Tuesday, June 6, 2017

French Market Tote for Taproot Magazine


The summer issue for Taproot magazine, GROW, is out, and I am delighted to be part of it. In its pages, you will find my contribution, a summery linen market bag with French stripes. Most days, I am so grateful I was born, raised, and set my own roots down in southern Louisiana. I highly dislike the cold and prefer the sunshine and hot sticky climate of home. This hot sticky climate of ours also allows for a very long growing season with produce stands lining the highways almost year round. It's wonderful! What's even more wonderful is how generous our little southern community is. Friends and neighbors are quick to share bagfuls of satsumas, figs, tomatoes, eggplant, and even some fresh caught catfish or reds. Although we can grow most of the year, summertime gives not only the highest yield but the most delicious pickins in my opinion. Our pantry is filled with sweet corn, summer squash, watermelon, peaches, carrots, and so much more. One of the many reasons that summertime will always be my favorite. This special growing season and my sweet kind community inspired this design. I hope that your version is filled with all the love and goodness mine is filled with.


A few technical notes about the design: The tote is worked in pieces with the main panels having striped colorwork, and then seamed together with a visible seam.  I chose a bright red for my stripes, but I think blue or white would look just as lovely. I also added some leather straps for the handles, but a pair of crocheted i-chords would make beautiful and sturdy handles as well. You can find the pattern on Ravelry and buy your copy of GROW here.