Knitted Felted Tote Bag Purse w/ Lining

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Instructions

I made this tote bag a few years ago, to hold my knitting projects. However, I loved it so much, that I ended up lining it and I now use it as a fall/winter purse. It is very roomy, the bottom lays flat and the courduroy lining can be made with pockets, to store your car keys, cell phone, cosmetics and other necessities.

Knitting Skill Level: Easy
Sewing Skill Level: Intermediate (uses the felted bag as a pattern)

Finished Size after Felting: 17" Long (without the handle); 15" Wide across the diameter; 30" Around/Circumference

Handle can be made to any size you wish. Mine is 2" wide x 26" Long. Note: Sizes are approximate depending on individual knitting gauge

Size Before Felting: 36" Long (without handle); 23" Wide across the diameter; 46" Around/Circumference

http://thistle-cottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/knitted-felted-tote-bag-purse-free.html I made this tote bag a few years ago, to hold my knitting projects. However, I loved it so much, that I ended up lining it and I now use it as a fall/winter purse. It is very roomy, the bottom lays flat and the courduroy lining can be made with pockets, to store your car keys, cell phone, cosmetics and other necessities.

Knitting Skill Level: Easy
Sewing Skill Level: ...
Read full instructions »

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Difficulty:

Category: Knitting

Type of item: Functional

For: Women

Style: Whimsical, Traditional, Outdoorsy, Casual

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Materials

Felted Bag Materials: 5 Skeins of wool (1 each of 5 different colors) I used: Olive Green, Burnt Orange, Dark Red, Eggplant Purple, Golden Yellow 1 skein of beige acrylic "nubby" yarn Circular Needles size 10 (6.5mm) for the bag Single pointed needles size 10 for the handle Yarn needles or large eye hand sewing needle (I used plastic - set of 6 in a pack) Stitch markers Lining Materials: Sewing Machine 1/2 yard of courduroy or wool; for lining 3 pcs. 7" x 9" Plastic Canvas (for stability on the flat bottom) Hand sewing needle Straight Pins Pencil Yardstick Thread to match the lining fabric

What was your inspiration?

I love the bright fall colors and the winter "warmth" of the felted fabric. Totes are so easy to knit and felt; they are a wonderful project for beginners - also such an easy project, knitters do not need to keep track of specific rows or stitches.

What are you most proud of?

The felting of the wool yarn colors, contrast nicely with the single rows of acryllic yarn (a non-felted row). It creates visual interest.

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

Be prepared for the length of time it will take to knit this project. Although the knitting is very easy, it does take many many hours to knit the cylindrical tube. This is a great project to have on hand for cold winter nights, while sipping cocoa and watching movies! See the full project and detailed instructions on my blog:

http://thistle-cottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/knitted-felted-tote-bag-purse-free.html