Funky Sweater Purse

Materials:

wool sweater - at least 90 percent wool (not acrylic)
coordinating dual duty sewing thread
skein of embroidery floss in a matching and accent color
felted wool scraps in contrasting colors
silk fabric scraps
5" x 15" felted woven wool piece for pocket
sewing machine
iron and ironing board
straight pins
sewing needle with large eye
scissors
cutting mat with grid
straight edge
rotary cutter
glass or other large beads - optional

Steps:

• Machine-wash the sweater in the regular cycle in the hottest water possible beginning with a long soak to open the fibers.
• Add enough dishwashing liquid to get a good amount of suds.
• Rinse in COLD water.
• Repeat the cycle if thicker felting is desired.
• Machine dry on the warmest setting.

2. Cut the sleeves from the sweater, making a perpendicular cut at the armpit (figure A). Turn the sleeves inside out and cut the sleeves open along the seam. These will form the body of the purse. Cut seams from both sleeves and reserve for later use in the project (figure B).

3. Press the sleeves, steaming and blocking into shape (figure C).

4. Cut nine squares, approximately 2-1/2 inches each from contrasting scraps of felted wool for applied design. Tip: For fun, allow variation in the design by not cutting perfect squares (figure D)!

5. Cut nine squares of silk, approximately 3/4 inch for center accent.