ok I have now firmed the felt u after rolling about 200 x either direction and 5 mins of throwing the bag was really firm and the cutting began.I then inserted the handle supports and began stitching .I used thread for leather and the 2 needle technique.The work then begins on the handles under the stitch lines you must kee working where your cut lines were to firm u the edges and make it look pretty.Shaping the bottom and stuffing it while it dried was the best thing I did as it kept the design.It had 3 days in the airing closet which is very warm hot air blowing all the time (not very eco friendly) and then I wire brushed the outside before shaving which sounds odd but it worked and I got a really smooth surface ,come back tomorrow and see the finished bag