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The Story:
I had been thinking about knitting a lunch bag for some time and a ‘green’ web letter offered the opportunity to design one. I based the shape on a paper lunch bag, all straight lines with creases in the middle of the sides to help it fold in. I added stability to the bag by using a slip stitch pattern on the bottom and by knitting all the pieces separately and sewing them together. For a bit of whimsy, I used an allover cable pattern paired with some contrasting French knots and added an I-cord closure/handle tied into a bow.
When we were talking about this web letter, Kristen TenDyke came up with the idea of a natural air freshener, something to replace those scented tree-shaped car fresheners. Hence the leaf-shaped sachet. It’s pretty enough to go in a drawer, closet, or over a doorknob, as well as in a car. Fill it with the scented dried herbs, flowers, etc., of your choice.
While it would be nice to bring home all our groceries in hand-knitted or crocheted bags, sometimes we end up leaving the store with a plastic bag in our hands. Rather than throw away the plastic bag, why not store it in a knitted one for another use.
To be honest, I wasn't thrilled to tackle this design at first, but as time went on I realized that beauty can be expressed through any project, even if at first it may not seem obvious. I think the Feather and Fan pattern used in this design really gives it something special. Plus, the holes can be used as vents to air out any rained-on bags that may have been stuffed inside.
Because this project got me thinking "green" I've knitted up another little project and posted about it on my blog. Take a look.
The Yarn:
Sundance — 50% cotton, 50% microfiber
Sundance is a 50/50 blend of cotton and microfiber. Cotton is a natural fiber that feels smooth and comfortable against the skin and breathes well. However, a 100% cotton yarn in a worsted or bulky weight can be heavy when knitted up and has a tendency to stretch. Adding microfiber to a cotton yarn eliminates weight and helps garments to keep their shape. Projects knitted in Sundance are also machine washable, although they should be laid flat to dry. The added microfiber will help them to dry faster than those knit in a 100% cotton yarn.
The Stitches:
We used I cord in our Lunch Sack and Bag Bag. I-Cords are pretty simple to knit and can be a great design element for all sorts of different types of projects.
Learn how to make an I-Cord.
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