Pearls Market Bag

We just received a shipment of Pearls, from Cascade Yarns, in 10 fun and cheerful colorways. I decided to knit up a market bag, and here is the pattern. I'll take a picture tonight, and post it tomorrow!

Feel free to cut and paste this pattern for easier use!

Materials
4 skeins Pearls by Cascade Yarns
Size 11 16-inch circular needle and double pointed needles
Size 15 24-inch circular needle
Marker

Instructions
Knitting the Body of the Bag
Using larger circular needle and 2 strands of yarn, cast on 60 stitches. Place marker and join into the round. Knit 3 rounds.

Round 1: YO, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Repeat round 1 until bag measures 15 inches, or desired length.

Knitting the Bottom of the Bag
Change to smaller circular needle, knit 3 rounds. Work decrease rounds as follows:

Knit 8, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 7, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 6, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 5, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 4, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 3, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 2, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 1, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K2tog; repeat to end of the round.

Cut yarn and thread through tapestry needle. Run tapestry needle through remaining stitches the same direction you would if you were knitting them. Drop tapestry needle through center and pull.

Knitting the Top Edge of the Bag
Using smaller circular needle, pick up and knit 60 stitches around top edge of bag.

Next round: Purl.
Next round: Knit.
Next round: Purl.
Repeat last 2 rounds 2 more times.

Next round: Knit 8, bind-off 22, knit 8, bind-off 22.

Knitting the Strap
Using 2 double pointed needles, work in garter stitch (knitting every row) on the first set of 8 stitches for about 22 inches, or desired length for strap. Attach the 8 stitches of the handle to the other set of 8 stitches using 3-needle bind off.

Weave in ends, and then go shopping!!!