Modified pattern as follows: Cast on 124 sts. Made ribbing for 2.5 inches instead of 3. Increased 4 stitches evenly when changed to bigger needle and stockinette. Knit body of bag to 14 inches, then switched to garter stitch in the round for 1 inch. Cast off half the stitches and then continued in garter stitch for the flat flap, and 1/2 inch into the flap made buttonholes using YO knit 2 tog for 5 buttonholes evenly spaced. Knit flap until 1 inch total and bound off. Used my tail to stitch buttons on, so left a long tail to do all 5 buttons across, carrying the tail along the bound off edge (weaving it in) with the same tension as the knitting. Love this finished piece with the Hippo Buttons. Someday I might have grandkids wearing this!