After using the Origami Scottie bag for a few weeks and having to change wallets because the 5 inch zip made the regular wallet too much of a hassle to use, wanted something bigger.

But still kinda obsessed with the idea of an origami animal bag.  So went with another easy to fold yet easily recognizable one, a rabbit.

Used these instructions:  http://resourceful-parenting.blogspot.com/2016/02/origami-kelinci.html

Materials:

• White/ cream wool blend felt
• White cotton
• 14 inch zip (loving the carrot red/ orange color)

Cut the felt into a 50” by 25” rectangle.

Zo decided to help by standing on the felt.

Folded it in half to be a 25” square and made the rabbit to get an idea of the finished product and mark the ears.

Co and Zo kept interfering.

Ironed on moderately heavy interfacing on 25” by 25” of the felt.  Folded it in half to make a square and sewed 2.5 sides together.

Cut the ears and sewed the seams right sides together.

Turn the fabric right side out and finish the half side not sewn.

Folded the rabbit and marked the zip location on the lining.  Went with a plain white cotton because it would show a bit on the outside of the bag and wanted it to blend.

Sewing through 2 layers of felt and interfacing along with the lining and it ended up a bit crooked.

Sewed the zipper in – about 10 inches long.  This zipper’s teeth are a bit bigger (5mm) than the nylon coil ones in the previous bags so couldn’t sew through them.  But using the hand wheel made it doable.

Added a basic pocket with a cocofiona label to the lining.

Cut 2 5” by 2” strips and folded them in half length and width wise to be the straps (arms).  Added D rings and sewed them to the sides.

Not sure if the angle was right.

Sewed the base and front of the bunny right sides together. Sewing through 8 layers of felt and 4 of interfacing was difficult and bent a needle.  Also had to unravel the first attempt because thought could cut the extra layer of fabric off.

The area colored in with pencil just adds bulk.  But it would have looked odd since the extra part was attached to the ear and couldn’t think of a clean way to finish the seams and keep the ears in the right place.

Also the original design was to have the rabbit lying down but the stiffness of the fabric made it look better sitting upright (like Pat the Bunny).

Sewed the seams  individually hoping it would smush the fabric but all of the layers didn’t fit under the sewing machine foot. Left it to sit overnight and was able to sew it the next night.

Turned the rabbit right side out.  The base around the tail with the folds turned out rather lumpy and curved.

And still trying to decide whether to sew the tail in place or leave it as is.

Sewing the red line would keep the tail in place and close the hole but it looks kinda cute as is.  And can’t imagine the sewing machine would be able to handle that many layers.

The lining ended up a mess.  Didn’t really know how the shape of the bag would end up so made it too large and awkward.  Will need to cut it down and resew at some point.  Maybe after a few uses will get a better idea of how much lining is necessary.

The top of the head is also slightly open but the stiffness of the felt and the lining prevents anything from falling out.  Maybe will add a couple of rivets for eyes but like the minimalist feel as it is.

Co was intrigued.

Zo looked for treats.

Maybe she found something.

Still need to add straps – prob adjustable so it can be a shoulder bag or a cross body.

In conclusion this was the first time using wool blend felt.  It was thicker than expected so not sure that doubling it with interfacing was the best idea.  But it is pretty sturdy and like the feel of the material.

With the angle of the d-rings, the bunny kinda stands by my side / back like a guitar case (ukulele size).  Which isn’t a bad thing but wonder if had the tabs been sewn parallel to the front, would hang better.

A coworker thought this bag looks like a sock.    Not sure what to say about that.

Think the next origami animal bag will be an elephant in Grey felt and then this series is done.    Don’t know why anyone needs one animal bag much less three but they are cute without being overtly so thanks to the minimalist vibe.