Yep, it took me three days to make my messenger bag,

and it all started with a visit to an outdoor sporting goods shop where I saw this bag.

As you can see, my version doesn’t have as many bells & whistles, but its worth

not paying the eighty-some dollars that they asked for…

…I think.

The first step to making one of these is:

Make sure you have a sewing machine that’s capable of the job.

Ouch. I think I skipped the first step.

Ahh, this makes me feel better.

(One of the sewing machines was working pretty well at that point.)

It’s less of a workout now to give someone a piece of gum.

Well, I hope this has inspired you, if it wasn’t the three-day-bag, then i’m sure

the ©KEEN Oswego Bag convinced you to make your own.

©K.R.B.Photos

. . .

Actually, there was more than just a “little” direction needed to make this:

. . .

. . .

. . .

There you have it~

The (super-duper) Necklace Holder

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***

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After searching many knitting pattern websites for an MP3 player case,

I found a site that had a pattern for a felted ipod case.

But, since my player is longer and skinnier (3½” by 1¾”), I had to make a few adjustments…

Felted MP3 Player Cozy

Materials:

• 50 yards of worsted- wt. wool
  
• Size-11 strait needles

For strap (optional):

• 50 yards of worsted-wt. wool or acrylic
• Four size-8 double-pointed needles
  

Directions:

Cast 26 stitches onto the size-11 needles.

Knit one row, Purl one row, until cozy measures 6 1/2 “

Bind off 13 stitches.

Flap:

Continue the knit one row, purl one row, pattern until flap measures 4 1/2 “

Bind off remaining 13 stitches.

Finishing:

Fold the cozy so that the knitted side is out.

Loosely sew the bottom and sides together with the same wool thread. weave in all ends.

Felting:

Place the cozy in a zip-up pillow case, or take a non-zip pillow case  and tie it shut with  a rubber band.

Set washer to normal, small load, and place regular amount of detergent in the washer.

Check the cozy every three minutes until it is almost your desired size, then check it every minute until done felting.

Place the cozy on a hand towel and roll it up, squeezing most of the water out. Unroll and let the cozy air dry.

Strap (optional):

Cast 6 stitches on one Double pointed(dp.) needle, divide evenly on three dp. needles.

Join, and knit in the round until the strap is long enough to comfortably wrap around your under-arm and neck.

Cut a semi-long tail, and with a tapestry needle, thread the yarn through the remaining stitches.

Remove the dp. needles and pull tight. Tie off, weave in ends.

Final finish:

Sew the strap on the cozy as shown.

Cut a hole for the button and cord with a seam ripper.

Sew the button in place.

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