Stylish Handbag and Accessory Patterns to Knit and Felt

Darlene BruceHip projects for knitters who want to take it to the next level

I have not read Stylish Handbag and Accessory Patterns to Knit and Felt but the reviews on Amazon praise this book.  Right after I post this article I am going to Amazon to purchase this book, available for shipping now and preorder another, what appears to be a exciting felting book, that in coming out on April, 1 2008, that I will telling you about later 🙂

As the knitting population grows, many enthusiasts are seeking ideas for taking their designs in new directions. Felting, the art of shrinking your knitting, is often the next step. Fabulous & Flirty Felt is a fashion-forward book of felted projects that are bright, sassy, stylish, and fun. It includes basic knitting, crocheting, felting and yarn-dyeing techniques in addition to project patterns. Each project contains a basic pattern and incorporates unique variations. The bags use funky novelty yarn such as eyelash or ribbon yarn, while other projects feature knitted bobbles, crochet trim, knitted fringe, or eyelet holes with grosgrain ribbon trim. Specialty yarns including hemp and boucle are incorporated into the patterns, resulting in unique and fun handbags, accessories and home decor. All of the pattern projects contain detailed instructions that are easy to follow and accessible to new knitters and felters. Darlene Bruce is a research scientist by training, and a working artist. She founded her home-based fiber art business, Natural Violet, in 1998. She is a self taught knitter and dyer, and sells her work through her website, www.naturalviolet.com. She specializes in natural fiber handbags and home décor, teaches knitting and felting classes, and runs a monthly craft club where she teaches women how to knit, crochet, and dye yarn.Darlene’s tell us a little about herself on Web Site: I founded Natural Violet in 1998. The name comes from “Natural” for the use of natural fibers and “Violet” after my sweet calico kitty. Violet sadly passed away on November 2, 2006 from lung disease. She was the heart and soul of Natural Violet and I hope her playful spirit will live on in future creations. I have a craft studio in my home in Charlottesville, VA, where I live with my husband, Chris, and my two cats, Simon and Storm. I am a self taught knitter, sewer and dyer. I love working with bright colors and am especially fond of dyeing both fabric and yarn. Colors in nature inspire me as well as a love for animals. Everything sold through Natural Violet is hand made by me in my home studio. I sell my items through my website and at art and craft shows. I specialize in funky and functional natural fiber quilts, handbags and accessories. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you. Enjoy! Darlene Bruce