WHAT GOES AROUND BAG by Rebecca Dovi This felted bag is knit in one piece. You first knit the circle for the front, then do the side, then decrease to form the circle for the back. The strap is knitted, and can be attached directly to the body, or attached to two decorative bracelets. British-inspired model bag was knit and photographed by Christine Walker of elann.com. Bag also looks lovely knit in one solid color - the options are limited only by your imagination! Size: Approx. 12" in circumference before felting, and about 10" in circumference after felting. Materials: - 3 balls elann.com Peruvian Highland Wool in color(s) of your choice. - Five 5 mm (US 8) double pointed needles - 5 mm (US 8) circular needle - 8 stitch markers (Tip: it is easier to remember the beginning of each row if you have one stitch marker that is different from the rest.) - Size H crochet hook - Tapestry needle - 3 Buttons Optional Materials: 2 rings or bracelets to connect straps to bag (any bracelet will do, as long as it is sturdy) I yard cotton fabric to line the purse Needle and thread Front: Cast on 8 stitches on one DPN. Knit one row. Distribute the stitches evenly over 4 DPN's. Being careful not to twist the stitches, join the yam and knit one row. Place marker to mark beginning of the row. Row 2: K I M I for entire row. Row 3: Knit row. Row 4: K1 PM KI MI KI PM KI MI repeat across each needle Row 5: Knit row Row 6: Knit row. After each marker, KI MI. Row 7: Knit row Repeat rows 6 and 7. Switch to the circular needles as necessary. Continue until you have 19 stitches between the markers. Sides: (Note: leave the stitch markers in place as you work the sides. This will make it easier when you work the back of the bag.) Purl row Knit 2 rows Cast off 38 stitches, removing the stitch markers for this section as you go. This creates the opening for the bag. Knit back and forth in stockinet stitch for 3 inches. End on a Knit row. At the end of this row PM (this marker marks the beginning of the row), cast on 19, PM cast on 19 more and PM. Being careful not to twist the cast on stitches start knitting across the rest of the row, reforming the full circle. Purl row. Back: Row 1: Knit row. Row 2: Knit. After each marker, K2tog. Repeat these two rows. Change to the DPN's as the center closes. Continue until there are only 2 stitches on each DPN. Cut a long tail, and using a tapestry needle, thread through these eight stitches twice and pull tight. Weave in the ends. Along the opening for the purse attach the yam and work two rows in single crochet to stabilize the opening. OR you can pick up the stitches along the opening and work several rows in garter stitch. Strap: Cast on 9 stitches. Row 1: KI PI Across, ending on knit stitch Row 2: Slip stitch KI P I across until last stitch. Slip the last stitch. Repeat these two rows until the strap measures 26 inches. Bind off. Using the tapestry needle, wrap the end of the strap around the bracelet and sew into place. Repeat with the other bracelet. Using the tapestry needle attach one of the bracelets along the side of the purse opening. Sew it firmly into place along the length of the side. Repeat on the other side with the second bracelet. Felting: (Thank you to Scullyknits for instructions) Pictured above, is the bag before felting - approx. 12" in circumference. Pictured below, is the bag after felting – approx. 10" in circumference. To felt bag, place in washing machine using warm water and a low water level, a little soap, and a couple pairs of jeans. Watch process carefully. Average felting time is about 10 minutes, but will vary according to colors used. Rinse by hand in cold water. Roll in towels to remove excess water. Block to shape. Allow to dry. Optional Lining: Lay the purse on top of the fabric and cut out two circles about 1/4 inch wider than the purse. Cut one long strip of fabric 3 1/2 inches wide and long enough to fit around 3/4 of the outside of the purse. With right sides together, sew this strip to one of the sides using 1 1/4 inch seam allowance. Leave enough room open for the mouth of the purse. Repeat with the other fabric circle. Put the fabric lining inside the knit purse, matching up the openings. Turn the raw edges of the fabric under about a 1/4 inch and hand stitch into place. Finishing: Attach the three buttons on one side of the purse opening. Directly across from each button attach the yam using the crochet hook. Work 3 single crochet along the edge, turn. Do three chain stitches then a single crochet in the last crochet stitch from the row of single crochet. This forms the loop for the button. Repeat for each button. Work in all loose ends. Abbreviations: M 1: Kinc reach down into the loop two rows below and K into stitch PM: Place Marker DPN(s): Double Pointed Needle(s) Please note this pattern is copyrighted material and the entire contents of this pattern are copyrighted as a collective work under the copyright laws of Canada and the United States. You may print a copy of this pattern for your own personal use and enjoyment, but editing, publishing, transmitting, e-mailing, posting it to a list service or database, or otherwise commercially exploiting this pattern is strictly forbidden. Copyright elann.com inc.