This is Pete’s bag. I’m still ironing out how to close the flap, and here is an option that I think I like. What do you think?

It’s pinned right now. I’ll stare at it for awhile, and take into consideration any suggestions before sewing it in place. The loops are on the flap, and the knots come from underneath. He is in Italy, and I’ve heard (not from him) that Italy is notorious for pick-pockets, so do you think I should make something more secure? It needs to look masculine, as much as a felted purse-thing can, but he IS in Europe, and I think men carrying satchel/bags are more common over there than here in the States. I know I have some European readers, so feel free to speak up if I’m wrong.

As a catch-up for those of you who are new or don’t remember, my youngest brother-in-law asked me for a felted bag with these specific dimensions. He is currently living in Italy. He asked for it back in August, and it’s been a long process. The yarn, a dark charcoal Donegal Tweed by Tahki, is perfectly luscious felted.

Pete also asked for an Italian flag decoration somewhere on the bag. I looked for patches, my friend Gayle has looked for embroidery patterns, but in the end, I just knit one.

It’s garter stitch, made from Lamb’s Pride on little needles. Size two or three. It is also pinned. I’m thinking about moving it down to the very bottom of the side before sewing it on.

One of my favorite things on this bag are the secret pockets. The bag was knit separate from the strap, which was knit and then sewed on before felting. (Thanks to the great ladies at EB knit night for the idea). The strap goes all the way around the bag, and I sewed them together using the same method found on the Fiber Trends Felted Clogs pattern, when they sew the two soles together. It worked beautifully, and the gap between bag and strap on either side makes for a perrrrrrrrfect little pocket on each side, closed by a square of velcro at the top. Hopefully, it will fit his cell phone, because he asked for such a pocket in his original email.

Although this has been a stressful project for me, I’m happy with how it’s turning out. I combined different elements from different projects I’ve knit to make something new. Having it work out has been very satisfying.

Last night, the girls and I met Nate at his office after hours with dinner. Then we played Laser Tag. Nate works in a large, practically vacant building with empty offices, meeting rooms, and hallways. There’s also a raised hallway/meeting room with separating doors that parallels the main hallway, so you can literally run circles through a maze of empty rooms with abandoned desks and portable half walls strewn everywhere. I don’t think it could be more perfect.

Wanna see more?