Well, Except for the Handles…
Except for the handles . . . and the fact that one side is a little bigger than the other because it didn’t felt evenly . . . still . . . this came out just about the way I wanted.
You know, except for the fact that the other handle is a good 7″ longer than the other AFTER felting.
(I swear, before felting there wasn’t more than 1 row’s difference between the two of them.)
Now, the whole thing is actually kind of huge, but really, it’s just about the same size as the bag I modelled it after. Okay, a little bigger–I can just fit the canvas version inside, but really, see, that’s the beauty of this style of bag. When it’s closed it doesn’t seem ridiculously large, and yet when open, it can hold a massive amount of stuff.
So, all in all . . . and despite the odd handle problem (and the fact that one side is longer than the other), I’m happy with this bag.
I mean, when you consider that I’ve (1) never designed a tote bag of any kind, and (2) had never felted/fulled anything before at all, the fact that the finished product is so close to the image I was carrying in my head is pretty impressive, huh?
Except, it’s not QUITE finished. Although the knitting part is.
What do I still need to do?
1. Figure out a solution to the handle dilemma. (I know, that one’s obvious.)
2. Make a lining for it–also a challenge, since I haven’t touched my sewing machine in about four years.
3. Come up with some snazzy way to close it.
4. Even with the felting, it is still rather “floppy.” I’d like to come up with a way to give the sides just a LITTLE more structure, so that when it’s open, the sides don’t fall flat . . . maybe when it’s full of something like, oh, say, YARN, this won’t happen, but would you want to take the chance? I’m thinking if I go to a fabric shop and buy some of that boning they sell to reinforce shirts and corsets (!) and such, and sew some into the corners of the lining, that should about do it. . . . Unless anyone has a better suggestion?
But still . . . happy!
Added: Thank you all for the suggestions–they are appreciated and welcome! The main problem is that the bag is heavy in and of itself, which probably could be counteracted with stiffeners like plastic canvas or interfacing or . . . something . . . It’s the fact that there’s a metal bag frame at the top, giving structure to the satchel (a very necessary design element), but also adding weight to the top. I’m trying to figure out if there’s something I could use instead of the frame, like, say, a stiff wire bent to shape, but there has to be SOMETHING up there. And the sides of the bag have to be flexible enough to fold inward to the classic satchel shape. Ideally, the bag should stand up straight and wide when open–for that, it’s got to have the frame. Now it’s a question of figuring out how to give the fabric enough heft for it….
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Tannenbaum.
House Calls
Jo-Ann’s was carrying some of those purse snap closures that fit across the whole top of the purse/bag. And what about a metal frame-y thing? and could you fold the long hangle and knit it shut to put a backpack critter on or keys on it or something like that?
It’s hard to see how much stitch definition remains in the fulled bag, so I don’t know if my suggestion is even helpful. Or if someone already made it in previous comments.
If it were me, I’d give serious consideration to running the bag through the washer a few more times. My first felted bag (the Market Squares bag from Bags - a Knitter’s Dozen) took at least four or five cycles before it had clearly felted enough to have some body and lose the stitch definition. I checked it after each cycle, and in between some of them it did look somewhat lopsided and unevenly felted.
Otherwise, good on you for coming up with the design you wanted! Self-designing is both easier than most knitters realize, and harder than we expect.
How about sandwiching some plastic canvas between the interior and the lining? Just an idea. It is so fantastic that your vision just about matches the reality!! Way to go!
Is it possible to use some starch to stiffen up the fabric a bit? I have only made a few felted bags but they were supposed to be on the soft side. I can’t believe your handle situation although that is more easily rectified. Still the bag looks great. Can’t wait to see how you are able to resolve your bag woes.
I’ve never used it, but there is some kind of material you can get at thte fabric store that provides stiffness to sewn objects like purses, hats etc. I’m sure if you ask, they’ll kow what you want at the fabric store….
Can you bend an old-fashioned metal hanger to make a frame? Don’t know it it’d work, but that’s the only thing I could think of…
It looks great as it is, though. Awesome, actually. You go, girl!
cut up coat hangers? i was gonna say plastic canvas, too, lol. and it IS light weight
Could try boning or the plastic stays that are sewed into garments to give structure without to much added weight. Looks lovely even with the odd length handles
1) Great bag. What about a fusible interfacing (ironed on through a cotton kitchen towel, so you don’t scorch your wool)? 2) Re-felt the too-long handle in the kitchen sink–just fill with hot water, add dish detergent. Squeeze and agitate until the too-long strap matches the other one, then rinse in warm water and let it air dry–this is how I felt mittens to be sure they’ll match–felted one at a time by hand, checking the second one against the first one every minute or so until they do match. 3) Your comment on the Yarn harlot’s website about laddering down and twisting the bottom stitch, then hooking back up sounds BRILLIANT. I’ll try it next time I get a twisted cast-on on circular needles. Thanks!
I’ve never tried interfacing on a knitted object…but it might work…
Oh dear! That’s kind of funny, actually. I’ve only tried felting once, and I had a similar result (felted box = not so much; it won’t even stand up on its own.) Can you cut and sew the longer handle inconspicuously somehow?…
I think I would try felting it some more. The other handle might catch up. When it’s wet, pull on the one that is shorter. You could also dip the longer one in some icy cold water while felting.
You can get stiff interfacing that you could iron on the lining or you could use something like tapestry fabric (stiff) to line it with.
Cool bag!
Well even a bit lopsided I think it looks wonderful. Use it with pride!
You’d be amazed at how you can mold the wet felted item so it is more even. When it comes out of the washer, just tug and pull it and block it around something that is the right (or close to the right) size and shape.
And I knew someone who just put a stiff piece of cardboard in the bottom and covered it with fabric — with surprisingly good results. There are also handle manufacturers googleable on the net, and I’m sure you could find the kind of satchel opener you’re referring to.