Calypso Carry All by Knits n’ Knots

I am back with another post in the “On My Hook” series! Today I’m chatting about this great market bag by Janine over at Knits n’ Knots (check her out on IG @knitsnknotswpg)

As I mentioned last time, I love trying out new patterns when I can inbetween designing amigurumi. I have a bit of a backlog of makes from lots of wonderful patterns that I’ve been trying out lately, so I am going to try to do more of these posts. If you want to know what else I’ve been up to, you can check out my last “On My Hook” post here!

Earlier this year, the provincial government in my province introduced legislation to ban single-use plastic bags from retail stores (yay environment!). The ban will take effect in the next year or so, but I thought, why wait? I don’t want to use single-use bags anymore so I knew a market bag would be the perfect project to get started on. 

The Calypso Carry All is great because it has a traditional market feel but is still very much a sturdy, general-use bag (not just for produce!), which I knew was exactly what I wanted. This is the bag that I plan to leave in my car so that I’ll have it on hand for whatever errands I might have to run on my way home from work on any given day. So I knew it had to be big and durable. 

I opted to use Caron Cotton Cakes in the colours Cream and Coral (which I love; every time I go to Michael’s I want to pick more up but I have no projects in mind to make! Suggestions welcome so I have an excuse to buy more.) I was a little concerned that the Caron Cotton Cakes yarn might not be stiff or durable enough for this bag, since the pattern calls for mercerized cotton, which I didn’t have (lookin’ at you with heart-eyes, 24/7 Cotton) . So, I made an executive decision and doubled up the yarn for this bag. I really love how it came out! The stitch work is really enhanced with the doubled yarn and it makes the bag super durable for everyday use. 

I also love how customizable this bag is in terms of colours! I think navy and cream would look gorgeous.

In terms of the pattern itself, it is well-written and easy to follow. I did make a few small adjustments to the last few rounds, the result of which was that I reduced the number of decreases. It likely was due to the fact that I doubled up the yarn (so totally my own issue, not the pattern!) but the bag was tending to ripple in places, so I eliminated some decreases to help smooth it out.

I love that the pattern comes with two strap options: shoulder straps or a cross-body strap. I almost wish I had gone with a cross-body strap, as I think it would make this bag even more versatile, if that’s possible. It’ll be a good excuse to make another one!

Finally, I used the left over yarn to make a tassel, because tassels. 

I would love to see your versions of this pattern if you’ve tried it! Feel free to share your makes on the Spin a Yarn Crochet Facebook page or tag me on IG (@spinayarncrochet) so I can see your gorgeous makes and we can admire this pattern together. 

Now to spam you with pics! First, feel free to pin this puppy to come back and try later.

Here are some up-close pics and some in the wild:

Have you made a market bag? What pattern did you use? I will definitely be needing to make more in the future, so I would love to have your suggestions! 

Photography credit to Melanie Courage.

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