I’ve lusted after Della Q’s bags for over two years now. For at least two Christmases, birthdays, and anniversaries, I dropped not so subtle hints to my husband that I wanted a Della Q knitting bag. My life would not be complete without a Della Q knitting bag. They’re stylish, versatile, and have enough pockets to keep me organized, but apparently short of sending my husband a link with the words “BUY ME THIS ONE,” he’s never caught on. So when Della reached out to me, wanting to know if I’d like a knitting bag in exchange for an honest review, I screamed YES for three hours and then calmed down long enough to send a professional and polite, “Sure. Sounds wonderful. Here’s my mailing address.”

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Six weeks ago, I received the Columbia variation of the Isabella bag in the mail. After I stopped squeeing like a tween girl and running around in circles with it clutched to my chest, here were my initial observations:

THE ISABELLA IS LARGER IN PERSON

As someone who usually totes around small project bags in my purse, I wasn’t able to fully conceptualize the 18 inch width, 11 inch height, and 6 inch depth. It’s bigger than my largest purse. I can fit SO MUCH in this bad boy. Currently, it contains four works in progress: the Rose Quartz Shawl, a design using three skeins of Vacation Yarn that Megan-Anne and I came up with together; the MineCraft Socks I’m knitting for our first Socktober KAL with Adventure Yarn; a crocheted shawl design I’m working on using our new Trio Masquerade Yarn Sets; and the 3 Color Cashmere Cowl that I’ve been knitting forever. Joji Locatelli’s pattern is beautiful, but man those alternating stripes started to suck away my soul.

When Megan-Anne and I slip away to Starbucks to do computer work and end up knitting and chatting instead, there is still enough room left in my bag to fit my Surface 3, the charger, and my Passion Planner*. This knitting bag does not mess around. If you have a problem with project monogamy like me or enjoy knitting/crocheting blankets, this is the bag for you. It’ll hold all of that nonsense.

*SIDE NOTE: If you’re a planner addict like me or just really need to get organized, I highly recommend you get yourself a Passion Planner. It has changed my life over the past six months, helping me keep track of my to-do’s and work towards achieving my goals.

POCKETS FOR DAYS

The Isabella has two clasp closure pockets on the front of the bag. When I take it on the go with me, I like to stash my cell phone in one and snacks in the other. (True story, Snicker’s “You’re not you when you’re hungry” campaign was inspired by me.) There are also two pockets on the ends and more inside. I’ve actually been able to keep track of the same pair of scissors since I got the bag, which is bizarre for me. I’m always losing scissors and measuring tapes, so I normally buy ugly cheap ones. Now that my track record is improving, I might actually get nice ones that I won’t be embarrassed to be seen with!

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PERFECT FOR TRAVEL

The size and pockets make it a great everyday bag to keep track of all your project and notions. If you’re traveling, it makes an even better carry-on. I love a good canvas tote as much as the next knitter, but this Della Q bag zippers shut. There’s no need to worry about your last cable needle rolling out underneath the seat in front of you and not noticing it until you’ve made your connecting flight in Chicago. Then, on your flight back to Philadelphia, you won’t have to convince the little boy two seats over to trade you a handful of fun-sized Kit Kats for his lollipop, which you’ll use as a cable needle. At least, that’s what a friend of a friend told me. ::sideways-glance::

MULTIPURPOSE

When I went on vacation over Labor Day, I took the knitting bag on the road with me. I ended up using it as a beach bag when I was in Atlantic City visiting my in laws. I had the Rose Quartz shawl in there, two beach towels, sunblock, and all the other necessities. I looked fresh to death. I actually had one woman ask me where I got it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKwJJD6A0Zz/?taken-by=jac_attacking

The only reservation I had about the bag were the straps. When I pulled it out of the packaging, they felt flimsy and light for its size, which was why I wanted to put it through its paces before this review. I’m tough on products. I figured that if it could survive six weeks with me, then I’d be able to give it a more honest review. I’m happy to report that the straps are still going strong with no signs of wear or tear despite my best efforts.

Also, and this isn’t Della Q’s fault, I highly regret getting the Columbia variation. I don’t know what I was thinking. The pattern is beautiful, but the moment I sat it down, my cat decided it was his new favorite bed. The thing is covered in cat hair, which shows up brilliantly on the beautiful black fabric. Before I leave the house, I have to take a lint roller to my leggings and my bag. My husband makes fun of me. So, if you’re a pet owner that doesn’t like to walk around with noticeable hair all over your nice things, I recommend you pick a different fabric.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go pack my Della Q bag for my trip up to Rhinebeck tomorrow. ;)

~ Jac

“I don’t know why you got a cat with light colored fur when all you do is where black leggings. Don’t look at me like that. It’s true. How many lint rollers do you go through in a week? Wait, I have a solution, why don’t you stop wearing leggings all the time?” – A quote from my traitorous husband.