So, it's felted!

I'm calling it "Felt TV" as I sat on the floor in front of my washer, literally, watching as it churned in the front loader. (I even cleaned the glass so I could see better) The sort of crazy part--I had the item in a pillowcase! So there wasn't much to "see" as it were.
I took notes, and have now, I think, refined the process for me and my washer. I really wasn't sure it would work out, but it did, and I was really amazed. I did pull it out of the pillowcase once, to peek, and it had started to shrink, there was a bit of stitch definition yet, so I ran it through again. But I was so excited!
I came to the conclusion that the low water level, and the fact that the washer does really agigate fairly consistently does help in the process. I didn't have anything else in the washer, so I, therefore, concluded the back and forth of the machine is adequate, if not down right perfect! for felting.
Happy camper all around here. I had the bag sitting here, knitted up but scared to put it the washer. I just decided this afternoon to bite the bullet, and do it, and I figured, if I made any mistakes, hey, it was going to be felted, anyhow.

Project Details:
"Letter Have It" from Stitch 'n Bitch: Nation
I made the Big version
Paton's Classic Merino Wool (1[+/-]1/2 sks grey and very little red <1/2 skein)
size 11 needles. The I-cord I used 10.5 needles because I didn't have any size11 dpns.
It's really supposed to be more bowling-bag shaped--I'll admit I didn't work to perfect gauge on this project, so I had to improvise a bit with the center panel (read: frogged a bit to make it work) but I think, in all, the felting took care of most of the "weirdness" I was dealing with. I swatched, and came up with gauge, but as I knit, it sort of went away. I must relax after I knit awhile. The "e" also may have been an issue. This was also my first bit of intarsia. This project was a whole bouquet of firsts!

As far as I can tell, the fabric seems very thick, actually thicker than I anticipated. But, I didn't have anything to compare to, so I don't really know if this is usual for Paton's classic merino. I'm now really encouraged and hope to felt more. It's addicting! I, of course, already have some ideas for my next felting project. A felted bag or little purse seems like an item that every girl would love :)

So this concludes the project that was the impetus for the blog.

I started a little washcloth for something to keep my hands busy today (Monday's are my days "off" as it were - so I like to work on projects)

I have the "Blossom" pattern from MagKnits on deck, for a baby gift. Cross your fingers that I can get it done. The deadline is Cinco de Mayo!!! (that's one day before the shower...)
wish me luck!