New Item in the Shop- iPad Sleeves

I'm on vacation this week so I made two more iPad 2 sleeves. I improved my first design by altering the drying form a bit to make for a tighter fit and adding an extra elastic to the band for increased heft. I used a double strand of yarn when knitting them so the felted result is quite thick- offering nice protection. I think they are really nice. I just put them on my etsy shop yesterday so time will tell if "Joe Public" agrees with me.

iPhone/IPod Touch

I have designed a new item for my shop. It is a sleeve for an iPhone 4 and/or iPod Touch (or any other mobile device that has approximately the same measurements). I based this design on my Kindle sleeves- same style just different size requirements. I think they are adorable- if only I owned a iPhone!

Kindle Keepers

I bought myself a Kindle and I just love it! I’ve always loved to read but haven’t had the time recently to go to the library so I decided to buy an e-reader and download books whenever I wished. I looked at different kinds and settled on the Kindle because I like the fact that it is not back-lit. I find it very easy to read for lengthy periods of time. Well, now that I own the Kindle I needed to protect it so I have been making these Kindle sleeves. They’re fun to make and people seem to like them so I will continue for a while. I also thought this item would extend the season of my etsy shop a bit. So I am trying something new. They are also a nice way to use up small amounts of wool- not enough to make a pair of mittens but still enough to be useful.

Multiplying Snails

I thought I’d give my snails a little more umph - so I am now putting them on rocks I gather from the shore. These rocks are beautiful in their own right but the addition of the snails makes them adorable. I have one on my desk at work- using it as a paperweight. Now everyone at work wants one. That’s ok because these little snails have been multiplying at an alarming rate all over my studio. They need new homes.

Before and After of Wet Felting

I thought it might be interesting to show the difference in size and texture before and after the wet felting process. Wet felting involves putting wool items in hot water with a little bit of detergent and a lot of agitation. The longer the item is in the water, the more it will felt. During the felting process the fibers shrink and entangle with one another- this changes the entire texture creating a fabric rather than a knit. I like to felt my knits to the point where the stitches are barely visible if at all visible. This new felted fabric is extremely durable. That’s why it makes great mittens!

Purses and Totes

I have been working on making felted purses. They have been coming out well but it has been a learning process for me.

I tried a different style handle. This purse does not have a magnetic snap closure, rather a button tie. I’m not sure if these classify as totes because of the shape or purses because of the size? I’ve used both tags. They’re not small but more purse size than tote which I always think of as quite large.

Needle-felting Snails

I am starting to include needle-felted animals in Fuzzy Knits. These little snails are multiplying all over my workspace. I live on the seacoast so often collect shells. These snails are made using periwinkle shells. The real snails that once inhabited these shells were long gone by the time I picked them up- obviously I did not take a shell that actually still housed a live animal- just the scavenged ones. I varnished the shells to bring out the natural colors then felted a new little snail with beaded eyes. Very cute. Since I started making these little guys I have included one as a gift with purchase otherwise I think I would be overrun with them by now. Yikes.

Anniversary Sale On Mittens

Last August 29th I opened a knitting and felting shop on Etsy called: Fuzzy Knits (fuzzyknits.etsy.com). To commemorate my first year’s anniversary, I decided to run a sale on my best selling item- mittens. It will be interesting to see if anyone will decide to purchase mittens with the record high temperatures we are currently having this summer. Time will tell. In any case I have enjoyed running my shop this first year although I must admit to neglecting it during the spring and early summer months- even I had trouble focusing on woolies with the onset of warm weather. But now I am back with a passion- knitting and felting mittens galore.