A Nod to Gustav Klimt - Weekend Bag

Top: I made this bag because I found that the size of a free, poorly-made vinyl bag was the ideal size for packing my clothes for a weekend getaway (or a whole week in the summer). It is knitted, fulled (washing machine felted), and then needle felted and embellished.

Middle: I use two strands of a bulky wool to knit up the bag, and then I used hand-dyed wool and silk roving (strands of fiber), as well as Angelina fiber for the needle felting. I also needle felted some wool yarn that was left over from knitting the bag for the orange swirls. The final touches were beads, just for a little added bling.

Lower: My design was all knitted as far as the shape and the color changes from gray to orange to lime. The pattern changes begin in the back of the bag and continue through the flap. I used two snaps (hidden in the felted design) and metal half ring and clip from the local cobbler's shop.

This pattern will eventually be available for purchase (along with other patterns and finished pieces) at AtomicKnits.com once I get my website updated. I let you know on this blog when the site is ready for business.

Wavy Sock

Here's recent piece for a class I teach at Fibersmyth in Woodstock, VA. It's a very odd construction, since the number of stitches used to make the pattern, make it hard to accurately size. Also, this sock's construction isn't done in the round, but knitted flat and then seamed. It's a bit of a leap for those used to a single way of creating a sock. This pattern can be found in The Enchanted Sole

Atomic Knits Blog Launch

Noelle Zdepski has launched a knitting and fibers blog to create a more immediate connection with other like-minded folks. The main site, AtomicKnits.com is still in a construction state, but will be rolling out shortly, since the web guru has just finished his master's schooling, and will be devoting some of his new-found time to broadcasting the art of textiles.

This baby gown is a modern take on an old fashioned style of dress. It is long enough to keep baby's feet warm and would look good in any color. If knitted in white or off-white, it would make a lovely Christening gown. It is knitted in a dk (medium) weight of cotton yarn and then smocked (joining ribs in a way that makes a diamond shaped design) at the top. This pattern will be available at AtomicKnits.com when the site is ready for business.