FO: Carrot Stripes Zipper Pouch

Pattern: An Original Otter Design
Yarn: Cascade 220  In Grey 8401 & White 8010 & Dalegarn Tiur (60% Mohair and 40% New Wool) In Green 7562 & Orange 3436.
Yardage:  I used the leftover bits from the Bunny Bag and I still have enough of the orange and green to make that Pumpkin Bag I'm thinking about.  So Yardage used = ? *L*
Yarn Source: Deluxe Yarns 
Needles: Clover Takumi -  US 9 / 5.5mm 16" Circular
Gauge: 9 Stitches Per Inch
Other Items Used: I used a Coats & Clark 7" All Purpose Zipper. I had to shorten it by an inch. That was the smallest size I could find. The Carrot Fabric was by NorthCott, called Is it Spring Yet. Guttermann durable thread in a creamy off white color. Assorted Sewing Needles & Pins. I broke a lot of needles and pins sewing this and the bunny bag. o.0

Notes: I started knitting this tool pouch on July 21 and I finished it a few days later. Then I let it sit until this past Saturday August 19th before I started sewing the lining and attaching the zipper. I finished last night. :D I'm muchly pleased.

I knitted it up in the round like a big sock without a heal or toe decreases and then I grafted the ends together like the toes of a sock. *L* Pretty simple. Just decide what you want and find whatever way works to do it. That part was super easy and no big deal.

I made the mistake of trying to hand felt it though. I figured if Hot water was good for felting REALLY hot water would be even better. All that did was make the orange yarn color run. Then I finished it off in the washing machine like a normal person.

For the pouch I just figured a simple envelope fold over piece would be fine. So I measured, Ironed, cut & sewed up the lining. Leaving some overhang flaps so the part I sewed the zipper onto would be double thick.

Then I sewed the zipper onto the pouch, after pinning it into place that is.

Once that was done it was a piece of cake to sew the zippered lining onto the knit felted pouch. :D

Things Learned: Making smaller stitches when sewing make it look much neater even if it does take longer. :D Don't use boiling water when hand felting without first doing a swatch test of the yarn you will be using to see how it reacts. Have LOTS of extra Pins and Needles on hand. I must be stronger than I thought cause I kept breaking the damn things. :/  A good pincushion too. You can't have that thing blowing away with the wind should sew outside at all. o.0 I also learned I think I want a sewing machine. I think it might be a lot faster than sewing by hand. *L*

Biggest lesson learned. Stop being afraid and JUST DO IT. I was so damn scared to cut the fabric and that wasn't so bad. Then I was scared to cut the zipper and that wasn't so bad. Then I was scared to sew the zipper on and that was nothing. :D Sure it's not perfect, but I tried!

Here is the Bunny Bag & the Carrot Stripes Pouch Together!

I also made some matching Stitch Markers to go with the kit. :D

The Carrot beads are the ones Cookie was able to find for me at her LYS. :D Thank you, sweetie!

I'm mailing off my KSKS Package today. It was supposed to have been out Friday, but I needed a bit more time. I've been in communications with my person though so they know to expect it a bit late. After they get their package I'll post a piccie of all the goodies I sent them. :D *happy dance*

Until then I leave you with this:

This is a theme kit designed especially for my person if you're wondering what's up with all the carrots.  She is a bunny and I hope she likes it. :D

Comments

[Sue]

Very, VERY cool, otter! I’m impressed. And, I also like your advice of “just do it!” Too often I immobilize myself about doing a new project because a new technique or skill shouts “noo, you can’t do it – don’t even try!” Then I try and regardless of whether or not I master the skill/technique, I promptly proceed in telling that little voice to pound sand. :-D

[Ann]

Holy Crap...that is one amazing swap gift. Anyone would be thrilled to receive that package.

...and you did all that sewing by hand. I can't even imagine. Congratulations on a job well don.

Ann

[Cookie]

Well done you!

Love the stitch markers!

Ya know, once you get a sewing machine, you'll be setting the world on fire.

[Ms. Knitzalot]

Damn girl. You are a rockstar! That might just be about the most awesomest package ever!!!!!

[Dave Daniels]

Yeah, what Ann said. Crap, that is some fun stuff. And the carrot bag should be mine! MINE! I love it. I adore it. I lust after it. And those carrot stitch markers. Girlfriend, you gotta open an Etsy store. We'll talk. Knitty Otter's Carrot Creations. I can see your name up in lights now...[Insert ponderous look facing up towards the stars...]

[Barbara Clark]

Beautiful purse, Otter, just beautiful.
Barbara

[Kirsten]

OMG, that is too cute! I love those bags, those stitch markers, even the way you did the wraping! I haven't gotten my KSKS package yet. Could I be so lucky? But no, I'm not a Bunny, just a bunny lover!

[Charity]

That's a super great project! I love the little zipper pouch. Thanks for all the photos on the how-to - I'm not overly sewing literate, and every little bit helps!