Here are pictures of the latest bag. I didn't realize there were no pictures before felting, so these are all after felting. It came out just the way I had hoped, which is great! Sometimes its such a trial & error situation. I just love felting, though. It make it look so different, its hard to believe "I MADE THAT!"
The pattern was a fun one, very simple. I found it in Barbara Walker's stitch treasuries (the stitch Bibles!), but she showed it in only 2 colors. I played around with it using the 3 colors I had. It was a success! I put pockets on the inside of the bag, one large pocket, then a smaller pocket. I didn't want to have to fuss with the pattern on an outside pocket, so inner pockets was my solution.
I also used grommets for the strap. I was going to felt the bag & strap, then put the grommets on, but my daughter wanted the strap to be a continuous piece. So I had to put on the grommets, thread the strap & weave it closed, then felt the piece. It worked out fabulous! I was a little nervous about adding grommets after felting, what if it frayed or raveled? Adding the grommets before felting, I was able to insure the grommet went between the stitches & didn't cut through them. Perfect!
I also found a nice wooden toggle button for the flap closure, but we can't seem to find it in the house. I'm thinking it accidentally got pitched out with the trash. I'll have to buy a new one & get it on there before its time to make my daughter another bag !
