You've Got Pursenality!

Pursenality Plus: 20 New Felted Bags is the follow-up to Eva Wiechmann's successful book, Pursenalities: 20 Great Knitted And Felted Bagspublished in 2004.

In addition to the 20 purse patterns, she also includes bonus patterns for a cosmetics pouch, cellphone holder and eyeglass case.

The book is divided up into two parts, the first consisting of felting instruction and illustrations of binding and finishing techniques and the second part containing bag patterns.

The purses shown are a variety of styles, from fluffy and girly, to elegent and chic, to subdued classics that would feel at home in an office setting. The purse handles consist of I-cords, chains, and beads as well as purchased rattan and acrylic handles.

Although all of the projects listed in the book use basic knitting stitches--garter, stockinette and reverse stockinette--Wiechmann's classification of the skill level of the projects often falls short. All but one of the purses labeled "easy" (her lowest skill level) require changing yarn colors or types several times. And every one of the patterns require the use of circular and double pointed needles as well as various increases and decreases, which beginning knitters may not feel comfortable doing.

Knitters will also need basic sewing skills to assemble their purses. Many of the projects also have pockets, zippers and buttonholes.

Difficulty Level: Advanced beginner to expert. While this is not a book for those who are just learning to knit or beginners with little experience, knitters with a bit more experience under their belts will enjoy the many different stylish options available for them to knit and felt.

ETC: Hey crocheters! Apparently, Wiechmann has a book of crocheted and felted purses coming out this Summer. It is available for pre-order from Amazon.