I made one of these before as a wedding gift :

https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Strickliese/stay-put-kit...

and liked it so much that I have been wanting to make another one for my own kitchen.

This is lighter yarn, but I like the feel and colors.

Reason for starting on this now: I need another easy peasy project.

CO 60 sts.

After 3 garter ridges switched to seed stitch.
Sl first St k-wise, k last St.

About 2.5”- 3” into the second half I work the opening over 30 sts ( leaving 18 sts on either side). I-cord BO and I- cord CO in the next row for a nice defined opening. Doing the stripes on reverse side for second half so they appear to be the same when looking at them.