Learning Curve

*Edited to add: It looks just like the real one... hmmmppphh

I haven’t posted the final felted bag before now because I am very disappointed with the result. I should look upon it as a learning experience but don’t feel like it! The felting worked a treat but the shape is a dud. I knitted to the size in the pattern but obviously their wool used gave a different result than mine. Also looking at the photo in the pattern, I knitted more rows. The pattern called for the final piece to be a certain length but I think I should have knitted fewer rows. Next time I should check out the photo before knitting my little heart out. I like the dark grey base and the handles but I can’t see it leaving the house. I think it will become a knitting bag.

The felted dimensions are interesting:
Width: 38cm > 34cm
Length: 48cm > 37cm

I tried a different tack with felting. Previously I’ve put the piece in a zip up pillowcase (pillow protector) in the washing machine with a pair of jeans. I’d choose a hot wash, low water level and a little detergent. The pillowcase was used in the hope of saving felted fluff going into the filter/pipes of the machine. This time I washed without the pillowcase and with three tennis balls for agitation, still on a low hot water level with detergent, with a jug full of boiling water thrown in for luck. The felting was quicker and denser. But still not happy...