In Berry Sauce

I had been putting off felting Dianne's Elizabeth bag. After a whole lot of knitting (this bag could have easily been a very large top), I was worried about putting it through the wash. Yes, I did my test swatch, and yes, I felted the test swatch, but still. This thing is huge! I had my doubts that it would come out a reasonable size.

After the first trip through the wash, I didn't see much difference. Except that things were very very fuzzy. The second trip showed some increased stiffness, and more fluffiness, but not a lot of shrinkage. Finally, on the third and fourth trips the bag started to shrink. And it looks so cute! Dianne did a great job in picking out the colors; they melt together very nicely.

This is after I went at the bag with a razor. It was super-fluffy! It still needs a bit of a touch-up, but I only had one new disposable razor, and I sure wasn't sacrificing one of my Venus blades! More wool-shaving to come. I also need to make a trip to Joann's to get some fabric and interfacing. This is my first ever bag, so I'm planning on getting some extra fabric for my mess ups. I want to line it, all the way up the strap to give it some extra support, and put in a zippered pocket. I also want to put some interfacing in to give it shape, and a hard bottom part so it sits right. Eek! That sounds like an awful lot. Good thing I have this coming weekend off again.

I don't need a bath, I'll just lick them clean, ok?

Abby, my boyfriend, and I went to lunch on Park Avenue today (a spiffy tree lined street with lots of little restaurants and outdoor seating). It was really nice outside, and the places there are usually pet friendly. Abby was a good little girl and for the most part was laying down underneath our table as we ate. Afterward, we went for a walk along the streets. Lots of trees = lots of messages for Abby to read. She was pooped out when we got home. And quite dirty! Look at those paws!