JUMBOFELTEDTOTE
Size: Approx. 12" deep x 20" wide after felting
Materials:
=: Do not use white, off-white or superwash-treated wool as it will not fe 125 yds. each of 10 colors of bulky weight 100% wool or wool/mohair blend that felts easily (a double-strand of worsted weight 100% wool may be substituted) (Sample shown in Brown Sheep "Lamb's Pride Bulky" with double-strand of Plymouth Yarns "Outback Wool" used for multicolor rows) Size N/15 (10 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to achieve gauge Tapestry needle for weaving in ends Gauge: 8 dc = 4", 4 rows dc = 4" with size N/15 (10 mm) hook (before felting) Method: Bag is worked in rounds from bottom to top, working from both sides of starting chain to form seamless tube. Stitches/Terms: beginning (beg), chain (ch), decrease (dec), double crochet (dc), increase (inc), repeat (rep), single crochet (sc), slip stitch (sl st), stitch (st) Pattern notes: Work loosely to allow for maximum felting action. Tote Note: First 3 rounds are worked in same color. After that, colors change every round. Rnd 1: With first color, chain 49, sc in second ch from hook, sc in next 46 ch, 3 sc in last ch, working in free loops on opposite side of starting chain, sc in next 46 ch, 3 sc in last ch, join with sl st to beg sc (99 sc). Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in same st, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 45 sc, 2 sc in each of next 4 sc, sc in next 45 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sc, join with sl st (106 sc). Rnd 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in same st, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in next 45 sc, 2 sc in each of next 8 sc, sc in next 45 sc, 2 sc in each of next 4 sc, join with sl st (122 sc). Fasten off first color. Rnd 4: Attach new color in same place as joining, ch 3. Working in back loops only, dc in ea sc around, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3 and fasten off (122 dc). Rnd 5: Attach new color in same place as joining, ch 3. Working in both loops now and throughout remainder of tote, dc in ea dc around, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3 and fasten off (122 dc). Repeat Rnd 5 for 22 more rounds, changing colors every round. Last round: Attach same color used to begin bag, ch 3, dc in ea dc around, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Handles
Working with 4 strands of yarn in any color combination, attach yarn to 21st st from right side edge of tote, ch 75, attach to 41st st from right side edge of tote, fasten off and secure yarn tails. Repeat on other side of tote.
Finishing
Felting instructions: Set washing machine to low water level, hot water, heavy duty agitation and add a drop or two of mild liquid soap (such as Ivory Liquid). Place crocheted bag in washer along with old denim jeans to increase agitation. Let the machine agitate the bag for about 10 minutes, then check to see how bag is felting. Do NOT let the water drain out or go to rinse cycle, but continue to check every 5 minutes until bag has reached desired amount of felting. Keep resetting machine to agitation cycle if necessary. When bag is desired size, remove from washer and rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water in sink. Press between dry towels to remove as much water as possible, then lay flat on more dry towels and leave to dry completely.
