Oh, BOO HOO, I didn't win the competition on my knit felt purse.

Well, my knit felt purse didn't make the final 10, but it is still in the works to be auctioned to help find housing for homeless in Indianapolis through the trusted mentors program.

Check it out.

The picture in my banner above is the purse I submitted.

www.bags2richesindy.com

If you go to the "Bags at the Gala" mine is 2nd Row on the left "Thelma Jane" is what I named it.

I designed it using black wool yarn two strands held together from the base up, then I tucked 10 rows to make the first ledge, changed colors, and tucked and decreased each set of rows. The handle is a two step process. The first is to make a wide strap, knit every row, the second is pick up each stitch along the length with a contrasting color knit first row, tuck next row to make the trim.

People attending the Gala will have the opportunity to buy my bag, and it will still be a contribution to the cause, so I'm honored to be included and proud of the designers that WON!!

Bags 2 Riches - watch for a white box!!

Today I mailed it. Wrote my check for the contest application, made up new business cards, looked over the bag one more time, filled it with bubble wrap, put it in a huge zip-lock bag and gently laid it in a box. The post office said it will arrive tomorrow or Monday, priority mail.

I named it Thelma Jane because it had to have a name. I described it as "chunky rows of black wool separated by soft moss, sienna, olive and browns. A wide strap dropping the bag from the shoulder to the underarm with a comfortable fit, a simple statement, "fall into winter."

Here's one more picture of my contest contribution. If my bag isn't selected as a winner, it will be auctioned at the gala. If it is grand prize there will be pictures, and magazine publications and a cash prize, if it is one of the final 10 runner-ups, it will be modeled in the gala (not by me).

This one is very unique and one of my favorites.