75%. The percentage of electricity reduced by switching to compact fluorescent bulbs. What should be done when they burn out? Do NOT throw them in the trash ... more
For a select group of our population, the long shadows cast by the late summer sun trigger an ancient culinary biological clock within, sending canning and baking adrenaline rushing through their veins.Just as strong as the pull to breed, the allure of delicious fresh fruit— plucked straight from the source or selected from their favorite farmer’s market— drives these foodies to collect, plot and create mouth-watering concoctions in a primal, yet loving, way.I know this intimately, not because I possess the culinary bio-clock, but because I’m the recipient of many delectable treats created by the skillful hands of my dear friend, Dawn.It was her passionate drive to transform succulent nature into oh-so-tasty nurture that inspired the design for my favorite re-usable grocery satchel: The Market At Dawn Bag.
I let the powerful culinary instinct that resides within my talented friend be the inspiration for my design and created the pattern organically, letting the needles guide me through the process.Discarding the patterns that rest quietly in my knitting library, I instead picked up my needles and began working the stitches.Simple to weave yet beautiful in its complex pattern, the time-tested, grandmother-approved lace design that resulted provides the perfect shape and elasticity to hold a variety of fruits gathered during a peaceful day at the market.
Just as bakers seek out the very best ingredients, I went straight to Gossamer, my favorite fiber arts store in Portland.The knowledgeable and charming owner, Rose, led me right to the Peaches and Crème skeins and explained that these 100% natural cotton yarns were spun and dyed in one of the oldest fiber mills in the United States.With yarn so soft, beautiful and expansive in hue, it was easy for me to select a color combination that was as unique as Dawn’s scrumptious peach jam.
As you work the pattern to this beautiful bag, I encourage you to make it your own by altering it as you work.Stray from the instructions and use larger or smaller needles.Continue the pattern of the body until the length feels right to you.Just as a gifted chef’s instincts lead to mouthwatering treats, let your own creative instincts kick in and guide you through this meditative process.Savor the work as you would a good meal and when you are done, use this special satchel to hold the ingredients that will nourish you for a lifetime.
BY: Gina Reed-Rivera is a freelance writer and graphic designer in Portland, Oregon.She can be reached at [email protected].
ssk = slip, slip, knit these two stitches together
bo = bind off
Instructions
Body
This is a simple lace pattern that is suitable for a beginner/intermediate knitter.Don’t be intimidated by the stitches- once you get going, the pattern is very easy to work.
Using size 9 knitting needles, CO 43 stitches (if altering the width, make sure to cast on an odd number of stitches)
Row 1:p
Row 2:k1, *yo, k2tog, repeat from * to end of row
Row 3:p
Row 4:*ssk, yo, repeat from * to last stitch, k1
Repeat until body is approximately 24” in length
Handles
Create 2 basic I-Cords.The “I” stands for “idiot” or “idiot’s delight” because the pattern is extremely simple to follow.
Using size 7 double pointed needles, CO 3 stitches
Row 1:*k across, slide the stitches to the other end of the needle without turning
Row 2:pull the yarn across the back of the needle and repeat from *
Continue on until each cord is approximately 40” in length
Sew the ends together to create a circle using your embroidery needle
Finishing
Using the mattress stitch, attach the handles to the top and bottom of the body
Fold body in half and stitch up sides using the mattress