Return Trip on the Red Line
I didn't time it this way, but Red Line's second debut coincides with my 300th post. Certainly a good mile marker, as far as I'm concerned!
I finished the knitting for the bag tonight. Here's a shot before she hits the bath:
Red Line Prepares for a Swim
Before felting, this bag is 13.5" wide by 5" deep at the base and 9.5" tall with an 18" strap. The flap is 6".
Here she is after a couple of trips through the wash:
From the Front
After felting the bag is 8.5" wide by 3.5" deep and 5" tall. The strap is about 13" and the flap is about 4-1/4". This is a small bag --a wallet, keys and a small cell phone are about it's capacity.
I decided to stick with the longer flap, although the pattern will include instructions for a shorter wider flap if that makes you happier (I kind of like the more elongated flap, and the extra length helps hold the flap down so that you don't need a closure if you don't want one. I also modified the flap shaping so that the edges are much smoother. I think it looks much better than the flap on my green model.
In Profile
I'll be taking more pictures in the daylight because the swatch picture (below) really doesn't do these colors justice. The blue color is a beautiful combination of blue and green and purple that looks stunning in person and goes well with the heathered lavender.
The Swatch
I was pretty pleased with the instructions I put together. I found a few small changes that I want to make, but otherwise, it's almost ready to go. The pattern will be for sale sometime later this week.
And almost on cue, my All Seasons Cotton for Rogue arrived at my door... as soon as my 4.5 mm AddiTurbos show up I'll be ready to roll with Rogue!
P.S. This little bag is going to live in Columbus... and I am pleased to say that I am going to get to hand deliver her this weekend. Julie and Bonne Marie and I are going to hit the open road and meet up with the ThreadBears and a good friend of mine. I can hardly wait!
Wow!
Fabulous bag, where can I get the pattern?
Woman, you knit like the wind. (The bag is tres chic.)
I love the shaping of your bags!
Are you going to have the pattern here for sale or is it going to be a Threadbear exclusive?
Damn, Ms. T. You're going to put Kate Spade out of business! Gorgeous bag, lucky recipient.
Enjoy your trip to Threadbears! Take lots of photos for us.
Red Line is so cute! And I like the changes you made to the flap. Can't wait to see it in person this weekend!
Must...have...the...pattern!!!! So cute!
I have to reluctantly admit I'm impressed with how stylish this bag looks. I've been very disdainful of the whole felting trend and I tend to find most knit handbags to be either gawdy or have that not-so-good home-made look.
You've convinced me that it's possible to make a cute felted handbag & I'll definitely purchase the pattern.
I've only been reading the blog for about a month but I'm hooked. I love seeing photos of WIP. Thanks!
Great bag! Have a fun roadtrip and say hi to the guys for me.
Ooooo, envy all around! The beautiful bag, the fun travelers, the fibery destination with its huggable T-Bears! I still have to give the Blue Line a run, but could you maybe post a dimensional-specs comparison of the two versions of Chicago?
I LOVE the Red Line!! And just in time for spring. I've been looking forward to you making the pattern available ever since seeing the prototype -- yea!!
ywa, I definitely like this one too! Dying with anticipation, can't wait for the pattern to be available, yada , yada. I do hope you make this available for purchase from your site. I'm all for instant gratification--lol!
Cute bag. Would the shaping work in a larger bag, do you think?
I am absolutely dying to see how Rogue works in ASC. That sweater would be awfully versatile done up in a cotton blend.
Enjoy reading your blog and seeing the finished Red Line Bag...must have it!
What a cute bag !
You are very clever,and a thinking knitter.Your new bag is so stylish.
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