CACTUS BAG
You’ll look sharp with this on your arm. Design by Creative World of Crafts
YOU WILL NEED
■ Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
(100% cotton, 70.9g/109m)
5 balls of Yarn A Soft Ecru (01004) 1 ball of each:
Yarn B Hot Green (01712)
Yarn C Teal (01133)
Yarn D Seabreeze (01201)
Yarn E Tangerine (01699)
Yarn F Rose Pink (00046)
Yarn G Tea Rose (00042)
■ A 5mm (US H/8) hook
■ Small pompom maker
■ Pins
■ Stitch markers
■ Darning needle
For yarn stockists contact Readicut 01162 713759 www.readicut.co.uk TENSION
13 sts and 14 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over double crochet using a 5mm hook, or size needed to obtain correct tension
MEASUREMENTS
Bag measures approx 38x38cm (15x15in) excluding Handles and fringe
ABBREVIATIONS
For a full list, see page 86
This bag gives you all the fun and style of cacti without the ouch factor. A great item for summer, create that desert vista vibe whenever you carry it.
PATTERN NOTES
Bag is made up of a Main Body and Handles. Pattern is worked in rows throughout.
For the colourwork section you will need to refer to the Cactus Chart (see Chart Notes). Wind off small individual balls of each colour before you begin. Change colour on the final yrh before colour change is indicated, drop previous colour ready to pick up again on the next row.
Embellishments are added to the cactus design before joining the Handles and seaming the Bag.
CHART NOTES
There is a Cactus Chart below, which you will need to refer to for the Colourwork section of the Body of the Bag. Each small square represents 1dc. Read all RS rows from right to left and WS rows from left to right. The first few rows of this Chart have been written out to guide you.
There is an Embroidery Diagram on page 65, which you will need to refer to when working the Embellishment section of the pattern. Each line shows where you should be working your chain stitch, and where you should join your pompoms.
When making up the Bag refer to the Assembly Diagram on page 65.
CACTUS BAG
BODY
Using Yarn A, ch50.
Row 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn. [49 sts]
Row 2 (WS) Ch1 (does not count as a stitch throughout), dc in each st across, turn. Rep Row 2 until piece measures 38cm, ending on a WS row.
Next row (RS) Ch1, dc in bl of each st across, turn.
Rep Row 2 until piece measures 42cm, ending on a WS row.
Do not fasten off.
COLOURWORK
Refer to the Chart on page 64 for all colour changes.
Continue with Yarn A.
Row 1 (RS) Ch1, dc in first 6 sts, change to Yarn B, dc in next 7 sts, change to Yarn A, dc in next 4 sts, change to Yarn C, dc in next 6 sts, change to Yarn A, dc in next 11 sts, change to Yarn D, dc in next 4 sts, change to Yarn A, dc in final 11 sts, turn.
Row 2 (WS) Ch1, dc in first 10 sts, change to Yarn D, dc in next 6 sts, change to Yarn A, dc in next 9 sts, change to Yarn C, dc in next 8 sts, change to Yarn A, dc in next 2 sts, change to Yarn B, dc in next 9 sts, change to Yarn A, dc in final 5 sts, turn.
Rows 3-40 Continue in pattern, using Chart for all colour changes.
Fasten off all colours except Yarn A.
Row 41 Ch1, dc in each st to end, turn.
Rep Row 41 until Main Body measures 76cm, ending on a WS row.
Fasten off.
EMBELLISHMENT
Refer to the Embroidery Diagram below and the Chain Stitch Embroidery Diagram when working the embellishments.
Using yarns shown, sew a chain stitch as depicted on the Chain Stitch Embroidery Diagram.
Make 2 pompoms using Yarn E and 1 pompom each using Yarns F and G. Sew to the Body as shown on the Embroidery Diagram.
HANDLES MAKE 2
Using Yarn A, ch170.
Row 1 (RS) Dc in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn. [169 sts]
Row 2 (WS) Ch1 (does not count as a stitch throughout), dc in each st across, turn. Rep Row 2 until piece measures 5cm wide. Fasten off band weave in ends.
TO MAKE UP
Using the Assembly Diagram, sew the Handles to the WS of the Body.
Fold Body along the fold line (row worked in bls only), and, with WS facing out, sew the side seams closed.
Turn so RS are facing out and cut a 15cm long strand of Yarns D, E, F and G. Hold four strands together and fold in half, insert hook through an unused loop from fold line of Bag, place folded ends on hook and pull through st, thread tails through the folded end and pull tight to secure.
Repeat across the fold line of the Bag. Weave in all remaining ends.