Alluvia

Do you ever have a project or design that lurks around for what seems like forever?  And then just when you think you will never finish it, somewhere in the depths you find the strength to power through and just get it done?  Well, then you know how I feel about Alluvia. (Rav it)

I began this bag about a year and a half ago.  It was my first ever design submission and, with hindsight being 20/20, I can see now why it was not at first accepted to any publications.  The colors I initially used were all wrong (I went stash diving and worked up the oddest color combinations of Cascade 220 ever) and the submission itself...well, let's just say a five year old could have done a better job.


But with that first rejection came a fresh perspective on the design and over the next few months, a better (and actually a little bigger) version took shape and morphed into the beautiful pattern I present to you today!


I was so excited for this design to be apart of the Knit Picks IDP, because it meant that I could choose any shades of Wool of the Andes that I wanted!  But, it turns out, I got shy about choosing the colors (too much pressure!), so Stacey at KP (who is so wonderful, by the way) picked them out for me.  And she couldn't have done a better job!


She thought working from the bottom to the top and going from darkest to lightest would be a cool concept and I say I have to agree.

She sent along the black and then the various shades of purple for me to use.  But I thought it needed something extra, so I threw in the red from my own stash, just for fun!


Named for the interesting ridges that form in the sand at the mouths of glaciers, the Alluvia Felted Tote is the perfect accessory for fall! 

{Shown here unfelted...don't you love the colors?!}

Worked in the round from the bottom up, this tote utilizes an exaggerated pleat stitch that forms the folds of material that become the felted ruffles. With so many shades of Wool of the Andes Worsted from which to choose, the possibilities are endless to create a colorful and unique accessory!


Details:


Pattern:  Alluvia Felted Tote (Knit Picks link, Rav link)
Suggested Yarn:  Wool of the Andes Worsted  (Shown in (from the bottom up) Coal, Cobblestone Heather, Black Cherry Heather, Claret Heather, Amethyst Heather, Lullaby, and Iris Heather)
Needles:  32" size 8 circulars and size 8 dpns
Techniques Used:  Working in the round; Magic Loop; i-cord, decreasing, felting

I'm so glad that this design is finally available!  I've loved watching the transition it has undergone and I'm actually glad that the first version of it was rejected....it would never have morphed into the unique piece it is today!


Please do not hesitate to ask if you'd like to know more details about this pattern.  Happy knitting, everyone!