The City Bag

It appears that I have problems following a pattern. Let's be optimistic and say that it's the designer within me. I started off with this Moda Dea pattern. But instead of the listed yarn, I wanted to use Patons SWS. Then looking at the pattern I didn't want to sew and fold in the corners, so I knit a bottom to the bag. And after 3" or so I realized that this wouldn't be big enough at 90 stitches like the pattern called for, so I frogged and added stitches. I don't know if I could say that this even bears resemblance to the start point.

With US 11 24" circ. CO 78. Join Round. Knit 1 round, Purl 1 round.

Round 3: *Increase in next 3 stitches by knitting in front and back, K 36, Repeat from * ...84 stitches.

Round 4: Knit one round.

Round 5: Increase Round: *(K1, Knit Front & Back) 3 times, K 36, Repeat from * ...90 stitches.

Round 6: Purl

Round 7: Increase Round: *(K2, KFB) 3 times, K 36, Repeat from * ...96 stitches.

Round 8: Knit

Round 9: Increase Round: *(K1, KFB) 6 times, K 36, Repeat from * ...108 stitches.

Round 10: Purl

Knit for 18". For me, that was 72 rows.

Switch to US 10 24" circ. and knit in garter stitch for 6 rounds (when knitting in the round, that's knit one row, purl one row). Bind off Purlwise. This is what I took from the original pattern. I really love the way the smaller needle tightens up the top of the bag without decreases. I LOVE the Purlwise BO.

I wanted a firmer handle, so the 4 stitch I-cord is knit with a double strand of the SWS. Knit 2 handles, 34" each. I wove the handles into the bag and knotted the ends. Here's a look of the felted bag stretched onto a box of glad trash bags.

I love the concentric pattern on the bottom.


And the finished bag...

I called this "The City Bag" because it reminds me of a paper shopping bag with longer handles. I love using Brighton bags to carry my knitting in because the handles are longer. And anyone who lives in Northern California knows that San Francisco is "THE CITY"! This bag arrived at it's new home yesterday. I know Allison is enjoying it. =0)

***ETA :: Mary, I never could figure out how to put the tabs on for the scarf/belt option. I finally gave up.