Summer Fun Backpack

This little backpack will go great with your new knitted sun hat. Using Lion Brand Yarn Cotton Ease, this bag will be nice and light and washable!

SIZE:
About 10 x 12 in. (25.5 x 30.5 cm).

MATERIALS
• 830-148 Lion Brand New Cotton Ease: Turquoise 2 Balls
• Knitting Needles- Size 6 [4.00 mm]
• Large-Eyed Blunt Needles
• Additional Materials
Double pointed needles size 6 (4.25 mm) , set of 5

GAUGE:
18 sts = 4 in. (10 cm) over Pattern Stitch. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

STITCH EXPLANATION:
ssk (slip, slip, knit) Slip next 2 sts as if to knit, one at a time, to right needle; insert left needle into fronts of these 2 sts and knit them tog.

PATTERN STITCH
Rows 1 and 3 (WS): Purl.
Row 2: K1, *yo, k2tog, rep from * across.
Row 4: *Ssk, yo, rep from * across, end k1.
Rep Rows 1-4 of Pattern stitch.

FRONT
With straight needles, cast on 45 sts.
Knit 10 rows.
Next Row: K5 sts (for border) work Row 1 of Pattern st to last 5 sts, k last 5 sts (for border).
Next Row: K5 sts (for border) work Row 2 of Pattern st to last 5 sts, k last 5 sts (for border).
Continue as established, keeping first and last 5 sts in Garter st (k every st on every row) and working center 35 sts in Pattern st until piece measures about 11 in (28 cm) from beg, end with a Row 1 or 3 of Pattern st.
Knit 10 rows.
Bind off.

BACK
Make just as for Front.

FINISHING
Sew backpack pieces together at sides and bottom.
Cord
With double pointed needles, cast on 5 sts. *Slide sts to other end of dpn and knit them, pulling yarn tightly across the back of the work. (Do not turn work.) Repeat from * to make cord. Rep last row until cord measures 48 in. (122 cm) from beg. Bind off. Weave cord through Backpack just below top garter edge, with both cord ends emerging on right side. Mark center point between cords. Pull cord ends through from right to wrong side of Backpack at each
lower corner. Knot cord ends securely on inside of Backpack. Weave in ends.

From Lion Brand Yarn.

Sick of Winter...Knit a Beach Bag!

Nothing is better than thinking of spring and summer, while in the clutches of winter's end...this is one cool bag to hold all your hot summer needs!

Materials:
1 ball of each TAHKI STACY CHARLES Cotton Classic in color #3336 Brown (A), #3203 Taupe (B), #3226 Eggshell (C), #3475 Coral (D), #3453 Soft pink (E).
US 7-9 needles

Note
(For bag bottom and handle only) Sl sts purlwise with yarn at RS.

Bag
Bag body
With E, CO 32 sts. Row 1 (RS) With E, knit.

Row 2 With E, purl.

Rows 3 and 4 With B, knit.

Row 5 With A, knit.

Row 6 With A, purl.

Rows 7–14
With C, work 8 rows of Moire St Pat.

Row 15 With B, knit.

Row 16 With B, purl.

Rows 17 and 18 With A, knit.

Rows 19 and 21 With D, knit.
Rows 20 and 22 With D, purl.

Rows 23 and 24 With B, knit.

Rows 25–32 With E, work 8 rows of
Diamond Drop Pat.

Row 33 With C, knit.

Row 34 With C, purl.

Rows 35 and 36 With D, knit.

Row 37 With B, knit.

Row 38 With B, purl.

Rows 39- 52 With A, work 14 rows of Pebble St Pat.

Rows 53 and 54 With E, knit.

Rows 55 and 57 With C, knit.

Rows 56 and 58 With C, purl.

Row 59 With A, knit.

Row 60 With A, knit, inc 1 st—33 sts.
Rows 61–66 With B, work 6 rows of Crocus Buds
Pat. Row 67 With D, knit.

Row 68 With D, purl.
Rows 69 and 70 With C, knit.

Rows 71 and 72 With B, knit.

Rows 73–80 With D, work 8 rows of
Knotted Openwork Pat, dec 1 st on last row—32 sts.

Rep rows 1–80 once more.

With E, knit 1 row, purl 1 row. Bind off.

Bag bottom
With D, CO 45 sts. Rows 1 and 2 With D, knit.
Rows 3 and 4 With A k1, *sl 1, k1; rep from *.
Rows 5 and 6 With D, knit. Rows 7 and 8 With
A, k2, *sl 1, k1; rep from * to last st, k1. Repeat
rows 1–8 two more times. With D, knit 2 rows.
Bind off.

Handle
With E, CO 97 sts. Rows 1 and 2 With E, knit.
Rows 3 and 4 With D, k1, *sl 1, k1; rep from *.
Rows 5 and 6 With A, knit.

Rows 7 and 8 With C, k2, *sl 1, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.

Rows 9 and 10 With B, knit.

Rows 11 and 12 Rep row 3.
Rows 13 and 14 With E, knit.

Rows 15 and 16
Rep row 7.

Rows 17 and 18 With A, knit.

Rows 19 and 20 Rep row 3.

Rows 21 and 22 With B, knit.

Rows 23 and 24 Rep row 7. Work rows 1–4 once more. Bind off.
Rows 61–66 With B, work 6 rows of Crocus Buds
Pat. Row 67 With D, knit.

Row 68 With D, purl.
Rows 69 and 70 With C, knit.

Rows 71 and 72 With B, knit.

Rows 73–80 With D, work 8 rows of Knotted Openwork Pat, dec 1 st on last row—32 sts.

Rep rows 1–80 once more. With E, knit 1 row, purl 1 row. Bind off.
Assemble using photo as guide.

Bag Patterns

knotted openwork pat MULTIPLE OF 3 STS
Row 1 (RS) Knit. Rows 2, 4, 6 and 8
Purl. Rows 3 and 7 K2, * yo, k3 (illust. 1),
pass 3rd st on right needle over first 2 k
sts (illust. 2); rep from *, end k1. Row 5
K1, * k3, pass 3rd st on right needle over
first 2 k sts, yo; rep from *, end k2.

crocus buds pat ODD # OF STS
Rows 1 and 5 (RS) K2, * yo, k2; rep
from * to last st, k1. Rows 2 and 6
P2, *p3 (illust. 1), pass 3rd st on right
needle over first 2 p sts (illust. 2); rep
from *, end p1. Row 3 K3, * yo, k2; rep
from * to end. Row 4 P1, * p3, pass 3rd
st on right needle over first 2 p sts; rep
from *, end p2.

pebble stitch pat EVEN # OF STS
Row 1 (RS) Knit. Row 2 Purl. 3 K1,
* k2tog; rep from *, end k1. Row 4 K1,
* k1, insert left needle from front to
back under strand between last st
worked and first st on left needle, k
this strand through front loop (illusts.
1 and 2); rep from *, end k1. Rows
5–12 Rep rows 1–4 twice. Row 13 and
14 Knit.

diamond drop pat MULTIPLE OF 4 STS
Rows 1, 3, 5 and 7 (RS) Knit. Rows
2 and 6 P1, * yo, p2 (illust. 1), pass yo
over 2 p sts (illust. 2), p2; rep from *,
end last rep p1, instead of p2. Row
4 P3, * yo, p2, pass yo over 2 p sts, p2;
rep from * to last st, p1. Row 8 Knit.

moire stitch pat eVEN # OF STS
Row 1 (RS) Knit. Rows 2, 4, 6 and 8
Purl. Rows 3, 5, and 7 K1, * sl 1, k1,
yo (illust. 1), pass sl st over k1 and yo
(illust. 2); rep from *, end k1.

Knit Up A Sporty CarryAll

This carryall will do just that...Carry All!

One size
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 15” wide x 13” high x 4” deep

MATERIALS
4 Balls BERROCO SOX (100 grs), #1435 Doon or #1454 Morton (MC) and 3 balls #1411 Sprinkles (CC)
29” Length circular knitting needles, sizes 7 (4.50 mm) and 8 (5.00 mm) OR SIZE TO OBTAIN

GAUGE
Straight knitting needles, size 6 (4.00 mm)
Crochet hook, size 5.00 mm (H-8)
4 St holders
2 St markers (2 different colors)
Two 15” long zippers
One 34” long zipper that zips from both ends
Sewing needle and matching thread
Optional: One piece of cardboard or heavy plastic 15” x 4” to stiffen bottom of bag

GAUGE
22 sts = 4”; 32 rows = 4” in Moss St with 2 strands of MC held tog on size 7 (4.50 mm) needles
TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE MOSS STITCH

(Even number of sts)
Rnds 1 and 2: * K1, p1, rep from * across.
Rnds 3 and 4: * P1, k1, rep from * across.
Rep these 4 rows for Moss St

BAG
With larger circular needle, using 2 strands of MC held tog, cast on 166 sts. Join, being careful not to twist sts. Mark for beg of rnd and carry marker up. Work even in Reverse St st (purl every rnd) for 1”. Change to smaller circular needle and work even in Moss St until piece measures 10” from beg. Change to 2 strands of CC held tog.
Inc Rnd: K83, increasing 22 sts around, place marker, k to end, increasing 22 sts around – 210 sts.
Next Rnd: * Working in k1, p1 ribbing, work 11 sts, sl the next 11 sts to holder, cast on 11 sts, work to 22 sts before next marker, sl the next 11 sts to holder, cast on 11 sts, work to marker, rep from * once more – 210 sts. The 11 sts on each of 4 holders form base of the straps. Work even in k1, p1 ribbing for 2”. Purl 1 rnd for folding ridge. Work even in k1, p1 ribbing for 4”. Purl 1 rnd for folding ridge. Work even in k1, p1 ribbing for 2”. Work Next Rnd once more, forming the other base of the straps.
Dec Rnd: K to first marker, decreasing 22 sts around, drop marker, k to last marker, decreasing 22 sts around – 166 sts. Change to 2 strands of MC held tog and work even in Moss St until piece measures 9” above last rnd of CC. Change to larger circular needle and work even in Reverse St st for 1”. Bind off.

FINISHING
Straps: With RS facing, sl 11 sts from one holder to straight needle. Join 2 strands of CC held tog.
Row 1 (RS): K1, (p1, k1) 5 times.
Row 2: P1, (k1, p1) 5 times. Rep these 2 rows until strap measures 19” or desired length, end on WS. Bind off in ribbing. Repeat on each of the remaining 3 holders. Sew one 15” long zipper into each end of the bag (which is a tube) at beg of Moss St section. Reverse St st edges will roll inward partially concealing zippers.
Gussets (Make 2): With crochet hook, using 2 strands of MC held tog, make a chain long enough to reach from folding ridge at one side of the bag bottom, up side of bag to start of Reverse St st section, across top, then down the other side of bag to the other end of folding ridge. Work even in sc for 1½”. Fasten off. Lay the bag flat. Sew one gusset to edge of bag, (working through double thickness of bag). Sew side edges of gusset to bottom of bag. Repeat with the other gusset on the other side of bag. Outer edges of gussets should be approximately ½" apart. Sew long zipper into the opening between the 2 gussets. Sew 2 ends of straps on one side of bag together being careful not to twist straps. Repeat with 2 ends of the other strap.
Tack straps to sides of bag at lower edges of Reverse St st edges to hold in place. Finished bag should have a 15” wide zippered pocket on each side and a zipper in the center opening which zips from both ends.

Happy Thanksgiving! Ready! Set! Make Gifts!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! OK...you cooked, you cleaned, you ate...now it's time to get your gift making in full gear! And if you don't make the gift...make the bag it comes in!


SIZES
S (M, L)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Small: 4 x 6 1/4"/10 x 16cm
Medium: 7 1/2 x 10"/19 x 25.5cm
Large: 8 1/2 x 11"/21.5 x 28 cm

MATERIALS
Caron International's Simply Soft Party (99% Acrylic/1% Polyester, 164 yd/150m, 3 oz/85g): 3 oz(A), 2 oz (B), 1 oz (C)



Shown in: #0005 Royal Sparkle (A); #0006 Purple Sparkle (B);
#0003 Spring Sparkle (C)
Note: Yarn quantities are sufficient to make all three bags.
One circular needle, size US 9 (5.5mm), 20"/50cm or 24"/60cm long, or size to obtain gauge 23"/58.5cm sage green organdy ribbon (for small bag)—3/8"/10mm 32"/81.5cm cream organdy ribbon (for medium bag)—7/8"/22mm 1yd//91.5cm cream wired organdy ribbon (for large bag)—7/8"/22mm
Yarn needle.

GAUGE
Gauge is not critical for this project.

SPECIAL STITCH
k1-f/b: Knit 1 front and back – Knit next st, then knit it through the back loop. (1 st increased)

GAUGE
Gauge is not critical for this project
NOTE
Circular needle is needed to accommodate large number of stitches
in ruffle. Work back and forth on circular needle, as if working on straight needles.

SMALL BAG
With C, cast on 30 sts.
Row 1 (WS): K2, *p2, k2; repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 5"/12.5cm from beginning, end
with a WS row.
Eyelet Row (RS): K2, *yo, k2tog, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1—9 eyelets.
Ruffle
Row 1: Purl.
Row 2: K1-f/b in each st across—60 sts.
Row 3: Purl.
Rows 4 and 5: Knit.
Bind off in knit. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail to sew side and
bottom seam.

Finishing
Block if desired. Fold piece in half with WS together, bringing side edges together. Sew side and bottom seam. Using yarn needle,
weave in all ends. Weave the 23"/58.5cm ribbon through the eyelet
row, beginning at center front of bag. Tie ends of ribbon into a bow and trim ends.

MEDIUM BAG
With B, cast on 50 sts.
Beginning with a WS row (purl row), work in Stockinette st (k on RS, p on WS) until piece measures 8 1/2"/21.5cm from beginning, end with a WS row.
Eyelet Row (RS): K2, *yo, k2tog, k1; repeat from * to end of row—
16 eyelets.
Ruffle
Row 1: Purl.
Row 2: K1-f/b in each st across—100 sts.
Row 3: Purl.
Rows 4-8: Knit.
Bind off in knit. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail to sew side and bottom seam.

Finishing
Block if desired. Fold piece in half with WS together, bringing side edges together. Sew side and bottom seam. Using yarn needle,
weave in all ends. Weave the 32"/81.5cm ribbon through the eyelet
row, beginning at center front of bag. Tie ends of ribbon into a bow and trim ends.

LARGE BAG
With A, cast on 76 sts.
Row 1 (RS): *k2, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 2: P1, *k2, p1; repeat from * to end of row.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 9 1/2"/24cm from beginning, end with a WS row.
Eyelet Row (RS): K1, *yo, k2tog, k1; repeat from * to end of row—
25 eyelets.
Ruffle
Row 1: Purl.
Row 2: K1-f/b in each st across—152 sts.
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: Purl.
Rows 6–8: Knit.
Bind off in knit. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail to sew side and bottom seam.

Finishing
Block if desired. Fold piece in half with WS together, bringing side edges together. Sew side and bottom seam. Using yarn needle,
weave in all ends. Weave the 1yd/91.5cm ribbon through the eyelet
row, beginning at center front of bag. Tie ends of ribbon into a bow and trim ends.

Shaggy Bag!

Winter Blues? Already? Knit up a little fun...this cute bag will brighten even the cloudest days!


One Size

SIZE
Approximately 12” wide x 8” high (Not including handles)

MATERIALS
3 Balls BERROCO ZODIAC (50 grs), #9629 Aquarius (MC)
1 Ball BERROCO TUTU (50 grs), #5797 Flip Flops (CC)
Straight knitting needles, size 15 OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
Two 12” wide wooden handles
3 St holders

GAUGE
12 sts = 4” in St st with 2 strands MC held tog on size 15 needles
TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE

PATTERN STITCH
Rows 1, 3 and 5 (RS): With 2 strands MC held tog, knit.
Rows 2, 4 and 6: With 2 strands MC held tog, purl.
Row 7 (RS): With 1 strand CC, purl.
Row 8: With 1 strand CC, knit.
Rep these 8 rows for Pat St.

BAG
3 Top Tabs: With straight needles, using 2 strands MC held tog, cast on 6 sts. Work even in St st for 3 rows, end on RS. Sl sts to holder. With straight needles, using 2 strands MC held tog, cast on 26 sts. Work even in St st for 3 rows, end on RS. Sl sts to
holder. With straight needles, using 2 strands MC held tog, cast on 6 sts. Work even in St st for 3 rows, end on RS.
Joining Row (WS): P6 sts on needle, cast on 4 sts, p26 sts from holder, cast on 4 sts, p6 sts from holder – 46 sts. Beg with Row 5, work even in Pat St until piece measures approximately 16” above joining row, end on WS with Row 2 of Pat St.

3 Top Tabs: Dividing Row (RS): With 2 strands MC held tog, k6, sl remaining sts to holder – 6 sts. Beg with a p row, work even in St st for 3 rows, end on WS. Bind off.

With RS facing, sl 40 sts from holder to straight needle, join 2 strands MC held tog and bind off 4 sts, k until there are 26 sts on RH needle, sl remaining sts onto holder. Beg with a p row, work even in St st for 3 rows, end on WS. Bind off. With RS facing, sl 10 sts from holder to straight needle, join 2 strands MC held tog and bind off 4 sts, k to end – 6 sts. Beg with a p row, work even in St st for 3 rows, end on WS. Bind off.

FINISHING
Fold bag in half with top tabs together. Sew side seams. Fold tabs on one side around handle and sew to inside. Repeat on the other side.

Seattle Bag

This cute little felted bag will carry your wallet, phone and keys for a quick trip to the store.

SIZE: One Size
About 8 x 7 1/2 x 2 in. (20.5 x 19 x 5 cm) after felting

MATERIALS
• 150-123 Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool Yarn: Oatmeal 1 Ball (A)
• 150-126 Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool Yarn: Nature's Brown 1 Ball (B)
• Knitting Needles Size 11 [8 mm]
• Stitch Markers
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles

GAUGE:
12 stitches + 15 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) before felting in single crochet or in Stockinette stitch in the round (knit every round). BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

KNIT BAG
Base
With A, cast on 30 stitches. Working back and forth on circular needle (just as when working on straight needles), knit 6 rows. Pick up and knit 8 stitches along short side of piece, 30 stitches along cast on edge and 8 stitches along remaining short side - 76 stitches around base.

Sides
Place marker for beginning of round and join, being careful not to twist stitches. Working in the round, knit every round until Bag measures 5 1/2 in. (14 cm) from base. Change to B. With B, knit every round until Bag measures 10 in. (25.5 cm) from base. Bind off.

FINISHING
Weave in ends.

FELTING
Wash by machine on a hot wash/cold rinse cycle with detergent and several pieces of clothing to agitate. To felt additionally, dry by machine on a regular setting until almost dry. Remove from dryer and pull into shape.

Handle
After felting, cut a 3 1/2 in. (8.75 cm) slit centered on back of Bag, about 1 1/2 in. (3.75 cm) down from top edge. Repeat on front.

Felted Laptop Sleeve...for School Cool or Office Pool!

A way to show your school colors and protect your prized possession! This easy to knit/ easy to felt laptop sleeve will get you looks from the geeks and the chic's!
Even the office group will be a little jealous!


SIZE: Varies
Pattern fits a laptop 9 inches (22.9 cm ) tall x 12.25 inches (31 cm) wide x 1.25 (3.2 cm) deep. Size is adjustable.

MATERIALS
• 820-099 Lion Brand Lion Wool Yarn: Winter White (or color of choice) 3 Balls (A)
• 820-113 Lion Brand Lion Wool Yarn: Scarlet (or color of choice) 1 Ball (B)
• Knitting Needles- Size 8 [5 mm]
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles
• Additional Materials
2 1-inch (2.5 cm) rectangle rings (available at hobby stores in the section of materials for making purses or jewelry)

GAUGE:
22 sts x 28 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes
you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

NOTES:
Sizing
Laptops vary quite a lot in size; this pattern can easily be adapted to any size, providing you follow the rules below. Knitting that is being felted shrinks more in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Your piece, before felting, should be 1.5 times as tall as you need on the finished vertical dimension and 1.2 times as wide as needed on the horizontal dimension.
Thus, to fit a laptop that is 9 inches (23 cm) tall, the piece needs to be 9 inches (23 cm) x 1.5 or 13.5 inches (34 cm) deep before felting. If your laptop is 10 inches (25.5 cm), the vertical dimension will be 10 inches (25.5 cm) x 1.5 or 15 inches (38 cm). To fit a laptop that is 12.25 inches (31 cm) wide, the piece needs to be 12.25 inches (31 cm) x 1.2 or about 14.75 (37.5 cm) inches wide before felting. If your laptop is 13 inches (33 cm) wide, the piece will need to be 13 inches (33 cm) x 1.2 or 15.6 inches (84 cm) wide. The final sizing can also be controlled to some extent by how much you felt the piece -- start out gently and then use hotter water and more agitation if the sleeve is too large.


LAPTOP SLEEVE
Front
With A, cast on 80 sts
Beginning with a knit row, work in Stockinette (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) until piece measures 13.5 in. (34.5 cm), end with a right side row. Knit the next (wrong side) row rather than purling it to make a turning ridge where the front folds to become the bottom.) This is the end of the front portion of the sleeve.


Bottom
Work 12 rows in Stockinette stitch, end with a right side row. This is the end of the bottom portion of the sleeve.


Back
Knit the next row rather than purling it. At the end of the row, cast on an additional 10 stitches for a total of 90 sts.
This is the start of one of the side flaps.
Knit the next row and, at the end of the row, cast on an additional 10 stitches for a total of 100 stitches. This is the start of the other side flap.
Continue in Stockinette stitch until the vertical edge of the side pieces measures 13.5 in.(34.5 cm), end with a right side row.
On the next row, bind off the first 10 stitches, then knit to the end of the row rather than purling it -- 90 sts.
On the next row, bind off the first 10 stitches, then knit to the end of the row - 80 sts.
This is the end of the back portion of the sleeve.


Top
Work 12 rows in Stockinette stitch, end with a right side row.
Knit the next (wrong side) row rather than purling it..
This is the end of the top portion of the sleeve


Front Flap
Continue in Stockinette stitch for 6 in. (15 cm), end with a wrong side row.
Next row (knit row): K2tog, knit to last 2 sts; k2tog -- 78 stitches.
Next row (purl row): P2tog, purl to last 2 sts; p2tog -- 76 stitches
Next row (knit row): K2tog, knit to last 2 sts; k2tog -- 74 stitches.
Next row (purl row): P2tog, purl to last 2 sts; p2tog -- 72 stitches
Bind off, weave in ends.


Strap
With B, cast on 72 stitches.
Rows 1-12: Knit
Bind off, weave in ends.


Finishing
Seam front and back at sides, seaming lower edge of front to bound-off sts of back.


Felting
Felting is a process whereby the wool is deliberately handled so that it is matted into a fabric. Wool fibers have scales and are also crimped. When these fibers are wetted and softened and then rubbed together they grab each other and are permanently bound together. This happens when you put a wool item in a washer
and agitate it -- it comes out much smaller and also denser, because the fibers have bound together.
Finished item size depends on how much the piece is felted. Keep in mind that you can always felt more, but once felting is done, it is not reversible. Wash by machine on a hot wash/cold rinse cycle with detergent and several pieces of clothing to agitate. At the end of the wash cycle try the item to see how well it fits. If you
like it, stop! Place it flat to shape and let dry. If it is larger than you want, you can felt it additionally, if you dry by machine on a regular setting until almost dry. Remove from dryer and lie flat to shape. Steam if desired.
If the item is still too large, you can felt it additionally by washing again. Felting is often improved by adding about 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash water to increase the alkalinity.

Assembly
Sew one end of strap at top center of back. Sew the 2 rectangular rings, one above the other, at lower edge of front. Thread free end of strap over one ring and under the other to secure.

Carry Bag

An easy fast and fun bag to knit. Carry all your goodies in it!

One size
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 8” wide x 7½” high (Not including Twisted Cord)

MATERIALS
1 Hank each BERROCO WEEKEND (100 grs), #5943 Mariana Blue (A), #5941 Sea Glass (B) and #5948 Nectarine (C)
Straight knitting needles, size 11 (8.00 mm) OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE GAUGE

12 sts = 4”; 15 rows = 4” in St st with 1 strand each of A and B held together
TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE

BAG
With straight needles, using 1 strand each of A and B held together, cast on 25 sts. Knit 12 rows. Work even in St st for 12 rows, end with a purl row. Knit 24 rows. Work even in St st for 12 rows, end with a purl row.
Knit 12 rows. Bind off.

FINISHING
Fold bag in half widthwise along the center of the 24 knit rows in center. Sew the side seams together.
Twisted Cord: Cut five 210” long strands each of A, B and C (15 strands in all). Put all strands together, then fold in half. Tie the ends together in a knot. Slip the center of the strands over a hook and pull the strands tight. Slip a pencil through the knotted end and twist until the cord formed by the strands is so tight that you can’t twist any more and the cord starts to double back on itself. Put 2 finger in the center of the cord and carefully fold it in half towards the end on the hook. Let the 2 ends of the cord twist together. Remove from hook and knot both ends, leaving 3” free for the tassel at each end. Starting with one knot at the folded bottom edge of the bag, sew the cord to the side edge of bag up to the open top edge.

Repeat with the other end of the cord and the other side of bag. This leaves the center section of the cord free for a strap.

Felted Knit Ombre Bag

One can never have enough bags! This is a great everyday bag, or make it your favorite knitting bag!

SIZE: One Size
18 in. wide x 14 in. tall (46 x 35.5 cm), after felting and not including handles

MATERIALS
• 820-111 Lion Brand Lion Wool: Midnight Blue 4 Balls (A)
• 820-178 Lion Brand Lion Wool: Dark Teal 3 Balls (B)
• 820-123 Lion Brand Lion Wool: Sage 3 Balls (C)
• 820-132 Lion Brand Lion Wool: Lemongrass 2 Balls (D)
• Size 11 [8 mm] 29-inch [75 cm] Circular Needles
• Stitch Markers
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles
• Additional Materials
3 yds (2.75 m) grosgrain ribbon, 5/8 in. (1.5 cm) wide
Sewing needle and thread

GAUGE:
11 sts + 15 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in St st worked in the round (k every round) with 2 strands held together, before felting. BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the
pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

COLOR SEQUENCE
4 in. (10 cm) with 2 strands of A held together,
2 in. (5 cm) with 1 strand each of A and B held together,
4 in. (10 cm) with 2 strands of B held together,
2 in. (5 cm) with 1 strand each of B and C held together,
4 in. (10 cm) with 2 strands of C held together,
2 in. (5 cm) with 1 strand each of C and D held together,
4 in. (10 cm) with 2 strands of D held together.

Base
With 2 strands of A held together, cast on 16 sts.
Work back and forth on circular needle, as if working on straight needles, in Garter st (k every row) until piece measures 21 in. (53.5 cm). Do not bind off.

Body
K16, pick up and k58 sts evenly spaced along adjoining side of base, pick up and k16 sts evenly spaced along short edge of base, pick up and k58 sts evenly spaced along remaining long side of base - 148 sts.
Begin working in the round and following Color Sequence.
Next Rnd: K1, place first marker, k14, place 2nd marker, k60, place 3rd marker, k14, place 4th marker, k59, place 5th marker (beg of rnd marker).
Next 3 Rnds: Knit.
Next Rnd: Knit, increase 1 st before markers 1, 2, 3 and 4 -152 sts.
Continuing in Color Sequence, rep last 4 rnds 7 more times - 180 sts.
Leave beg of rnd marker, remove all other markers. Continue in Color Sequence on 180 sts until all 22 in. (59 cm) of sequence have been completed. Bind off.

HANDLES (make 2)
With 2 strands of A held together, cast on 135 sts.
Rows 1-4: Knit.
Bind off.

FINISHING
Sew first and last 1 in. (2.5 cm) of Handles to either side of Bag, along the last row of the B/C color section.
Weave in ends.

Felting
Wash by machine on a hot wash/cold rinse cycle with detergent and several pieces of clothing to agitate. To felt additionally, dry by machine on a regular setting until almost dry. Remove from dryer and pull into shape.
Flatten Bag, WS out, on a flat surface. Cut 8 lengths of ribbon each 3 1/2 in. (9 cm). Sew a ribbon length about 3 in. (7.5 cm) below top edge and centered on WS of front for drawstring loop. In same way, sew a
length centered on back of Bag. Sew 3 lengths at each side of Bag, with one length centered on fold at side and two more, spaced 3 1/2 in. (9 cm) away.
Weave remaining ribbon through ribbon loops on inside of Bag, adjust as desired and knot ends.

The Little Coco Bag

A felted tote with a tailored look from Diane Sutliff
Materials:
2 skeins Cascade 220 (or comparable yarn) in Main Color
1 skein Cascade 220 (or comparable yarn) in Contrasting Color
#13 24” circular needles
a box about 4” x 10” x 12” eight 1/4” (6mm) grommets or eyelets, with setter tool and hammer

Gauge:
Since this is a felted project, gauge is unimportant. The large needle size ensures your knitting will be very loose, essential for successful felting. The base and body of this felted bag are worked with two strands of yarn. If you prepare your yarn as a center-pull ball, you can knit from both the inside and outside of the ball to make a double strand.

The Base:
With the Contrasting Color yarn, cast on 30 stitches.
Row 1: *Knit 1, slip 1*, repeat between *s until 2 stitches remain, knit 2.
Row 2: With yarn in front, slip 1 (as if to purl), purl to end.
Row 3: With yarn in back, *slip 1 (as if to purl), knit 1*, repeat between *s to end.
Row 4: as row 2
Row 5: With yarn in back, slip 1, *slip 1, knit 1* repeat between *s until 3 stitches remain.
Slip 1, knit 2.
Row 6: as row 2
Row 7: as row 3
Row 8: as row 2
Repeat rows 5-8 five times for a total of 28 rows.
Row 29: With yarn in back, slip 1 (as if to purl), knit all.

Picking Up Stitches All Around the Base:
Because you have slipped the first stitch of each row, you now have neat and tidy stitches
along the edges of your work – perfect for picking up! You should be able to count 14 stitches
along each side of the base.
Pick up 14 stitches along the left side of the base. Pick up 30 stitches along the original caston
edge of the base. Pick up 14 stitches along the last side of the base. Place marker. You
should have a total of 88 stitches and be set to knit the body of the bag in the round.

The Piped Edge:
To give the base a nice, crisp edge and a little more strength, we will make a piped edge along
the base using the contrasting color yarn.
Continuing with the Contrasting Color, knit two rows in the round, ending at the marker.
Switch to the Main Color. *With the right needle, pick up the back of the stitch 3 rows below the first stitch on the left needle. (see photo) (This stitch will be from the “knit all” row before you began picking up stitches around the base of the bag.) Place this stitch on the left needle. Knit 2 together.*
Repeat between *s around the base of the bag until you reach the marker.

The Body:
Continuing with the Main Color, knit all rows until the height of the bag is about one-and-ahalf
times as long as the front of the base of the bag (the original 30 cast on stitches. You
should have very little yarn left. Stop at the marker, break off yarn.
The bag may seem too tall, but remember you lose about one-third of the height of the bag
and only one-fourth of the bag in width when you felt.

The I-Cord Cast Off:
With two strands of the Contrasting Color, cast three stitches on the left needle.
*Knit 2. Slip1 (as if to purl). Knit 1 (this will be a stitch from the body of the bag.) With the left needle, pass the slipped stitch over the last knit stitch. Slip the three Contrasting Color
stitches back onto the left needle.* Repeat between *s all around the top of the body of the bag
until all body stitches have been knitted. Cast off the three stitches, leaving a long tail. With the tail, weave the ends of the I-cord cast-off together as seamlessly as you can so there is not
lump when the felting is complete.

The I-Cord Strap:
With Contrasting Color and continuing to double-strand, cast on 2 stitches. *Knit 2. Slip these two stitches back onto the left needle.* Repeat between *s until your I-cord measures about 9
feet without stretching.

Felting:
Place your bag and the I-cord in a zippered pillowcase or in a regular pillowcase held closed with a snug rubber band. Set your top-loading washer on the smallest load size. Add just a
few tablespoons of laundry soap. Set the water temp to hot wash/cold rinse. Place the loaded pillowcase and one or two pairs of jeans in the washer. Do not use towels or other types of fabric, because they will release lint that will lock itself into your felt. Start the washer. You might want to check on the progress of your felting during the cycle while you become more familiar with the felting process. Fully felted fabric should no longer have visible stitches, and should not stretch much when pulled on the bias.
The cold water rinse gives an additional shock to the wool and helps the felting process along. With Cascade 220 yarns and the hottest water I could muster, the handbags in the photo took two complete cycles. Some felting guides recommend skipping the spin cycle, because it can create creases in your finished product. These creases can often be steamed out with an iron. If you opt not to use the spin cycle, squeeze the handbag in a thirsty towel to get out as much water as possible, so the bag will dry within your lifetime.

Blocking:
To give the Coco Bag its distinctive rectangle shape, you need a box that is just the right size: 10” x 4” x 12”. Amazon often ships in a perfect box, so save your packages! I was able to purchase shipping boxes at an office supply store that measured 10” x 4” x 6”, and stacked two high.
Cover the box(es) with a plastic grocery sack and stretch the damp, shriveled, felted bag over the box. Stretching is good! The snugger the fit, the crisper the shape of the final bag. (You
might even decide at this point to run the bag through an additional wash cycle.) Put the bag near a radiator or heat vent and let dry. This might take a few days, depending on how wet your bag is to start. Stretch out the damp I-cord, and hang it to dry. Really stretch it!

Finishing:
When the bag is perfectly dry, trim off any excess ends of yarn that have worked free. They will look like little rainbow dreadlocks. DO NOT CUT OFF THE TAILS OF YARN AT EITHER END OF YOUR I-CORD! Those ends will help you thread the I-cord through the eyelets.

Wristlet Art Bag

I made this cute little bag to throw my wallet, phone and lipstick in, great for little trips to the store or a night out with friends.

Materials:

2 spools Judi & Co. nylon "Groovy" (125 yards)

#6 knitting needles

F/5 Crochet hook

Stitch holder

Pattern Stitch:
Garter St+ Knit every row

Gauge:

4 sts= 1"

Size:

7 1/2" wide x 13" high

Front:

Cast on 31 sts loosely, begin at bottom and working toward handle.

Work in Garter St until piece measures 8".

Work across 15 sts. BO center stitch, place remaining 15 sts on holder.

Work 2 sides separtely

Continue working 1 side at a time for 4 1/2". BO loosely.

Attach yarn to center and work other side to match.

Work back the same as Front.

Finishing:

Place Front and Back together with wring sides together. With F hook, beginning at side (at BO ctr st row) begin to attach Front to Back with sc around sides, lower edge and up other side. Leave center to top side edges open. Attach top edges together. Slip one arm through opening to form one wrist handle. I attached a giant button.

In memory- Sherwin