Inspiration
We’ve Got a Brand-New Bag
We had a grand time this summer, collaborating with master bag maker Julia Hilbrandt on a brand-new bag, designed and made by Julia in her home studio in Rhinebeck, New York.
The Knitter’s Tote—another MDK exclusive from Julia—has been our best-selling bag. We carry ours every day, as sturdy as a ship, on trips to the office and voyages to faraway places. The industrial felt is resilient, forgiving, and spectacularly durable. After nearly two years of use, our Knitter’s Totes look new. Knitters and non-knitters ask us where we got them—we love that question!
When we say we “collaborated” with Julia, we mostly mean prancing around the house carrying prototypes of the bag that became our pride and joy:
The Knitter’s City Bag
It’s called the Knitter’s City Bag because the idea came to Kay while toting her Knitter’s Tote everywhere she went for the past two years. She spends a lot of time on the New York City subway, and runs most of her errands on foot. She started dreaming of a hands-free, pared-down—but still roomy— version of the Knitter’s Tote.
The Knitter’s City Bag is sleek . . .
. . . but it holds a lot.
Like the Knitter’s Tote, the Knitter’s City Bag has sturdy saddle leather handles, riveted for strength; after a bit of use, the straps seem to know your hand.
You don’t have to be in a subway car to appreciate free hands and a compact silhouette.
The crossbody strap is adjustable, so you can place it exactly where you want it. And it’s removable, for those times when you’re feeling the need to carry your Knitter’s City Bag in the crook of your arm, or as a handbag.
There’s a magnetic closure to snug up the opening.
The smooth, dense industrial felt—Julia Hilbrandt’s signature material—comes with an unexpected bonus: it’s a cushiony home for a laptop or other small device.
And yes, there are two inside pockets, one of which is the exact right size to hold a Field Guide—what a coincidence!
We like it a lot, and hope you do, too.
Yes, I would be interested in the bag if it had a zipper.
Yes, to be a city bag (at least in NYC) it needs a zipper. “Snugging up” is not enough.
Likewise
Agree. “Needs a zipper” – that was my first thought.
I’m in love with this new shape. The handle choices are great and POCKETS too? Brilliant collaboration!
It’s on my wish list…
Ooooh, I love a crossbody. Plus handle options and pockets!
I have had open top bags for years. They are my forever bag as my personal stuff is on the bottom and my knitting on the top and have never had anyone take stuff out. I have however, had my wallet and purse stolen from my car.
Lol, I had to do a double take here because in the UK wallet and purse are the same thing. But I have never been pickpocketed but have had my purse and bag stolen from my car too.
New Yorker here – I think the subway and city in general is a lot safer than people imagine. Pickpockets aren’t a big problem here 🙂
No zip necessary – this bag is fantastic!
How much does the empty bag weigh?
I met her at Mohonk mtn last year and bought a bag- love it!
It’s quite beautiful but I would vote for the zipper for the times it takes a header in the car. Not really a commentary on my driving style or abilities.
Joining the ZIPPER brigade! Sure love my Knitters Tote, though, and thus new one is fab!