ARGYLISH: The Felted Bag
by Deborah Tomasello
Modeled by Solange LaBonne 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! Thank you to all who participated. We had so many lovely bags, with several different color combos and various sizes. Size: TBD by knitter: Cover Project measures 4"'x 10" x 11"' after felting Materials: 3 balls KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Coal (Must use wool that will felt well) 2 balls KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Red One 10.5 or 11 29" circular needle Stitch Marker and tapestry needle Gauge: Gauge is not important here. CO 45 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 25 sts down the short side, turn 90 degrees, pick up and knit 45 CO sts, turn 90 degrees and pick up and knit the 25 sts on the last short side. Place marker for round beginning here. 140 sts total. From this point on, you will be knitting with 2 colors, in the round, on 140 sts. Add second color and follow CHART A below, 10 repeats per round for 64 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 65:Keeping with the pattern on the chart-- K12, BO21, K49, BO21 K37. This will only work if you have 140 sts. Round 66: Still keeping true to the pattern--K12, CO21, K49, CO21, K37. K 8-10 more rounds of chart. BO loosely. Felt. Finishing: Tie and trim all yarn ends. Soak and block. CHART A
Shoulder 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.
CoeDeborah@ aol.com
