Pattern: Ozark Pumpkin Bag

Description: This fun felted bag is shaped like a giant pumpkin and is wonderful as a project bag or even a whimsical diaper bag for the young mother. it is a fun knit and felts easily. It can be embellished in many different ways including the way this version is done with a piece of Ozark Mane, feathers and Raku button.
Abbreviations: CO=cast on; BO=bind off; sts=stitches; k=knit; p=purl; kfb=knit if front and back; PM=place marker; SM=slip marker; k2tog=knit 2 together; ssk= slip, slip, knit); M=make knit stitch
Gauge: 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 sts approximately per inch using size US 13 32 inch circular needles.

MATERIALS:

7 Skeins of Reynolds Original Lopi, 100% Icelandic Wool, 100g=approx. 110 yds.

1 Pair US Size 13-3 inch circular needles

1 US Size J crochet hook

1 Ozark Mane

Feathers

Raku button

Tapestry needle

6 Stitch markers (one of a different color for beginning of row.)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Using Us Size 13 circular knitting needles and single strand of Lopi yarn, CO 26 sts.

(WS) Row 1: K13 sts, PM, k13 sts. Note: bottom of bag will be done in garter stitch.

(RS) Row 2: Kfb, knit until one st remains, kfb.

Row 3: Knit.

Rows 4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18: Kfb, knit to last st, kfb.

Rows 5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19: knit. Note: You should have 43 sts on needles when row 19 is complete.

Row 20: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk.

Row 21: Knit.

Rows 22,24,26,28,30,32,34,36: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk.

Rows 23,25,27,29,31,33,35,37: Knit. Note: At this point, you should have 26 sts on needles.

Row 38: Pick up and k17 PM; pick up and k17 sts, PM; pick up and k26 sts, PM; pick up and k17 sts, PM; pick up and k17 sts, PM; pick up and knit 26 sts, PM (different color as this is beginning of row marker.

Rows 39-41: Knit.

Row 42: *K1, M1, repeat from * to end of row. (258 sts)

Row 43: Knit.

Row 44: *K5, M1, repeat from * to end of row. (303 sts)

Row 45: Knit.

R0w 46: *K10, M1, repeat from * to end of row. (326 sts)

Rows 47-56: Knit.

Row 57: *K5, k2tog, repeat from * to end of row.

Rows 58-62: Knit.

Row 63: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of row. (166 sts)

Rows 64-68: Knit. Note: At this point, if you require more decreases, do so randomly, resulting in a total of 102 sts on your needles at end of row.

For next six rows, alternate one row of knit and one row of purl.

Flap: Row 1: K66 sts; BO 36 sts loosely.

Row 2: Purl.

Row 3: K2tog, knit to last two sts, ssk.

Row 4. Purl.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 alternately until flap measures about 7 or 8 inches depending on your preference. BO loosely, cut yarn and fasten off, burying ends.

Straps: CO 9 sts and knit I-cord in usual fashion measuring about 36 inches long. Make three of these I-cords. When complete, braid together loosely and sew together at the ends. Set Aside.

Next, using the US size J crochet hook, attach yarn at side of bag where flap and forward part of bag come together, chain 10 and attach creating a loop. Repeat on the other side. Now, using tapestry needle, place I-cord braid through the loop and sew in place. Repeat on other side.

Felting (Fulling): At this point, wet bag thoroughly and squirt a bit of soap on the bag, placing into a lingerie bag and then put into the washer set on lowest setting ad warmest water. Allow to agitate, checking frequently and make sure not to allow to go through all the cycles. When felting process looks the way you like, remove, rinse thoroughly and squeeze excess water from bag with towels (do not wring) and then fill with towels to hold shape and allow to dry.

FINISHING: The flap can now be embellished using Ozark Mane or Ozark Handspun yarns and feathers to create a dramatic effect. Flap embellishment suggestions include needlefelting handspun yarns, buttons and whatever strikes your imagination.

designed by Janice Rosema for Ozark Handspun December 2007

Printing Instructions: To print this pattern, click Ozark Great Pumpkin Bag.pdf.