Autumn Nights

Autumn Nights - Beaded Handknit Felted HandBag

Autumn Nights (CC15)

This night glam bag grew out of a desire to finally get into needle felting. The design was inspired by the autumn season. It pictures simple leaves in their resplendent autumn colours against a black background, symbolic of the night sky. And as the night skies are lighted up by the brilliance of the twinkling stars, this is made so by the generous sprinkling of Swarovski Crystal beads and elements.

	Front view of the Autumn Nights bag. Leaves and streaming green waves are free hand drawn with wool tops and needle felted down. Embellished further with sparkly seed and bugle beads. Scattering of Swarovski butterfly and rivoli beads of various finishes, like Golden Shadow and Crystal Aurore.		Hung on a different background. Red and Black beads on strap is made from Rolled Peyote stitch bead (not Tubular peyote) inter spaced with Leopard spotted wooden beads. Strap is strung/thread through with chain and leather cording to optimize strength and durability.
	Visual Sizing: Can be worn on shoulder, tucked comfortably below arms. Can be just carried in hand as length of strap accommodates either fashion.		More Specific Dimensions
	Displaying close up of design - with flap closed.		The design on the flap is mirrored on the body for a continuous seamless integration and fluid looks. Feature black magnetic clasp for closure.
	A more detailed look at the needle felted section and the beaded elements.		I always like a bit of surprise elements in my design. The inside of the bag is lined with funky retro fabric. Originally with large orange flowers - only a part of which shows for the asymmetrical finish.

Some Work Details

Bag is knitted, sewn up and then fulled (felted). Needle felting to create the green 'waves' and the solid leaves. Design is free hand drawn as the work progresses using 1 (felting)needle and the corresponding colors for the draw up stage.

Beads are done with the peyote stitch. Instead of using tubular peyote, these are rolled and joined: they are worked to the correct length and then the 'up and down' of the beaded row is match with the first row and joined together.

Bag is lined with a funky retro canvas fabric for that extra unexpected touch of color.

Materials

Patons 'Loopy'
Composition: 83% Mohair, 17% Acrylic (40M per ball)
Color: Black (col7)
Wooden Beads
Seed beads
Miyuki Bugle Beads
Swarovski butterfly beads
Swarovski rivoli pendants
Black leather cording
Antique Brass plated chain

Approximate Dimensions

Weight: 230-240 grams
All other sizing - please refer to Dimensions photo.

Knitting Details

Knitting Needle size: 7mm
Approximate stitches/rows: 28 stitches over 33 rows (varies)