Vivian Hoxbro's Kalahari Tote holds market shopping, books, knitting, and more. Knitted in the round with mitered squares, the felted Shetland-style wool is strong enough to carry the heaviest loads.
Finished Size: About 35 1⁄4" circumference and 20" high, before felting; about 28 1⁄4" circumference and 16" high, after felting.
Yarn: Harrisville Designs New England Knitters Shetland (100% wool; 197 yd [180 m]/50 g): #50 black, #40 topaz, and #39 russet, 1 skein each; #65 poppy, #22 plum, #66 melon, #80 foliage, and #81 mustard, about 1⁄2 skein each.
Yarn Weight: #4 - Medium
Needles: Size 5 (3.75 mm): short straight needles or 2 double-pointed needles (dpn), and 24" circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions: Marker (m); stitch holders or coil-less safety pins; tapestry needle; 1⁄2 yd fabric for lining; 80" of black, plaited, 1 cm round leather cord for handles; four 2" squares of strong fabric; sewing machine; sewing needle and matching thread.
Gauge: Each square measures 3 1⁄8" × 3 1⁄8" before felting and 2 1⁄2" × 2 1⁄2" after felting.
Originally Published: Interweave Knits Summer 2009