Alusita
by Deborah Tomasello
Test Knit and cover photo by Fran (Maybaby24 on Ravelry) We decided to try something new in my ColorworksByDebi Ravelry group to kick off our 2014 KALS. So, using my Argylish stranded chart, we knitted bags and felted them. What fun! Then many wanted to see some of my other designs made into felted bags. Susan asked for my Musica hat pattern, so I designed this bag based on that pattern. And Fran jumped at the chance to knit it. Thank you, Fran! Size: TBD by knitter: Cover Project measures 4"'x 13" x 12" after felting Materials: 5 balls KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Coal (Must use wool that will felt well) 3 balls KnitPicks Wool of the Andes White or Cream One 10.5 or 11 29" circular needle Stitch Marker and tapestry needle Gauge: Gauge is not important here. Instructions: CO 52 sts, using darker color worsted yarn DOUBLED. Work back and forth in garter st 25 rows. This will be the bottom of the bag. Now, with one strand only on the next round, rather than turn to knit back, continue around, picking up and knitting 32 sts down the short side, turn 90 degrees, pick up and knit 52 CO sts, turn 90 degrees and pick up and knit the 32 sts on the last short side. Place marker for round beginning here. 168 sts total. From this point on, you will be knitting with 2 colors ONE STRAND EACH, in the round, on 168 sts. When needed, add second color and follow CHART below, 6 repeats per round for 61 rounds (apprx. 15" tall). Be sure to float every stitch...you want a nice, tight-looking backside with no long floats..not even 2 sts. See my easy technique for frequent floats here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYxX7MrpJ-Q For handles: Round 61:Using Coal-- K19, BO21, K63, BO21 K44. This will only work if you have 168 sts. Round 66: --K19, CO21, K63, CO21, K44. K 8-10 more rounds with Coal. BO loosely. Finishing: Tie and trim all yarn ends. Felt. der strap option courtesy of Thiagram on Ravelry (Thank you, Cynthia! Using a single strand of yarn cast on 90 stitches. Using a double strand of yarn K 4 rows K5, BO4, K72, BO4, K5 (Measure button to stitches and cast off accordingly. Or, button can be sewn on without button hole if desired.) K5, CO4, K72, CO4, K5 K4 rows BO with a single yarn and a larger needle to ensure a loose bind off.
