First one finished

After a rocky start and much swearing, I'm pleased I persevered with this project and finished it. My first tote is now complete and was passed a test run to the shops this morning. I've learnt new techniques with this project, I-cord and Kitchener stitch. The latter I need to practice on.

I'm now on my second tote. Having learnt from the first, I'm using a different yarn this time, Rowan Cotton Denim. I've also added four rows of garter stitch at the beginning (and will repeat at the end) and two garter stitches at the beginning and end of each row. I'm hoping both this modifications will make the next bag a little less wonky. I'll also make the handles shorter.

This could become habit forming. . .

I'm done!

Knit with Lily Cotton Sugar 'n Cream, in the round with decreases at the bottom to avoid sewing any seams (such a wuss I am) and short handles. Can't wait to try it out at the farmers' market!

Moving right along...

... finally. It took three tries, but I think I've finally got it! I'm knitting this in the round with Lily's Sugar 'n Cream cotton. Fun, fun, fun!!

If at first you don't succeed. . .

After ripping out and casting on over six times I was ready to admit defeat on this one. However, this afternoon I sat down and tried again. My problem had been the magical disappearance of stitches. I just couldn't understand why I was one stitch down every four or so rows. Then Deep Sea Knitter (Ravatar Taliesin) came to my rescue. I wasn't doing a YO on before the final knit stitch of the fourth row.

I'm now 19 cm (approx 7 1/2") in. I've never knit with cotton or with a 4 ply yarn on such large needles (5.5mm, US 9). If I'd known what I know now I'd probably go down a size, but having started and ripped so much I'll stick with it now. As a result I think my bag will be

quite light and open. The whole weekend awaits, no chores, just knitting and my camera - bliss!