Yoga and Knitting: Knit 1, Om 1 (with pattern)

Knitting and yoga are two ancient practices that complement each other. The relationship is easy to understand. The repetitive motion of knitting can transform the knitter into a meditative state. Knitting and yoga are both engaging practices, as they require concentration and focus. Knitting cultivates an inward state of relaxation while creating something beautiful and useful. Knitting requires hours and hours of sitting. Yoga is the perfect physical diversion. Yoga asana’s can help to prevent some of knitting’s common aches and pains.

Do you know any yoga enthusiasts who would love handmade yoga items this holiday season? Consider knitting up this yoga mat bag, adapted from a Canadian Living pattern created by Stephanie Mrse for the yoga lover on your list.

While you are in the DIY mood, put down the needles and make yoga blocks to complete the gift.

Yoga Mat Bag
Size
22″ long x 11″ in diameter

Materials
* 236 yds of an eco-friendly organic yarn or scrap yarn
* US 9 (5.5 mm) straight needles
* US 8 (5 mm) straight needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
* 1 yd white drawstring cord

Gauge
16 sts and 22 rows = 4″ in diagonal lace st, slightly stretched, on smaller needles

Stitch pattern: Diagonal lace stitch
Rows 1, 3, 5, and 7: P.
Row 2: K2, *yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 4: K2, *k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 6: K1, k2tog, *yo, k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso; rep from * to last 5 sts, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k2.
Row 8: K2, k2tog, *yo, k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso; rep from * to last 4 sts, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1.

Directions
Strap
With larger needles and 2 strands of yarn held tog, CO 6 sts.
Work in 1 x 1 rib, slipping the first st of every row knitwise, until piece measures 29″ from beg.
BO.

Bag
With smaller needles, CO 80 sts.
Work in diagonal lace st until piece measures 13-1/2″ from beg.
Bind off knitwise.

Finishing
Mattress st CO edge to BO edge.
Thread yarn in and out through the bottom, pull tails tight to the inside, and secure.
Sew CO edge of strap to the top end of the bag, along the seam line. Sew BO edge of strap 3 inches from the bottom of the bag, along the seam line.
Weave in all ends.
Thread drawstring in and out through the lace pattern along the top edge of the bag. Tie overhand knots at each end of the drawstring.

When the holidays are over, we’ll all need a rejuvenating retreat. Here is a website devoted to knitting and yoga adventures. Happy Knitting!