Kookaburra Wins, Hands Down!

Kookburra Wool Wash is the latest product to fall victim to my use and abuse list. I like to try these things myself, without reading all the hype, so I can realistically make up my own mind about the products.

Kookaburra did not disappoint! I really liked the delicate smell, and how soft and fluffy the newly spun yarn was directly out of it’s wash. My hands were soft, and didn’t feel stripped, as if I’d washed with soap. I was concerned a bit with how dirty the water was. Did it remove too much of the good stuff? After hanging and drying my skeins, I went back for an initial “feel”. They were so soft, just begging me to start knitting.

Ok, so I like the stuff, I’ve decided, now to read the “hype”.

I was very very pleasantly surprised to read that this formulation is all plant based, biodegradeable, and natural. I’m a big fan of natural. I love natural. So this means I love Kookaburra right? Right! After reading about the formulations and ingredients of this product, my initial concern was unfounded.

All of the components of Kookaburra Wash are biodegradable. Kookaburra Wash contains no enzymes, phosphates, peroxide, or alkali and is Colorfast and is safe for septic systems. Kookaburra products contain nut oils, lanolin, and Austrailian tea tree oil.

This wonderful poduct is the baby of ABL Development Co, Inc out of Colorado. You can read more here.

http://www.kookaburraco.com/index.php?cid=79

Mmmmmm smells so good, one of these days this here internet will come with smell!

Progress charts: Mossi Cardi…75% done
Helsinki Scarf…. just barely started
Roving Spun for Helsinki…60% done

Next Pattern:

There are certain things that just make sense to knit at this time of year, and market bags are one of them. We tend to use our canvas bags more often in the summer with trips to the farmer’s market and the library, but string bags and market bags are great to use all year.

I love the Three Oranges Bag by Hana Cho, which looks just like a knit version of a plastic shopping bag, but with three cute oranges stitched on. The bag uses intarsia to make the oranges, but you could use duplicate stitch or intarsia to add a different design if you like. It calls for fingering weight yarn and you can find the pattern on Ravelry.

Sharyn Anhalt’s Market Square bag (also on Ravelry) uses worsted weight yarn and a mosaic pattern to make a pretty bag you’ll want to use every time you go shopping. The bag comes in two sizes and is worked in two colors of the same yarn for a fun mixed up effect that’s almost like weaving.

Speaking of fun colors, the Market Bag from Hubbabubbie Art uses a multicolored cake yarn (specifically Lion Brand Mandala) to produce fun color changes without any extra work. This bag is worked from the bottom up with a crocheted bottom and knit mesh sides. It’s a free pattern on Ravelry.

The Pike Place Market Bag from Blue Bird Pine Shop looks like a massive bag to hold all your market goodies (that is a child holding it, but still). The bag calls for worsted weight cotton yarn and the mesh is worked on extra large needles to help it open up to hold everything you want held.

The Knit Farmer’s Market Bag form Design BCB is another good one, made mostly of mes with a little stockinette for extra stability. The base is also worked in stockinette so items you put in it will sit flat.

This mesh bag from Sheep and Stitch doesn’t have a base, and the body is worked flat before being joined in the round to make the top and handles. That makes it easy to make the bag just the size you want because you can stop knitting whenever you feel it’s big enough. The pattern includes a step-by-step video if you need extra assistance.

And the Eco Market String Bag from Mama in a Stitch has a solid knit base worked in a contrasting color from the mesh body. It’s an easy project that comes out a great size for your market needs without being too huge.

Do you have a favorite knit market bag pattern? I’d love to hear about it!

Next Pattern:

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