My mother taught me to knit as a young child. The first thing I made was a small purse. She also taught me to crochet and sew. She was an expert at needle-work. Having knit most of life, I had taken a bit of a recess. About a year ago I became re-energized to knit and felt handbags. Initially I made purses and hand-bags as gifts for friends and relatives. My creative spirit was sparked. Selecting materials and the process of developing each new item through the felting and finishing delights me.  Clutch bags with unique embellishments are a simple way to jazz up any outfit. They are great as gifts for any occasion, and are the basis of my line. Making larger fun styles is the direction I see for my future.

The basic fiber for the felting is 100% wool. By adding 50% Mohair and other fibers like silk, bamboo, some synthetics and metallics, I create a variety of textures and styles. Retro and antique pins and broaches, new fobs, old and new buttons, and some ribbons and silk flowers have all enhanced my purses and handbags. Selecting a unique item that compliments the finished product is part of the creative process. After experimenting with various fabric linings, I find that the weight of brocades and heavier taffetas best enhance the felted wool. Many of the yarns are locally grown and hand dyed. I like the variety of shades and colors that are only possible with the hand dyed yarn. The felting process reveals the mystery of the texture and appearance of the finished handbag.

Doing something creative is important to me. In the early 80’s I had a line of hand made natural soaps and skin care products. I’ve also focused on making silk scarves and decorative plates. Cooking and herb and flower gardening are other ways I express my creativity.  Early preparation for Holiday gift giving, and a summer start to making 10 handbags that others viewed in the process prompted requests for similar items from co-workers and acquaintances. Before I knew it, I was infused with an overwhelming enthusiasm for creating new and different items. I started collecting yarn, embellishments and different handles. I created a work shop and office out of a spare room, and before I knew it, it was almost overflowing with supplies. My head was full of ideas, and Jane’s Kreations was underway.

Having made several felted handbags in the past, but none in a few years, I made my first one, and realized that my new water saving front loader washing machine was not up to the task. I boiled up a huge caldron like pot of water on the stove. I stood on a stool and beat the bag with a wooded spoon for over and hour with no hint of felting taking place. In desperation I decided to try the machine. There was not enough water and it was not hot enough. Next, I poured in pans of boiling water into the machine. My computerized machine recognized that the water volume was high and immediately removed the excess water.

At long last there was some felting and, in desperation I removed the still huge semi-felted handbag. It was about big and green, so I lined it with a bright pink brocade and it is still know as The Watermelon, and in use by my niece. Now, I take my items out and use a top loader for felting. Voila! It works. Perhaps I have not yet had my greatest achievement, but creating an item for a special order and having the customer satisfied is a happy moment for me. The size and appearance of the item are not revealed until the felted item is dry. A satisfied customer makes all the time and effort worthwhile.