free pattern: REWIND

So, I posted earlier that my 6th Knitty submission was accepted....and it will be my 5th published pattern. So, if you're doing the math that means...drumroll please....one REJECTION!! You heard right, rejected by Knitty!

I can joke about it now, but it was really tragic at the time.

Ok, so just what was this poor little pattern that wasn't good enough for Amy dear....my totally-recycled-knit-from-video-tape-bag: Rewind.
Fun and funky, right? Ok, true it is non-traditional...but this is the mag that published a Womb pattern. Ok, so it could have been rejected because it doesn't sell yarn--but neither does a licorice thong! Oh well, since my latest submission was accepted I've forgiven Amy.

Here's the pattern....modeled by my lovely friend Sara:

rewind
by Stephanie Shiman
Mellow
Recently our VCR made its journey to the big entertainment center in the sky. Before it went, it chewed up and spit out many a video tape. When I looked at the ruined tapes, I realized as if for the first time that they were filled with yards and yards of shiny black ribbon—shiny black ribbon perfect for knitting.
The sheen is like black patent leather. The tape folds unevenly when knit, creating an interesting texture and causing the light to reflect in every direction. The end product is a feather-light mesh that is surprisingly strong.
This bag is quick and easy to knit and will be unlike any other in your closet. Pair it with some chunky shoes and go out to the movies!

Photo credit [Sara Coffey/Stephanie Shiman]

SIZE
10 wide X 5 inches deep X 8 inches tall

MATERIALS
[MC] TDK [magnetic tape; 270 yards per 120 minutes]
one video has enough tape for at least two bags


1 set(s) US #11/8mm double-point needles and
1 set(s) US #11/8mm straight needles
or
any length US #11/8mm circular needle
Note: while the color is waterproof, the tape can stain your wooden or bamboo needles

small Phillips screwdriver
yarn needle
sewing needle
black sewing thread
lining fabric

GAUGE
12 sts/11 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch

Harvesting the tape: Rewind the tape (if using an uneaten tape), then using a Phillips head screwdriver with a small tip remove the 5 screws on the back of the tape. Take off the back of the clamshell and pop out the reel.Knit from the reel.

Creating the fabric: First knit the stitches and then tug on the knitted piece to open them up. This will stretch out the fabric and set it.

PATTERN
Body
Bag front:CO 36 stitches, work in garter stitch for 10 rows (5 ridges on the RS). Work increases as follows:
Row 1 and all odd numbered rows: Knit across.
Row 2 and all even numbered rows that are not increase rows: Purl.
Rows 4, 8, 12, 16, 20: PFB, purl to last stitch, PFB. (a KFB can be substituted for the PFB—these stitches will be part of the seam and not visible when the bag is finished)
Form side gussets and bottom:
Row 21: Cast off 8 stitches, knit to end.
Row 22: Cast off 8 stitches, purl to end.
Rows 23-31: Work stockinette stitch.
Row 32: Cast on 8 stitches, purl to end.
Row 33: Cast on 8 stitches, knit to end.

Note: The “Bag Back” is a mirror image of the “Bag Front”. “Bag Front” section is worked in reverse from row 20 backwards through row 1 decreasing instead of increasing. Work 10 rows of garter stitch, cast off 36 stitches.

Bag Back:
Row 34, 38, 42, 46, 50: P2tog, purl to last two stitches, P2tog. (a K2tog can be substituted for the P2tog—these stitches will be part of the seam and not visible when the bag is finished)
Row 35 and all odd numbered rows: Knit across.
Row 36 and all even numbered rows that are not increase rows: Purl.
Row 51: Begin garter stitch—work 10 rows (5 ridges on the RS).Cast off.
Straps (make two)
With two doublepoints or one circular needle CO 3 stitches. Work i-cord until piece measures 36 inches. Cast off.

Anchor one end of the i-cord and twist the other until there is enough twist for the strap to fold back on itself and twist together. Sew ends together with additional tape.

FINISHING Before assembling the bag, place it on top of the fabric lining and trace the outline.
Use yarn needle and tape, refer to schematics and sew gusset flaps to bag bottom matching A to A and B to B. Repeat for second side. Folding the side seams inward, sew sides together.

Refer to schematics for strap location. Poke ends of strap through the stitches and sew in place. Repeat for second strap.

Cut lining fabric and assemble the same way as the bag. With the raw edges and seams on the outside position the lining inside bag. Sew top edge of lining to top edge of bag, turning the edge of the lining under as you go. Secure lining to the bottom of the bag with a stitch on each corner.