Things I’d do differently next time:

• Use a size 5 needle for the non-colorwork knitting at the beginning. Then move to size 6. My color work is always tighter then plain stockinette. I expect that when this is off the needles, it will bell out at bit at the top. Blocking may help?
• Either add or remove a few stitches so that it's a multiple of 6. I'll have to review the remainder of the pattern as it's released to determine if this would actually work. All repeats may not remain 6 stitches? I was into row 6 before I realized that there was a change in pattern after the first 50 stitches. I had to rip out several rows to correct it. It would be much simpler just to continue the 6 stitch repeats for the entire pattern. (Placing a stitch marker after those 50 stitches will control this going forward.) Yes, I know, I was inattentive.
• never mind, the repeats are fine - just pay attention and put the markers in where the pattern suggests! I wrote that part after the first clue.

I didn’t need another bag, to be honest. And the shaping was a bit awkward for anything I wanted - it ended up too long and skinny. So I converted it to a pillow today. I matched the ending the beginning and sewed them closed after inserting a pillow. I like it and it’s colorful on the sofa or a rocker! Much better use for my lifestyle.

Stash busting some ancient KnitPicks Wool of the Andes.