Soft Whispers, Cont.

Yesterday afternoon was the big rehearsal for the "big day."  Since they were short by one boy they opted to have my daughter lead the procession, calling her Princess.  Normally she's on the shy side, but this she liked. 

Earlier in the day I took some black fabric and created a liner.  I added the snap closure, then I ran the two pieces together through the sewing machine along the top of the liner. (This was quite risky to do, but I liked the end results!)  As the children practiced, I worked on my Soft Whispers bag by carefully whip stitching the liner and the bag together at the top, careful to hide the sewing machine stitches. Then I sewed on the button.  It's nearly done; just need to add "my label."

When my husband came home from work, he was amazed with it, calling it one of my "signature pieces."  I plan on writing down the pattern just as soon as I have a bit of free time.  What I can say about the pattern is that I liked the results of using two strands of the Plymouth "Whisper" together ... there are areas that are a bit darker, and areas that are a bit lighter.  I think it adds to the character to the bag. 

I also had time at the Church yesterday to start on one of the Comfort Teddy Bears.  I've decided to use Lion Brand's pattern with Chinchilla.  I'm using an "I" hook, and all I can say at this point in the project, is that if you cannot crochet by feel yet, do not attempt this.  You'll go blind!  Keeping track of your stitch counts is an absolute MUST ... but, if you're up for a challenge, then go for it.   

In working up the first 11 rows, I find that this intensely soft fiber will be great for giving feelings of comfort when "Mommy, I love you" and "Mommy, I miss you" are softly whispered into the teddy bear ears; and of course, will be perfect for hugging.  Yes, I think in going with the chinchilla instead of chinelle was the right choice.  I'll be on the hunt for matching tights -- I'll go into detail on why at a later time.  :)