Lizard Ridge Knitting Tote

My first pattern on Ravelry, I'm so excited.  It's my ten year knitting anniversary this year, so it's about time.  I've been a fan of the original Lizard Ridge pattern by Laura Aylor for a long time but I doubt I'll ever be able to afford all the yarn involved.  This was my practical compromise, an homage to the original.  And I have to say, being a girl *and* a knitter, can I ever have too many knitting totes?  Never!  That would be like trying to limit my WIPs!  Oh wait.. that might have been on my list of this year's new year's resolutions...

Lizard Ridge Knitting Tote

Love Laura Aylor’s famous afghan?  Don’t have the patience or the funds to make one of your own?  Get your Lizard Ridge fix here and create a practical work of art at the same time.  Suitable for toting around anything, this bag is designed to show off your knitting, so why not use it to carry your latest WIP?  Just be prepared for the admirers this tote is sure to attract.

SIZE:

 12” wide x 10” high, 5” depth of side

 17” top to bottom with handles

MATERIALS:

 [MC] 2 skeins Knit One Crochet Too Paintbox in colorway #05 Blue Spruce

 [CC] 1 skein Knit One Crochet Too Paintbox in colorway #20 Alpine Meadow

            (100% wool; 100yds/92m per 50g)

 [CC2] 1 skein Patons Kroy Socks FX in colorway #1003 Clover Colors

            (75% wool, 25% nylon; 166yds/152m per 50g/1.75 ounces)

 4.00mm (US 6) knitting needles

 2.75mm (US C) crochet hook

 1 pair purse handles, backless D shape, bamboo

 ¾ yard 54” wide denim, 12oz weight, for lining

 Tapestry needle

GAUGE:

 18sts/28 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch

 Gauge approximate; steam block to desired dimensions

DIRECTIONS:

** Make sure you read through the original Lizard Ridge pattern instructions before beginning; pay particular attention to the wrap and turn directions and using both ends of the yarn skein when directed to “switch yarn”. **

Back Panel:

 Using CC, CO 57 sts.

 Following Lizard Ridge, version 1, instructions:

 *Work Rows 1-6 of Short Row Pattern.  Switch yarns.

   Work Rows 7-12 of Short Row Pattern.  Switch yarns. *

 Repeat from * to * 3 times more.  Switch yarns at end of last repeat.

 Work Rows 1-6 of Short Row Pattern once more.  Do not switch yarn at end of last row.  Knit 1 row and bind off on the Purl side.

Front Panel: (includes tote bottom flap)

 Using MC, CO 57 sts.

 Following Lizard Ridge, version 1, instructions:

 *Work Rows 1-6 of Short Row Pattern.  Switch yarns.

   Work Rows 7-12 of Short Row Pattern.  Switch yarns. *

 Repeat from * to * 5 times more.  Switch yarns at end of last repeat.

Work Rows 1-6 of Short Row Pattern once more.  Do not switch yarn at end of last row.  Knit 1 row and bind off on the Purl side.

Side Panels: (make 2: use MC for one, CC for the other)

 CO 29 sts.

 Following Lizard Ridge, version 1, instructions:

 *Work Rows 1-6 of Short Row Pattern.  Switch yarns.

   Work Rows 7-12 of Short Row Pattern.  Switch yarns. *

 Repeat from * to * 3 times more.  Switch yarns at end of last repeat.

 Work Rows 1-6 of Short Row Pattern once more.  Do not switch yarn at end of last row.  Knit 1 row and bind off on the Purl side.

Weave in all yarn ends.

ASSEMBLY:

Steam block all panels to finished dimensions.  Yarn may felt a little during this process: that’s ok.  I steam ironed my pieces into shape without any ill effects.

With right sides together, attach side panels to front panels using your preferred  method of construction (I pinned my pieces, then crocheted a seam through both layers).  Then attach back panel to front and sides.  Paintbox yarn is fairly flimsy strength wise, so you may want to use your CC2 yarn for seaming. 

  Edging:

   Turn purse right side out.  With right side facing you, use Sl St to attach

   CC2 all around the top edge.

   Round 1: work single crochet around top edge, sl st in 1^st sc to join end of round

   Round 2: *skip 2 sc, 6 dc in next sc, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc*, repeat from * to * til end.  Sl st in sl st at beginning of row.  Break yarn, draw thru last sts, pull tight.

  Handles:

   Using CC2, CO 12sts (or amount required to cover the circumference of your handles).  Work in stockinette until your rectangle is long enough to cover the full length of your handles.  BO.   

Wrap rectangle around circumference of your handles and use CC2 to whipstitch closed (will be invisible). 

Optional: add crochet trim at bottom to cover handle hardware using edging pattern as guide.

FINISHING:

 Measure, cut, and sew lining to match purse dimensions, plus ½ “ to ¾ “ overlap seam allowance at top edge.  With wrong sides together, drop lining inside purse, making sure to line up seams.  Pin lining to inside of bag at top edge of knitted panel (below crocheted trim), tucking seam allowance in as you go.  

    --Hint: I used a rolled up phone directory to add weight inside; it helped the bottom of my lining to line up correctly with the bottom of my purse and made pining the top edge in a straight line a lot easier.

 Cut denim tabs to match handle hardware dimensions.  Measure carefully (!)  Pin between purse and lining.  Hand sew tabs and top edge of lining to purse.

PDF pattern direct link