Finding time to knit

Now that the holidays are over and all the knitted gifts have found their homes, it is time to start knitting again for fun. I have a couple projects that I just started- a lace scarf that will be sent out for a swap on Ravelry and a hat and mittens that the little girl requested. First, the scarf.

Pattern: Lace Ribbon Scarf by Veronique Avery
Yarn: Artesano Superfine 4ply alpaca
Needles: US 4 Straights

I am making the Lace Ribbon Scarf by Veronique Avery. It is a free pattern on Knitty.com. I am using some yarn that I bought at a cute little yarn shop in Scotland 5 years ago. It is a really pretty heather green. Hoping my swappee likes it. Not looking all that great in the photo but will be very nice after it is blocked.

Pattern:Alessa Hat by Sylvi Design
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Paints
Needles: US 8 DPNs

The little girl has been asking for a hat and mittens, so we finally went to Michael's and picked up an approved green/purple combo yarn. It's acrylic but incredibly very soft. And it is mating washable so for a three year old...perfect. She picked well.  I am making her an Alessa Hat by Sylvi Design. The mittens...not sure yet. May try and come up with something that mimics the pattern of the hat.  What do you all have on the needles? Happy Knitting! _________________________________________
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another felted FO

Pattern: French Market Bag by Polly Outhwaite
Source: Knitty.com
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca
Needles: US 8

Finally felted, but I think it needs another spin in the wash before it is really finished. What do you all think? The green yarn didn't felt as well as the brown. Weird considering it is the same yarn. Another thing, it came out very fuzzy. Hairs everywhere. It was a good thing it was in a zippered pillow case or else my washer would have been a mess! Any ideas on how to de-fuzz?