Lucy Neatby’s Udderly Divine Bag from Orange Kitten Yarn - DONE!

I came, I saw, I put it in the dryer...

I have felted!  And I’m pleased with the results!

Before felting, next to a file folder for size comparison

I have long avoided felting, fearing the unpredictable outcome.  Thankfully, my guide (or in this case cowherd) to this brand new world was the indomitable Lucy Neatby, who counseled me (via her very detailed pattern instructions and even an online video) to pull the thing out of the dryer every 15 minutes to check on the progress.  That not only made me feel better, it allowed me to pull here, poke there, smooth out this corner, pinch that edge, and generally work this baby into perfection.

Post-felting, next to same folder

It’s deliciously outrageous, this bag.  The shaping, the colors, everything.  My design adaptation to make smaller teats worked out just the way I’d pictured it--how often does that happen?  I loved it so much I couldn’t wait for it to dry before I snapped a photo and sent it to the intended recipient, a dear friend going through a rough patch.  She’s so excited she wants to meet for breakfast tomorrow!  I hope it’s fully dry by then.  Really, how can you not be cheered by a cow bag?  I know I couldn’t.

All in all, while no small challenge, this project had a very satisfying payoff.  It was a lot of work (and I got a lot of stares), but it was worth it.  It’s a perfect token of my time in the Dairy State.  Thanks, Orange Kitten Yarns!

By the way, it seems the esteemed Chicago Tribune has caught on to the glories of Monroe.  Click here for an article from this Sunday's paper that touts a few places DestiKNITters already know!

Next up, DestiKNITions gets "up to date" in Kansas City!