PURSENALITIES, 20 GREAT KNITTED AND FELTED BAGS

Martingale & Company, 20205 144^th Avenue NE, Woodinville, WA 98072-8478. 2004 Softcover. 63 pages including full-color photos of finished products. $19.95.

For those women who have more than enough scarves, sweaters and knitted pot-holders, Eva Wiechmann offers yet another outlet for your knitting pleasure. And she does it with beautiful photographs and inspiring combinations.

Eva began knitting at age four, and her confidence in her craft is apparent with the publication of this book. She methodically walks knitters through the processes and details required for producing chic and stunning felted purses. She reviews types of yarns that are acceptable and offers suggestions for colors that “felt” better than others. She also discusses finishing techniques such as handles, knitted buttonholes, etc. And, she jokes that “felting” is the scariest part for novices or first-timers. (Note: I too held my breath when I first dropped a perfectly knit object in the washing machine on a high-agitation wash cycle!) After the Getting Started and Knitting Basics Sections, it’s off to The Projects Section.

The Projects Section includes full-instructions for evening bags, hobo bags, shopping bags, large tote bags, envelope bags and even a basket-weave design purse. Each design is photographed in a large colorful, one to a page picture. There’s literally something for everyone in these styles. What’s even more appealing about these purses is that we can dig into our stash of leftover yarn and knit a bag quickly on size 15 needles. In no time at all, you can have a felted purse like no other. They’re fun, fast and fashionable!

Eva offers suggestions for colors and adornment for felted purses. Several of her patterns include eyelash yarn, metallic threads and of course pretty buttons for closures. And some purses even have outer pockets for cell phones and sunglasses. Each of the patterns can be modified and any experienced knitter will have an entertaining time watching a purse take shape quickly and become a treasured and admired addition a wardrobe.

Pursenalities has twenty different purse designs from which to choose. And, with a little imagination, several thousands of purse combinations can be concocted. It’s was a pleasure to follow Eva’s clear, understandable instructions. If there were to be a “coffee table book” for knitters, this is it. It’s not possible to look at the cover without picking it up and thumbing through its beautifully photographed and printed pages. Be aware however: Eva states: This activity may become an addiction, but she doesn’t mind being responsible for it.

Reviewed by Betty T. Johnson
Dahlonega, Georgia