Learned a ton of new things with this project - and none of them knitting. How to soften wool, dyeing with Kool Aid, sewing a liner, making fabric flowers, covering a button in fabric, attaching purse handles.

Yarn is natural and pretty rough. After soaking in vinegar and trying hair conditioner, it still would not be a good yarn next to the skin. So - time to make my first bag.

Expensive for a pattern, but it has detailed instructions on how to line the bag, which I will need.

Not crazy about the white, which looks dirty. Dyed it with Kool-Aid Dark Cherry (3 packages) and Lemonaide (1 package). First time doing this, and it turned out terrific. Instructions here: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall02/FEATdyedwool.html. Totally weird that the water ends up clear after the process is done.

Bought lining fabric on etsy Lily Bella Fabrics: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilybellafabrics

Bought red suede handles on etsy Somerset Designs: http://www.etsy.com/shop/somersetdesigns

Learned hand sewing for knitters TECHKnitting: http://techknitting.blogspot.com/2008/05/best-way-to-atta...

Learned how to make fabric flowers: http://creationcorner.blogspot.com/2010/03/flower-headban...

Learned how to make a fabric covered button at CraftPudding: http://www.craftpudding.com/2007/06/covered-button-tutori...