Folk Bags follows a similar pattern as Folk Shawls, each pattern is inspired from a different area of the world. Each pattern is clearly researched and showcases just how much thought Cheryl Oberle puts into her designs.
I find the patterns to be completely knittable and each bag is so different from its fellows and brilliant in it’s own way that it makes you want to make one of each. Personally, my favorite and one I’ve wanted to make for years is the Kilim carpet bag, inspired by the Turkish history of kilim carpet weaving. The only reason I haven’t made it yet is I’ve always waited for that one special yarn that deserves to be such a fabulous bag.
The info block before each pattern is used to showcase the culture and technique of the pattern coming up next, and it’s an entertaining book to read even if you aren’t planning to knit a bag at the moment.
The patterns range from the simple and clear Basic Black bag, designed as a simple yet nuanced bag to carry your things from day to day to the Shigra bag collection inspired by Equador. The Shigra bags are meant to be knit as floor bags that are later felted for strength. She has you knit the bag on straight needles and the rows are joined together as you go instead of being knit with a circular needle. That particular method lends the bag structural support.
One day when I have all the knitting time in the world I’ll make every bag in this book.