Mini messenger bags.

Last weekend, three new knit samples arrived at the shop.

These are Mini Messenger Bags, designed and knit by Marsha, who is also teaching an upcoming class on the subject. They’re cute little cross-body purses, big enough to hold a wallet, phone, and other small necessaries. In the process of designing the Mini Messenger Bag and writing the pattern, Marsha knit four of them, each one in a different kind of yarn and at a different gauge. She learned that plant fibers like linen and cotton are a good fit for the bag, and that just about any weight of yarn will work, so long as you go a few needle sizes down from what’s suggested on the ball-band for a sturdy fabric. Three of her four Mini Messenger Bags are now on display at the shop.

This little black bag was knit with Punta Yarns Montoya Beach, a light fingering weight linen. For a dense and strong fabric, she held the yarn double as she knit.

This blue bag was knit with Katia Linen, a dk weight linen and cotton blend that I’ve used before in knitting my Gemini sweater.

This pink bag was knit with Mirasol Sawya, a worsted weight blend of cotton, alpaca, and silk.

Marsha’s own Mini Messenger Bag, which is pictured in the pattern but absent from the shop (because she uses it, of course!), was made in Punta Yarns Linen Soft, an aran weight linen yarn. The bags’ sizes vary with differing gauges, of course, but it leaves a lot of options in terms of yarn selection.

All three are lined with fabric and finished with zippers, which are probably the two most unusual skills that the pattern requires. If you’ve never done this kind of sewing before, fear not; Marsha’s class requires only the most basic hand-sewing knowledge–she’ll guide you through sewing the lining and setting in the zipper. For those who can’t attend the class, Marsha has also created a photo tutorial that supplements the pattern.

Read more about the class on our website, where you can also sign up and prepay to hold your space, if you like. We’ve got Marsha’s patterns in stock, and tons of yarns to choose from if you’re inspired to create a Mini Messenger Bag of your own. Come by the shop to see these cute Mini Messenger Bags for yourself!