This tote was inspired by the valiant battle against breast cancer that Emily, the daughter-in-law of my long-time test knitter, group moderator and good friend, Sue Hauser, is currently struggling with (see link below for more details).

The tote is worked nearly seamlessly (the ribbon has to be tacked down at the end) using a combination of mitred squares, picking up stitches and some kitchener stitch. The handle on one side is designed to be the ribbon of a cause you support. This pattern can be worked using any yarn/gauge, although I do suggest finding something sturdy and/or machine washable.

In lieu of charging for this pattern, please consider donating to a cause you’re passionate about. I am going to list some of the causes I am passionate about below and here is a link to the official thread for this pattern so that people can post about the totes they make and the causes they support.

Here are some that are important to me (more will be added):

• Emily’s (Sue’s daughter-in-law) gofundme (pink ribbon) Read more about Emily’s story here.

• Breast Cancer Research (pink ribbon)

• Rational Animal Supports finding homes for shelter animals (orange ribbon)

• Animal Cancer Foundation As many of you know, I lost my beloved kitty, Joseph, to cancer in November 2016 (yellow ribbon with paw prints)