Felted sweater tote...ta-da!

Here is my very first tote made from a wool sweater. I got the sweater from the thrift store and threw it in the washer and dryer to felt it. Then, I laid it out and started cutting! I didn't have instructions on how to do this, I've only seen pictures. I knew I wanted the bottom of the sweater to be the bottom of the tote...easy, the handle design and buttoned flap were a last minute decision while I was cutting. I had one idea in mind then changed. (Kinda like taking a sharp right turn in your car at the last minute, haha.) I was going to do a button-hole embroidery stitch along all the raw edges, but decided to finish them with a zig-zag on the machine instead. Not a lot of patience at that moment :) I really like the way the zig-zag gave a 'lettuce leaf' curl to them. Now that it's finished, I'm not sure the handle design will hold up real well. That sharp right turn I took :) gave it a weak spot. I could reinforce with ribbon on the back, hmmm...that's a thought. But what I really love about this tote is how the felt applique turned out. My own little flower design and some simple leaves. I LUVVVV the colors. A vintage shell button finishes it off. I've collected a couple more sweaters to experiment with. Working with cast-off wool sweaters really makes me happy right now.