Inspired by the rich colors of handdyed locks, this beautiful bag is infused with memories of Venice and of John Singer Sargent’s Venetian watercolors.

Inspired by a beautiful bag of dyed fleece, Kate Larson was suddenly immersed in a vivid memory of Venice: warm olive bread in hand, watching the golden hour (the first or last hour of sunlight) slip by, the Grand Canal filling with light. She charted the stitch pattern from the brickwork facade of Venice’s Palazzo Ducale.

Designer Kate Larson

Finished Size 12” x 12”; base is 3” wide.

Fiber 6 oz Rovings dyed Polwarth locks in mojave, sorted into 3 colors and flick-carded, and 4 oz Abstract Fiber 50% silk/50% Merino painted combed top in gold.

Yarn 3-ply; 360 yds (Polwarth: about 160 yd in each of 3 colors; silk/Merino: 300 yd); 1,300 ypp Polwarth, 1,200 ypp silk/Merino; 12–14 wpi; sportweight.

Needles U.S. size 4 (3.75 mm): 16” and 24” circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. While needle size is not critical for this project, it may affect the amount of yarn used.

Gauge 26 1/2 sts and 32 rows = 4” in stranded pattern after blocking.

Notions Markers (m); tapestry needle; lining material 14” x 30” or to fit bag, plus seam allowances; Grayson E handles (available through Muench Yarns.).