I’ve just completed my heavily modified version of Vicki  Square’s Monk’s Travel Satchel.  I’m so happy with the result I need to Show & Tell.

The cranberry yarn is 100% wool, custom spun for me years ago from the fleece of a black sheep named Cromwell. I’ve had this yarn in my stash for many years just waiting for the right project. I recently overdyed it with Cranberry acid dye to produce a sturdy heathered yarn.

The grey yarn used for the gusset and pockets is Paton’s Classic Wool, purchased from Michael’s.

I lined the bag with vintage style drapery fabric.

These are the modifications I made to the original pattern:

- reduced all stitches and measurements by 25% to make a smaller bag.

- used cloth lining for the inside, pockets and gusset to add colour and reduce stretching.

- created trim with fabric rather than knitted-on piping

- used purchased fasteners rather than knitted i-cord.

- eliminated back pocket

- added a fabric pocket to the inside.

I stitched the knitted pieces and the lining for the gusset and pockets together using my sewing machine.  The bag lining had to be sewn in by hand, however, to produce a finished piece with no raw edges exposed.

The resulting bag is sturdy and roomy with a somewhat vintage feel. It’s suitable for use as a purse, knitting bag or even a laptop bag.

Hooray for the creative process!

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