Pattern description from Interweave Knits, Spring 2006: “Intarsia knitting is a favorite of Leigh Radford - see her Beyond the Basics article on intarsia, page 80. This tote is a good first project for the intarsia novice because the felting process fills in any gaps between color changes and smooths out uneven stitches. Felting also provides a soft, blended finish for color-work designs. To make this simple bag, knit two identical pieces, and then casting them on again. The pieces are sewn together before their stint in the washing machine. As always with felting, work a swatch first and try it out in the washing machine to determine the amount of shrinkage you want.”

Finished Size: 18” (45.5 cm) wide across base, 20¼“ (51.5 cm) wide across top opening, and 25¼” (64 cm) tall, before felting. 10½“ (26.5 cm) wide across base, 13” (33 cm) wide across top opening, and 13” (33 cm) tall, after felting.

Yarn: Classic Elite Montera (50% llama, 50% wool; 127 yd 116 m/100 g): #3862 kingfisher blue (turquoise, MC), 3 skeins; #3887 pear (light green), #3885 Bolsita orange, #3829 aqua ice (light blue), and #3823 spring leaf (medium green), 1 skein each.

Needles: Size 10½ (6.5 mm). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Tapestry needle; yarn bobbins (optional).

Notes from Interweave Knits, Spring 2006:

• “The chart is worked in stockinette stitch intarsia. Use a different length of yarn for each color section, and twist the yarns at the color changes to prevent holes.”
• “For more information on intarsia and methods, see Beyond the Basics on page 80.”