Inspiration

Among many things that I would love to change this new year is the use of eco-friendly products. That is why I designed this bag to carry my knick-knacks around. The bag is perfect for grocery shopping, open market shopping, beach-going, and can even be used as a purse

The idea of eco-friendly products became more evident to me in summer 2019 when I visited Kenya on a mission trip and see my family. It had been a while since I had been home. Before landing, the flight attendant announced that the use of plastic bags was prohibited and that if they found you using them, you will either be fined or prosecuted.

‍I was more impressed with how clean the streets and rivers were because of this change. Previously, you could not walk in the city or streets without seeing plastic bags everywhere, leading to blocked drainage systems, which resulted in stagnant water, the breeding place for mosquitoes, and hence, an increase in malaria cases.

‍After seeing what a difference small changes can make, I got energized. I want to make small changes in my life that can make a big difference in the world. Why not start with a bag. And this eco-friendly reusable bag is where I start.

I was even more energized when Fiona Field of Cosy Rosie uk said that she was doing a New Year Resolution Blog Hop for 2021. This has given me the opportunity to share my desire and my pattern with the world. So, as part of Fiona's New Year Resolutions Blog Hop 2021.

‍‍To make this bag, I used Lily Cream n' Sugar 100% Cotton yarn to make the bag. I used different colors in the same color scheme. The pattern is easy and quick to make, using only single crochet and double crochet stitches. The double stitches are crisscrossed adding texture and style to the bag. The strap is made of single stitches making it more firm and strong to carry the weight.

‍Materials

Lily Sugar ‘ N Cream 100% Cotton 190 yds (174 m)/4oz (113 g) worsted weight yarn -4

Color A- Marine Blue 175 yds (160 m)

Color B- Blueberry 80 yds (73 m)

Color C- Cornflower 80 yds (73 m)

Hook 4 mm (G)

Scissors

Skill Level

Intermediate

Gauge

15 sts x 10 rows (5 dc + 5 sc) = 4 in x 4 in (10 cm)

Finished Measurements

12 in x 14 in (Laying flat)

Abbreviations

Ch- chain

St(s)- stitch(es)

Sc- single crochet

Dc- double crochet

Bpdc- Back post double crochet

Sk- skip

Ccs- criss-cross stitch

Rep- repeat

Special Stitch

Crisscross stitch (ccs)- sk 1 sc, 1 dc in next sc, 1 dc in sc just skipped. This creates a crossed or twisted pair of dc sts.

Notes

- Ch 2 at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch
- Colors are changed every 2 rows while repeating rounds 9 and 10
  
  Pattern Instructions
  With Color A, Ch 29
  Round 1: sc 3 sts in 2nd st, sc in next 26 sts, sc 6 sts in last st, do not turn, sc in next 26 sts on the opposite side to last st, sc 3 sts in last st where you sc 3 sts the first 3 sts to make 6sts, join (64)
  Round 2: ch 2, 2 dc each in next 3 sts, dc each in next 26 sts, 2 dc each in next 6 sts, dc each in next 26 sts, 2 dc each in next 3 sts, join (76)
  Round 3: ch 2, (2 dc in next st, dc in next st) x 3, dc each in next 26 sts, (2dc in next st, dc in next st) x 6, dc each in next 26 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc each in next st 2 sts) x 3, join (88)
  Round 4: ch 2, (2 dc in next st, dc each in next 2 sts) x 3, dc each in next 26 sts, (2 dc, in next st, dc each in next 2 sts) x 6 sts, dc each in next 26 sts, (2 dc in next st, dc each in next 2 sts) x 3, join (100)