This market bag is a smaller, more easy to carry and use than a lot of oversized market bags. The bottom is two strands of Dishie held together for the most sturdy fabric possible. A fun lacy stitch is worked for the body, and straps are worked individually and then seamed at the top.

My friend Theresa VanderMeer runs an organization called The Lotus Odyssey that exports fair-trade products from different eco/people-friendly groups in India. She is starting a foundation called WORK+SHELTER that will offer women living in the slums of New Delhi a fresh start. Theresa is working to give these women decent living conditions and a chance to build a better future. WORK+SHELTER will be a safe place where women can come with their children to live and work. She will be providing training, materials, and a fair wage, and members of WORK+SHELTER will be producing products to be sold in boutiques around the world.

Theresa asked me to design garments and accessories that will be hand knit by the women living and working at WORK+SHELTER. This market bag is one of those items! By purchasing this pattern you are helping this amazing cause. Read more about this project here, donate by emailing Theresa, and when someone compliments you on your sweet market bag, be sure to tell them about WORK+SHELTER.