monica brown

The Office Bag

This is my latest felted bag with hardware.  This time, you do not need to make a trip to the hardware store.  Instead, you can make a trip to your local office supply store or maybe even just raid your home office! This bag uses office supplies for embellishments! It also incorporates felted pleats to create a bag so chic you will have all your office mates asking where you bought your new bag!

Yarn: Cascade Yarns, Cascade 220, 100 g balls, each 220 yd / 240m (wool)

4 hanks in color #8422 (teal) 
(It is highly advisable to buy an extra ball to knit a large swatch)

Needle : US #10 or 6.0 mm needles (plus one extra for 3 –Needle Bind-Off) or size to obtain gauge.  A circular needle (US #10/6.0mm) or double pointed needles are needed to create the I-cord straps.

Size: One size

Gauge: 14 sts and 19 rows to 4”/2.5cm in Stockinette Stitch (before felting)

After Felting Measurements
Length (across bottom piece): 18”/45cm
Height: (excluding straps): 8.5”/21.25cm

This pattern is available using PayPal for $5.  To order, click the "Buy Now" button below and the pattern will be emailed to you after purchase.

Vintage Clutch

This felted clutch takes felting out on the town!  Felted objects need not be limited to laptop or diaper bags.  Rowan’s Soft Lux is so amazing when it is felted.  The metallic fiber creates just the slightest hint of shimmer.  Ribbon yarn and a metal purse frame pull the clutch together to create an air of sophistication.  It knits so quickly, you can take this clutch out on the town this weekend!    

Yarn: Rowan Yarns Classic, Soft Lux, 50 g balls, each 137 yd/ 125 m (merino wool/ angora/nylon/metallic fiber)
2 balls in color #03 (cashmere)

Lousia Harding Yarns Sari Ribbon, 50 g balls, each 66 yarnds/60 meters (nylon/metallic)
1 ball in color #07 (browns/rose)

Needle: US #9/5.5 mm needles or size to obtain gauge

Gauge: 14.5 sts and 20 rows to 4"/10cm in Stockinette Stitch BEFORE FELTING

This pattern is available from Hilltop Yarn Store.

Svelte Satchel

This svelte satchel takes my addiction to felted bags with hardware to a new level! When I designed this bag, I tried to add as many hardware pieces as I could while creating a stylish handbag! I added buckles, grommets, purse feet, D-rings, and hooks! If all this hardware is not for you, most of the pieces are optional. The knitting part of this project would be a great one to take along to the movie theater.  It is straighforward to knit with three rectangles of stockinette stitch! 

Yarn: Nashua Handknits Julia, 50 g skeins, approximately 97 yd/88 m (alpaca/mohair/wool)

8 balls in color # 8118 (Espresso) and in color # 8126 (Dried Lavender)

Needle: US #8.00 (5 mm) needle or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 16 sts and 21 rows to 4"/10 cm in Stockinette Stitch BEFORE FELTING

This pattern is available from Hilltop Yarn Store.

Hobo Grommet Bag

This bag was my first felting project where I incorporated hardware into the finished item.  I added grommets and D-rings after I felted it.  The grommets are fun, but the bag is a canvas for the knitter.  Instead of grommets, you could add sequins, snaps or buttons.  Once you have felted it, you can decide how you want to paint your canvas with the endless list of possible emblishments.   

This bag would be a great first felting project.  I designed the bag in a simple shape so that the knitter would not need to felt the bag to an exact size.  If your bag felts too much or too little you may just need to use different D-rings to attach the strap. 

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Cascade 220, 100 g hanks, each 220 yd/240 m (wool)

3 hanks in color # 8013

Needle: US #10.00 (6 mm) needle or size needed to obtain the gauge

Gauge: 14 sts and 19 rows to 4"/10cm  in Stockinette Stitch BEFORE FELTING

Finished Measurements
After Felting (excluding straps): Length: 28"/70cm round X 15"/37.5cm high

This pattern is available from Hilltop Yarn Store.