Sparticle Bag

Sparticle

[Includes instructions for both cotton and felted versions and bonus pattern, Sparticus]

I have found the larger the bag I carry the more stuff I carry. I end up carrying a couple necessities for myself and a whole lot of stuff for the husband and child. Enough! The Sparticle Bag is big enough for keys, sunglasses, money and a bit more. First came the cotton version, I liked the relief the slip stitch creates across the fabric and vibrant colors. A perfect compliment for spring and summer.

The felted version I made out of a simple desire to felt something. As thedays started cooling off here I rotated the stash and found I had some feltable wool (very hard to find here in Italy) from a previous Elann order. On a hunch I knit up the second felted model with only slight modifications from the original pattern. Both have become fast favorites amongst my handbags (a girl can never have too many fab bags!).

Finally, there is Sparticus (for lack of a better name). A little something to make with those wooly leftovers. A small basket I found perfect for taming those unruly center pull balls, it would also knits up quick for those last minute gifts.

Finished Measurements:Cotton version: Width: 6in (15cm) Height: 6in (15cm) Gusset Depth: 1.5in (4cm). Felted version: Width: 7in (18cm) Height: 6.5in (16cm) Gusset Depth: 2in (5cm). Sparticus: Width: 4.5in (11cm) Height: 3in (8cm).

Materials: Cotton version: [MC] Grignasco Mexico [100% Mercerized Cotton] 93yards/85meters, 50g Color #003 - tan, 1 ball, [CC] Grignasco Mexico [100%Mercerized Cotton] 93yards/85meters 50g Color #023 - fuscia, 1 ball.

Felted version: [MC] Elann Peruvian Collection Highland Wool [100% Highland Wool] 109yards/100meters 50g Color #0211 Mocha Heather, 1 ball [CC1] Elann Peruvian Collection Highland Wool [100% Highland Wool] 109yards/100meters 50g Color #1700 Periwinkle, 1 ball [CC1] Elann Peruvian Collection Highland Wool [100% Highland Wool] 109yards/100meters 50g Color #1520 Precious Turquoise, 1 ball

Sparticus: [MC] Elann Peruvian Collection Highland Wool [100% Highland Wool] 109yards/100meters 50g Color #1520 Precious Turquoise, 37yards/34meters [CC] Elann Peruvian Collection Highland Wool [100% Highland Wool] 109yards/100meters 50g Color #1700 Periwinkle, 30yards/28meters

Cotton version set of 4 US9/5mm double pointed needles, Felted version set of 4 US11/8mm double pointed needles, Tapestry needle for weaving in ends. Fabric piece approx 8in x 18in (20cm x 45cm) for lining. Sewing needle and thread for sewing in lining. Cotton version (optional) beads or other embellishments for closure.

GAUGE: Cotton version: 23 stitches/24 rows = 4in/10cm in pattern;Felted version: pre-felting 4 sts. per inch (4 sts per 2.5cm); Sparticus: pre-felting 4 sts. per inch (4 sts per 2.5cm)