Wine Bottle Gift Bag v1.0

Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn- roughly 50 grams
Needles: Size US 8 or size needed to reach gauge (DPN's to start, switching to straights for the neck)
Gauge: 18sts x 24 r = 4"x4"

CO 6 stitches and join the round.

Base:
Knit 1 round.
*K1, YO, K1* repeat to end - 9 sts.
Knit 1 round.
*K1, KFB, K1* repeat to end - 12 sts.
Knit 1 round.
*K1, KFB, KFB, K1* repeat to end - 18 sts.
*KFB, K4, KFB* repeat to end - 24 sts.
*K2, KFB, KFB, KFB, KFB, K2* repeat to end - 36 sts.
*KFB, K10, KFB* repeat to end - 42 sts.
Knit 2 rounds.

Bottle:
row 1: k1,p1,*k5,p1; repeat to last 4 stitches; k4
row 2: *k1,p1,k1,yo,sl1,k2tog,psso,yo; repeat to end
row 3&4: repeat row 1

Basically, you have a k1,p1,k1 rib then the lace pattern on row two, all other rows are k1,p1,k1 rib then k3. The rib should be unbroken to the top of the bag.

When you reach the desired length to hit the neck of the bottle (usually about 8 inches) you switch to the neck instructions bellow. It is suggested to put in a lifeline or waste yarn and slip the project onto your intended bottle to check it. I tend to knit to gauge and the yarn I was using has 24 rows to 4 inches, or 6 rows to the inch. I placed my opening at 8 inches, which means I did about 48 rows before testing the fit and it was near perfect.

Here is a rough chart of the above pattern:



^ =Knit
- =Purl
o =Yarn Over
3 =Sl1,k2tog,psso

Neck:  (This part is knit flat)
--You have an option here, if you can backwards knit, I suggest you do, if not you will turn your work and purl the knit stitches as per usual.

k2tog, k1 to last two stitches, k2tog

Four rows of this should be fine.
Check to make sure you have an even number of stitches.


RS row 1: *yo,k2tog; repeat to end. (this is the row the ribbon will go through)
WS row 2: p round (if knitting backwards, k round)
RS row 3: *k2, m1; *repeat to end
WS row 4: *P2, m1; *repeat to end (if knitting backwards, *k2, m1; *repeat to end)

Repeat rows 3 and 4 five times or until you think your ruffles are big enough.

Bind off a bit tight to encourage the ruffling.
Put a plastic bag over your bottle, wash or dampen the finished project, and place knitted bag over bottle in a secure and breezy area to set. When it is dry, work your ribbon into the yarn over holes, pull tight and tie a bow in the front of the bottle.

Quick note

I have started asking for test knitters in Ravelry for my Wine Bottle gift bag. As soon as I get some responses I will be posting the pattern here. :-)

Thank you and we now return you to your regularly scheduled web surfing.

My how busy I have been

I just got back from Yarn for Breakfast, a local knitting Meetup. This particular event usually is held in Portsmouth, but due to an Arts Festival, it was moved to my neighborhood. Go me! '-)
We chatted and knitted from 9 am until around noon when people started packing up and wandering off.

In the past 24 hours I have completed three projects.

Last night I cast off on a personal designed Wine Bottle Gift Bag. I will finish drawing up the pattern and will be posting it for free here.

This morning I finished the first panel of my easy lace curtains, which is based on the the Jan's Sensational Scarf pattern in the book One Skein Wonders, by Judith Durant. When I actually finish the whole thing and get the pieces blocked and sewn together I will do a write up on it.

I also finished a kids shawl for a friends little girl this morning. I want to add little bows as a finishing touch, but I have to find the things first. A full write up and pics will be upcoming.

So, three projects completed in a very short time. And all in time for Mother's Day.
Mad skillz are here! '-)

Currently my needles are empty.
In an hour or so that will change as I have a friend coming over to take me yarn shopping. She wants to pick up yarn for me to knit her a stuffed nautilus.