Mason Dixon Knitting Outside The Lines

Funny, funny book! I loved it.

Not only is it a good read, but it has cool patterns in it too.

The authors, Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne start out with “Knitting Rules” among which are Rule #2: The more you knit, the more you learn. Knitting rule #32: An email a day keeps the psychotherapist away. Rule #6: You are a knitting genius, if you just give yourself a chance.

Be sure to read the Do’s and Don’t’s of Knitting for Children, for example, it is forbidden to knit animals, fake Heidi braids, anything vintage or ethnic, argyle or fair isle. You’ll have to get the book to read why, it’s hilarious! The Holy Crap Moment will have you saying “why didn’t I think of that”? and Color Forecasting: A Quick Trip To Loonyville will have you riffling through the pages looking for more knitting wit and wisdom.

Among the projects are an adorable Cardi Cozy, several coats, bags and scarves, a Top Down pullover, socks, cool kid projects (they even knit a toddler’s pair of jeans!), rugs, market bags and even a mop cover. 30 projects in all. This book is worth it just for the projects. This book is worth it just for the giggles. Heck, for the same price you get 2 in 1!

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

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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!

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