https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/sun-salutation-yoga-bag • Posted by Aurum Press
Salute the day with this vibrantly coloured bag meant to carry your yoga mat. Feel the warmth of the sun rising while working on each radiating mandala. TENSION Rounds 1–4 measure 7.5 cm (3 in) diameter. Dimensions Base mandala: 16 cm (6½ in) in diameter. Side mandalas: 18.5 cm (7¼ in) in diameter. Yoga bag width (laid flat): 29 cm (11½ in). Yoga bag height: 79 cm (31 in). SPECIAL STITCHES spike-2: spike stitch 2 rows below – miss next st but work corresponding stitch 2 rows below. spike-3: spike stitch 3 rows below – miss next st but work corresponding stitch 3 rows below. spike-4: spike stitch 4 rows below – miss next st but work corresponding stitch 4 rows below.
Salute the day with this vibrantly coloured bag meant to carry your yoga mat. Feel the warmth of the sun rising while working on each radiating mandala. TENSION Rounds 1–4 measure 7.5 cm (3 in) diameter. Dimensions Base mandala: 16 cm (6½ in) in diameter. Side mandalas: 18.5 cm (7¼ in) in diameter. Yoga bag width (laid flat): 29 cm (11½ in). Yoga bag height: 79 cm (31 in). SPECIAL STITCHES spike-2: spike stitch 2 rows below – miss next st but work corresponding stitch 2 rows below. spike-3: spike stitch 3 rows below – miss next st but work corresponding stitch 3 rows below. spike-4: spike stitch 4 rows below – miss next st but work corresponding stitch 4 rows below.
To make the Top row mandalas (make three) Using CCa, make a magic ring. Round 1: 3ch (counts as first tr), 11tr into the ring. (12 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCa into any st. Round 2: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, 2tr into each st to end of round. (24 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCa into any st. Round 3: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into next st, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into next st. (36 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCa into any st. Round 4: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 2 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 2 sts. (48 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCa into any st. Round 5: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 3 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 3 sts. (60 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCa into any st. Round 6: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 4 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 4 sts. (72 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCb into any st. Round 7: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, 1tr into each of next 2 sts, 1tr spike-4, 1tr into each of next 2 sts, [2tr into next st, 1tr into each of next 2 sts, 1tr spike-4, 1tr into each of next 2 sts] 11 times. (84 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCc into any st above a spike-4. Round 8: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, 1tr into each of next 3 sts, 1tr spike-2, 1tr into each of next 2 sts, [2tr into next st, 1tr into each of next 3 sts, 1tr spike-2, 1tr into each of next 2 sts] 11 times. (96 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCd into any st. Round 9: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 7 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 7 sts. (108 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCe into any st. Round 10: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 8 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 8 sts. (120 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join.
To make the Second row mandalas (make three) Using CCa, make a magic ring. Rounds 1–5: Work as the top row mandala. Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCb into any st. Round 6: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, 1tr into next st, 1tr spike-3, 1tr into each of next 2 sts, [2tr into next st, 1tr into next st, 1tr spike-3, 1tr into each of next 2 sts] 11 times. (72 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCb into any st. Round 7: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 5 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 5 sts. (84 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCc into any st above a spike-3. Round 8: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, 1tr into each of next 3 sts, 1tr spike-2, 1tr into each of next 2 sts, [2tr into next st, 1tr into each of next 3 sts, 1tr spike-2, 1tr into each of next 2 sts] 11 times. (96 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCd into any st. Round 9: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 2ch, [1tr into each of next 7 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 7 sts. (108 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCe into any st. Round 10: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 8 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 8 sts. (120 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join.
To make the Third row mandalas (make three) Using CCa, make a magic ring. Rounds 1–4: work as the top row mandala. Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCb into any st. Round 5: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, 1tr into next st, 1tr spike-2, 1tr into next st, [2tr into next st, 1tr into next st, 1tr spike-2, 1tr into next st] 11 times. (60 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCb into any st. Round 6: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 4 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 4 sts. (72 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCc into any st above a spike-2. Round 7: 3ch, 1tr into base of beg 3ch, 1tr into each of next 2 sts, 1tr spike-2, 1tr into each of next 2 sts, [2tr into next st, 1tr into each of next 2 sts, 1tr spike-2, 1tr into each of next 2 sts] 11 times. (84 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCc into any st. Round 8: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 6 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 6 sts. (96 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCd into any st. Round 9: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 7 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 7 sts. (108 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCe into any st. Round 10: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 8 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 8 sts. (120 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join.
To make the Lower row mandalas (make three) Using CCa, make a magic ring. Rounds 1–3: work as the top row mandala. Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCb into any st. Rounds 4–5: using CCb, work as the top row mandala. Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCc into any st. Round 6: using CCc, work as the top row mandala. Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCc into any st. Round 7: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 5 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 5 sts. (84 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCd into any st. Round 8: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 6 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 6 sts. (96 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCd into any st. Round 9: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 7 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 7 sts. (108 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCe into any st. Round 10: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 8 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 8 sts. (120 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join.
To make the Base mandala (make One) Using CCa, make a magic ring. Rounds 1–2: work as the top row mandala. Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCb into any st. Rounds 3–4: using CCb, work as the top row mandala. Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCc into any st. Rounds 5–6: using CCb, work as the top row mandala. Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCd into any st. Round 7: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 5 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 5 sts. (84 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCd into any st. Round 8: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 6 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 6 sts. (96 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join. Join in CCe into any st. Round 9: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into base of beg 3ch, [1tr into each of next 7 sts, 2tr into next st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 7 sts. (108 sts) Fasten off and make an invisible join.
To make the drawstring band Using CCe, make 122ch. Row 1: 1tr into fourth ch from the hook (counts as first and second tr), 1tr into each ch to end, turn. (120 sts) Row 2: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into each of next 4 sts, 1ch, miss 1 st, [1tr into each of next 9 sts, 1ch, miss 1 st] 11 times, 1tr into each of next 4 sts, turn. Row 3: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into each st and 1ch sp to end of row, turn. (120 sts) Row 4: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into each st to end of row. Fasten off. Whip stitch short ends together to form the drawstring band. Weave in loose ends. To make the drawstring Using CCd, work ch until piece measures 102 cm (40 in). Fasten off.
To make the shoulder strap Using CCe, loosely make 172ch. Row 1: 1tr into fourth ch from hook (counts as first and second tr), 1tr into each ch to end, turn. (170 sts) Rows 2–5: 3ch (counts as first tr), 1tr into each st to end, turn. Fasten off. Weave in loose ends.
Finishing Prewash and iron the cotton fabric. From the fabric, cut two 60 x 76 cm (24 x 30 in) rectangles, and two 18 cm (7 in) diameter circles. Block the base mandala to 16.5 cm (6½ in) diameter, and the side mandalas to 18.5 cm (7¼ in) diameter. Using the photographs on pages 41 and 44 as reference, on a flat surface, place one 60 x 76 cm (24 x 30 in) rectangle of fabric and lay out the side mandalas in row order. Centre the mandalas so that the lower row mandalas are 6 mm (¼ in) from the lower edge, the top row mandalas are 18 mm (¾ in) from the top edge, and all the mandalas are 12 mm (½ in) from the side edges. Pin the mandalas in place, and using CCe, whip stitch the mandalas together at the points where the mandalas meet. Using navy blue thread, either hand or machine stitch the mandalas to the fabric. Fusible web or fusible adhesive may be used to attach the mandalas in place instead of straight pins. This is especially helpful if you are machine sewing. Fold the rectangle with the mandalas, right sides together, in half lengthwise. Using the yellow thread, sew along the 76 cm (30 in) edge leaving a 12 mm (½ in) seam allowance. Pin one 18 cm (7 in) diameter fabric circle to the bottom edge of the bag by the lower row mandalas. Using yellow thread, sew leaving a 6 mm (¼ in) seam allowance. Turn bag right-side out, and pin and hand stitch the base mandala to the base of the bag. Using CCe, whip stitch the mandalas together at the points where the mandalas meet. To make the lining Fold the remaining 60 x 76 cm (24 x 30 in) rectangle, right sides together, in half lengthwise. Using the yellow thread, sew along the 76 cm (30 in) edge leaving a 12 mm (½ in) seam allowance. Pin one 18 cm (7 in) diameter fabric circle to the bottom edge. Using yellow thread, sew leaving a 6 mm (¼ in) seam allowance. To assemble the bag Fold the top edge of both bag tops over by 6 mm (¼ in) to the wrong side, and press. Overlock or zigzag stitch all sewn seam allowances. Put the lining inside the bag with the wrong sides together. Align the top edges and pin the drawstring band onto the outside with Row 4 touching the top of the top row mandalas, and pin in place. Be sure that the little holes for the drawstring are not overlapping the fabric. Sew the band and lining in place with matching thread. Stitch one short-edge of the strap to the base of the bag, on the last round of the base mandala, and the other end to the bottom of the band. Thread the drawstring through the band’s holes and tie a knot in the ends to finish. Seal the ends of the drawstring with a drop of fabric glue. Tip When working spike stitches, take care to draw the strand worked into the stitch up to the height of the previous stitch before completing the stitch. Tip For a stronger strap, replace treble crochet with double crochet – on Row 1, work the first stitch into the second chain from hook. Feel-good tip Use a reviving yoga session to stimulate the flow of energy around your whole body. Keep your sun salutation bag near your mat to help focus your mind on your intentions to bring vibrancy, vitality and motivation to your yoga practice.
Motivation exercise Energy Do this exercise anytime you need to find energy or motivation. Practicing it with your eyes open and then closed will enable you to use it any time, anywhere – even at your desk when that dreaded mid-afternoon energy slump strikes. Sit comfortably upright with both feet on the ground. Allow yourself to feel supported by your chair, and be aware of your feet equally on the floor. Bring the focus of your attention to a central spot situated a few centimetres below the lower tip of your breastbone. Intensify your focus on this area and imagine it as your source of vital energy – a life-force full of warmth coming from your very core. Breathe deeply into the depths of your lungs and feel this core get warmer and more energised with each breath you take. Focus on your breath and the essential life it brings. Feel a sense of vitality radiating outwards from this core, filling your body with a zest for life. Become aware of this energy coursing through your body to the very tip of your fingertips and toes. Feel them tingle with awareness. Feel the energy light up your brain, your thoughts and your ideas, and take a moment to dwell on the sensation of being vibrantly alive. As the energy fills your body and mind, it extends outwards to fill the space around you, surrounding you with an aura of vitality and positivity that others will sense and respond to. You feel full of creative power and potential. Feel the sensation empowering you. Feel vibrantly alive. Bask in the glow of this sensation for a moment. Repeat as often as necessary to feel truly energised.