Blossoms and Impressions

Invasion of the Noni Spider Chrysanthemum

It looked like a fun accent for the Noni bag, and I had the yarn and pattern, so I knitted it.

And it grew.

And after it was felted, it still looks too big. 12" across to be exact, like a huge pink furry spider. Did I do something wrong? And is there any way to tame this beast back down to flower size, per the pattern photo? It's currently blocking in a bowl, to curl the petals. Maybe when the bag comes back from the person sewing in the lining for me, and I can see them together, it will all work out? I must admit: a fearless knitter I am not.

After battling a cold/sinus fit for the last few days, I finally felt well enough on Sunday to go to the Impressionists by the Sea exhibit that I have been wanting to see for so long.

please click to enlarge

The Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in America, and the Travelers building to the left.

Me, in one of the prettiest gallery rooms. Photos by Chris.

The exhibit ends on May 11, and has only been shown in two other cities, London and Washington DC. If you'd like to see it, Amazon has the book/exhibit catalog with the paintings. I think you'll like this one by Renoir, a portrait of a lady knitting called "At the Seashore." What could be more perfect than that??

Comments

[Chris]

That painting is completely perfect!

Hmm, maybe you could felt that more? If nothing else, if it's felted really well, you should be able to trim down the strands to fit the bag.

[Silvia]

I love the spider chrysanthemum! I think you can trim it, if it's really well felted. I used (long ago- the very early 90s) to work down the street from the Wadsworth- its a lovely building.

[robin]

I love the Renoir painting! She has such a serene look on her face.

On the spider chrysanthemum, the small size can make it felt more slowly, I think. Can you felt it another time (or two) with more items in the washing machine to provide more friction?

[Dotty]

Hmmm... That flower does look a little big. It's felted so you could definitely trim it smaller. On the other hand, it would look quite stunning of you left it big.

[Yvonne]

I agree with the felting it more idea. I'm always amazed at how much things can felt. I have thought that something couldn't possible go down any smaller and still managed to get another inch out of it!

[suitcaseofcourage]

Looks more like a pink octopus - ugh! Hope it shrinks a little for you. And the Renoir painting would make a perfect blog banner!

[keri]

Oh my goodness that flower is a bit big. I would say pop it back in and try to felt it more. If that doesn't work than you could trim it up or leave it as-is. Cant wait to see it finished.

[Karen]

What did you feed that flower?? :)

I would try what everyone else said. See if it will felt any more and then trim it if it's still too big.

[sarah]

I'm so glad you are feeling better. Hopefully the flower will felt down a bit smaller..how many strands of yarn did you use? Did it call for using 1 or 2? If 2, maybe it would be smaller if you went with 1 strand? But I have no idea! You know I'm just starting with the felting too. Love that museum, though I haven't been in ages.

[Karen]

Yup, I was going to suggest trimming it to size also. But felting it some more sounds like a great idea too. Or a combo of both? Good luck! :)

[2paw]

Glad ypou are out and about again. Didn't that flower grow like topsy??!! Maybe it will look OK with the bag?? The lady in the picture looks to be knitting or crocheting!! How perfect!!

[Sonya]

Wow, that really did grow! I bet the exhibit was wonderful! I can never tear myself away from the Impressionists at the Art Institute whenever we get to Chicago.

[Rebecca]

I agree on felting more and trimming--and maybe a little bit of washing/felting after trimming, so the cut ends blend in.

Hey, do you (or Chris) know anyone with a tandem bike? Kevin wants to buy one, but I'm worried that I'll feel unstable and want to try it first.

[Nancy]

You should try to do one of those "Living Art" things and recreate the painting yourself, but it may be hard to find that hat. Good luck taming your blossom. I vote with the trim and felt again crowd.

[Laura]

I don't think you did anything wrong with the flower. My friend made a different Noni bag that also had a flower and its flower was gigantic. I suspect that the printed directions are not the same as what was used to knit the original samples.

Like others have said, my advice to you is to just cut it. If it's felted properly it will be fine.

[Devorah]

It's ... it's a squid!

Everyone else has give my suggestions. Good luck with it!

[melanie]

I love that Renoir painting - I'm going to add it to my collection of computer desktops. (Right now, I have Mary Cassatt's women sipping tea.)

[kyle kunnecke]

it can't hurt - toss it in an old pillow case and send it through the wash with some towels or something on hot - (preferrably something that won't be ruined if the color runs) and see what happens - if it shrinks a lot, it won't be the end...

and if you want it to hold shape, can you stick some wires through each of the petals to help them stay where you want them?

whatever you do, it's cool! :)