Started with a provisional cast on. This way, when the bottom is done, it’s easier to continue right into the body with live stitches rather than picking up stitches.

I used three colors:

1. Yellow for the base of the bag (up to and including the increase row)
2. Gray for the body of the bag (I kept knitting until I used the whole skein)
3. Flecked white/gray for the trim. This included a few rows of the mesh pattern and the decrease rounds & straps.

Length of bag (from bottom to the start of straps): 14”

I used a linen stitch for the handles to make them sturdier and less stretchy. To make the sides of the handle smooth, I used 13 stitches, an odd number of stitches:
Row 1 (right side): * K1, Sl1P WYIF , K1
Row 2 (wrong side): Sl1P WYIB, P1 , Sl1P WYIB

This was a well written pattern that created a cute, sturdy bag. I love the construction of the bottom of the bag since it is nicely shaped and seamless. It was super easy to memorize the mesh pattern. I only made a mistake once or twice, and it was easy to notice by the next round and easy to go back and fix.

I used bamboo needles and cotton yarn. This made the knitting process a little stiff and uncomfortable. Metal tipped needles would have made for a smoother and more satisfying experience.