\~ Ice Pack Cozy \~
So. Once upon a time my mommy gave me like, 20 icepacks for my lunch bag. Being the thoughtful mommy she is, they were all individually wrapped in paper towels, so that the condensation from the ice packs didn't get on my lunch. Mommy knows that I do not purchase paper towels (or napkins, or aluminum foil, or coffee filters, or most disposable things being the slightly hippie chick that I am,) so Mommy goes to extra special lengths to sneak those items into my home whenever she can. Naturally, I needed a replacement for the paper towels as soon as possible 'cause she has a point about the condensation.) Here is my solution :). I don't recommend making 20. I recommend making two (one to be used and oneto be frozen) or oneto match each lunch bag you have. Seriously Mom, 2O? I mean, WTH? These fit a reusable ice pack that is $2.8\times1.3\times4.9$ inches.
Materials
· 1 skein worsted weight cotton yarn (much more absorbent than acrylic or wool.) ·A very tiny amount of thin ribbon (yarn will do, even a different one than you use!) or a button if you wish to substitute button closure with the eyelets. · Size 3 or 4 dpns (my gauge is 5 st per inch, a litle tight to prevent moisture sneaking through the tiny holes in knitting.) Can substitute circs if you know magic loop or knitting with two circs. · If using less than 5 dpns or circs, four stitch markers. On one dpn, co 7. K 2.25 inches Pick up15st on eachlong sideand7st ontheshort side,using onedpn persideifyou have5dpns, Or place marker between each side. K 1 row. K2tog, kto 1st st on next long row, k2tog and k to end. Work in ss for 3.5 inches K6, yo, k3tog (sl1, k2tog, psso if you prefer), yo, kto end. This is the front. K2 rows, finish at the short row before the front. K1,\*p2, k2\* (repeat until last st on the 2nd short row), k1, kto end. Repeat until length of front is 4.5 inches. Bind offirst three rows, kacross last row ( a long row, it makes the flap). You will now work flat and perform a couple of maneuvers to prevent gaping at the edges ofthe fold while maintaining aline that keeps the corner looking neat. Pick up two stitches on the beginning of the ribing and knit them. Turn. P2tog, p to end, pick up two stitches at the end and p them. Turn. K2tog, work flat in ss until the entire back measures almost 7 inches, your next row being a knit One. K2tog, K5, yo, k3tog, yo, kto last 2, k2tog. P2tog, p to last 2, p2tog. Bind off. Pull a length of ribbon through the eyelets, so a bow can be tied in the front. Slip in ice pack, close flap and string the ribbon through the eyelets on the flap, then tie in a nice pretty little bow (do a better job than I can.) I never really take my cozy off unless it gets dirty;I just put it in the freezer cozy and all Enjoy.
