A large felt bag, about 23 x 34 cm, with handles also made of felt. On the front is a green cat face with expressive eyes, whiskers and a very grumpy mouth, set against cream felt. It is handmade in Nepal, so the colours and pattern vary slightly from bag to bag.
The felt is made by felting: the fibres are worked wet, by hand, until they become a firm, soft material. That is why the surface is slightly fuzzy and the edges between colours are not machine-perfect.
A grumpy cat at the market
The bag is roomy enough for the weekly market, a full day out or your everyday things. Soft felt is light: empty, it weighs about 276 g, so the bag itself won't tire you out if you carry it all morning.
The big green face shows from a distance. If you put the bag down on a crowded bus or in a queue, you'll spot it straight away. In the photo the cat also has three orange stripes on its forehead, which make it look even grumpier.
For cat lovers, or as a present
It suits anyone who loves cats, and anyone who wants a cheerful, unusual bag to go with a dark coat. It makes a nice present for a cat-loving friend, who can take it to the market every week.
Keeping the felt looking good
Felt soaks up water, so leave it at home in a downpour. If it gets a mark, wipe it gently with a damp cloth and let it dry at room temperature. Don't put it in the washing machine, as the felt can lose its shape.
If the surface starts to pill over time, tidy it gently with a soft clothes brush. When you are not using it, stuff it with a little paper and keep it in the wardrobe, so it holds its shape.