by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Aug. 27, 2005 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Every other week I receive an e-mail from a knitter asking for a funky pattern. There are so many popular books out there on the topic that there was no way I could compete. Then I discovered Jelly Yarn. It's a new type of yarn that isn't even fibrous - it's plastic thread that comes in a variety of colors and thicknesses.

You can use basic knit or crochet patterns, but by using the yarn, the outcome will have a glossy texture and a cool mod look. Tips for using Jelly Yarn: metal or plastic needles work best, and if the yarn feels tight on the needles, wipe a bit of Armor All on them and they will glide smoothly through your stitches. Jelly Yarn is sold only through www.yummy-yarns.com.Special thanks to Kathleen Greco for this purse pattern.

And if you are interested in some new and wild knitting designs, check out the new book Knitting Over the Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliqués, Color, Eclectic - The Second Essential Collection of Decorative Borders, by Nicky Epstein (Sterling Publishing, $29.95 hardcover).

Note: This project is for intermediate knitters. To learn how to knit, visit groups.yahoo.com/group/stitchnbitch-phoenix for a list of local knitting shops and events that offer lessons.


Boa Jelly Yarn Purse

Supplies

No. 13 US / 9mm set of knitting needles
2 balls of Jelly Yarn, in Bulky Black Licorice
1 black marabou feather boa
2 black or animal print purse handles, or a string of black beads

Directions

Cast on 23 stitches.

To make the front and back:

Rows 1-8: Knit across.

Row 9: Knit 1, increase 1 stitch, knit across to last 2 stitches, increase 1 stitch, Knit 1.

Row 10: Knit across.

Row 11: Knit 1, increase 1 stitch, knit across to last 2 stitches, increase 1 stitch, Knit 1.

Row 12: Knit across.

Row 13: Knit 1, increase 1 stitch, knit across to last 2 stitches, increase 1 stitch, Knit 1.

Row 14: Knit across.

Row 15: Knit across.

Row 16: (Right Side) Purl across.

Row 17: Knit across.

Row 18: Purl across.

Row 19: Knit across.

Row 20: Knit 1, decrease 1 stitch, knit across to last 2 stitches, decrease 1 stitch, Knit 1.

Row 21: Knit across.

Row 22: Knit 1, decrease 1 stitch, knit across to last 2 stitches, decrease 1 stitch, Knit 1.

Row 23: Knit across.

Row 24: Knit 1, decrease 1 stitch, knit across to last 2 stitches, decrease 1 stitch, Knit 1.

Rows 25-32: Knit across.

Row 33: Knit across row, then after binding off loosely, sew cast on and bind off edges to each purse handle.

Leave long tail to sew side seams.

To finish: Sew side seams with remaining bind off and cast on tails. Using monofilament thread, sew boa around edge of purse twice. Make sure boa is securely attached to bag, then trim boa. Wrap tape around boa before cutting so it won't fray. Tuck end facing in, and sew securely.

TIP: Rows 16, 17 and 18 form the bottom of the bag and will curve naturally with a few rows of Stockinette Stitch (purl, knit, purl).


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Labels: wearable art