Wow, two posts in a week, I’m on a roll. Decided to share a photo of a project I did a couple of months ago. I needed a little cozy for my mp3 player since I toss it in my purse daily and take it to work with me. I saw some Ipod Nano knit cozies and thought they were really cute. For those of us who don’t have an Ipod, you know that it is nearly impossible to find cool accessories for your mp3 player. So I tried my hand at it…this was also my first attempt at felting. I really lucked out and the little case came out exactly the right size that I needed. I only need to add a little button, but seeing as though its been a couple months, I’m sure you think that button is never gonna make it on the cozy. I used some wool yarn that someone sent me, it was thick and thin yarn so I was curious to see how that would felt…it has a very interesting texture to it, sort of thin and lacy in spots and thick in others, and serves it purpose well with all the junk in my purse.

Yoga / Pilates Mat Bag

I decided to get in gear and start working out regularly (Cardio & Pilates)...This is week 3 and I'm down 5 pounds. I am really enjoying Pilates and had my first class in public last week. Can't wait to go back today. I cringe at the thought of using a public mat though, I know how sweaty I was after finishing step and heading straight into Pilates (as more than half of the class did). I just don't want to lie there sweaty on top of someone else's sweat, but I needed a yoga mat bag to carry mine in from home. So, why not try to make one? And I did. I am so thrilled with how it came out. After a couple of failed attempts to make the sleeve (which is essentially what it is)...I decided to crochet it in long rows rather than in the round. For some reason, it seemed to be too wide and sloppy looking the other way. I made a drawstring closure which also serves as the shoulder strap. The only thing I would do differently is to line it, it doesn't slide in very easily and I have to pull the bag over the mat like a sock. I plan to write the pattern up and post it (a freebie since it's so simple) if anyone is interested in making their own. All you do is crochet a circle (for the bottom of the bag) just round enough and set it aside....then crochet a chain a little longer than the length of the mat, hdc in each stitch across until it easily wraps around the mat. I then crocheted the seam with a sl stitch and turned it inside out so the seam wouldn't show. When I crocheted the circle to the bottom of the sleeve, I did so on the right side of the work so that the seam would show and give the bottom of the bag more shape. With 4 strands of yarn together, I made a really long chain stitch, weaved in it through the opening and tied it in a secure opening near the side seam securely. And ta-da, you're done! I still may line it, this should be very fast and simple to do. The entire bag is crochet with two strands held together and crocheting in the front of the stitch only throughout, this will give you a ribbed effect.This bag would make a great gift too.