June 2025 Project of the Month
With the warmer weather here (and hopefully to stay!), we crafters can find it hard to keep at it throughout the summer. The yarn is too thick, or the project is too hot to hold (that’s a big no thank you to working on blankets in the summer from me!). But by nature, we need to have a project on the go.
This month, we’ve selected market bags for the knitting POM, and raglan shirts for the sewing POM.
For the knitters, these bags will travel with you easily as they don’t take up much room, and won’t get you overheated as you sit down to tick away at it. And at the end, you’ll have a beautiful, functional piece that you can put to go use at those summer markets!
For sewists, we wanted to go with a summer classic: raglans. Not only does this work up fast, but they’re perfect for on-the-go summer activities.
Now let’s get to it!
Makers Lodge Project of the Month for June 2025
Knit: Market Bags
Sew: Jersey Knit Raglan Shirts
Pictured Above: Katherine made the Sarang Bag by Aegyoknit in the large size using Laines du Nord Natural Bag in Fuchsia.
Pictured Above: Christine made the Women’s Lee Raglan by Made for Mermaids in size Green using Bamboo/Cotton Jersey Stripes.
Prize: $25 Makers Lodge Gift Card
Knit Market Bag POM Info
Pictured Above: Sarang Bag (Large) in Natural Bag (Fuchsia)
Get ready knitters! These market bags are a quick knit, and a wonderful sized project to bring with you when you’re out and about. And once it’s finished, it will make its way into your market bag rotation! These bags are sure to get you lots of complements.
Market Bag Pattern Recommendations
- Sarang Bag by Aegyoknit available for purchase on Ravelry
- French Market Bag by Izabela Gryzbek available for purchase on Ravelry
Sarang Bag by Aegyoknit
The Sarang Bag is suitable for intermediate knitters, or those who are feeling adventurous. This bag features a simple lacework pattern and linen stitch, but will require some focus throughout (as is common when knitting lacework lol). Do keep in mind that if you are using Laines du Nord – Natural Bag yarn, this may add a layer of difficulty if you have never worked with this or similar yarn before.
The lacework adds lovely texture and visual interest to the bag. The pattern utilizes linen stitch to bring structure and support to the base and handles. With 2 sizes options, this bag will make a wonderful travel companion or summer knitting project.
Pictured Above: Sarang Bag (Large) in Natural Bag (Fuchsia)
French Market Bag by Izabela Gryzbek
The French Market Bag is a classic market bag, and a great starting point if you are newer to knitting, or if you are looking to learn a bit of lacework, since the lacework for the mesh consists of only 2 different stitches. Or for those more experienced knitters looking for a more mindless knit.
This bag naturally has less structure due to the mesh body.
This bag has an interesting construction, making use of different gauges with changing needle sizes. The mesh part of the bag is knit flat first, before joining in the round to add the handles. This helps cinch the bag closed. The way the strap is constructed ensures that even though it is a simple garter stitch, there is not much stretch to it.
Pictured Above: French Market Bag in Coastal Cotton (Seaweed)
Yarn Recommendations
Both bags can be made in a variety of different yarns. Here are our top picks this month:
1. Laines du Nord – Natural Bag
This yarn is a jute/cotton blend. The cotton makes the yarn soft and pliable, and acts as a natural exfoliant as you knit! This line comes in a variety of stunning, saturated colours, perfect for a bright summer knit. The durability of the jute makes this perfect for making bags and totes.
Natural Bag contains 60% jute, and may be a bit rough to work with. If you have sensitive hangs, try Eco Cotton DK held double instead. The pattern even includes instructions for this method!
2. Estelle – Eco Cotton DK
This silky soft cotton is a dream to work with. At only $6/50g ball, this cotton is an affordable option, in a selection of more natural and muted colours.
Both patterns we selected have an option of either using DK instead, or DK held double, so this yarn is a great substitute for either pattern.
3. Queensland – Coastal Cotton
Also available in Ocean Mist.
Coastal Cotton is a stash staple for us due to its versatility. It’s durable but soft, and comes in a HUGE selection of colours, making it suitable for SO. MANY. PROJECTS. If you’ve been here a while, you’ve definitely heard us recommend this one before. At $10 for a 100g ball, this yarn is also a very affordable option.
Pictured Above: French Market Bag in Coastal Cotton (Seaweed).
Bag Knitting Tips
Sarang Bag Knitting Tips
When knitting the linen stitch, make sure you don’t pull too tight when slipping the yarn with your yarn over. If the fabric is too tight, it will be too dense and not flexible, and make it difficult to knit into. If you’re struggling with keeping your tension on your yarn for this part, don’t be afraid to size up your needles 1 size. This will help with keeping the final product closer to the correct size, even if you are knitting tightly.
Pictured Above: Sarang Bag (Large) in Natural Bag (Fuchsia)
French Market Bag Knitting Tips
1. If you knit your first end into your first knit row, you will only have ONE end to weave in at the end of the project due to the construction of it! How fabulous! This does obviously depend on how many ball of yarn you need to join for the project, but either way you will have very minimal ends to weave in! That may have been my favourite part. 😉
2. When transferring from the smaller to the larger needles, you will leave your smaller needles on your project, and start knitting onto your larger needles. No need to transfer the whole project before knitting this row, as it will make it very difficult to get the stitches over the larger needles due to the big jump in sizes. If you are using interchangeable needles, keep your left needle as the smaller size and change out your right needle for the larger size. Once you are finished this row you can change out the smaller needle for the other larger needle.
3. The same goes in reverse when switching back to your smaller needles. Don’t bother with transferring the project first – it will just slip around on your needles.
Pictured Above: French Market Bag in Coastal Cotton (Seaweed).
Do you have scrap cotton yarn left over after either of these projects? Check out this free pattern: Beginner-Friendly Daisy Flower Coaster by Hayhay Crochet. This pattern has been a recent favourite of Katherine’s, and is such a cute way to use up any scraps and leftover yarns! Pictured below are some coasters she made with leftover yarn from other projects.
Jersey Knit Raglan Shirts Sewing POM Info
With summer making an appearance, many of us will be busy at kids sporting events, or spending more time outdoors. We’ve chosen this shirt not only for the versatility of the different views, but it is also such a quick sew – perfect for those busy summer evenings and weekends.
The fabrics we’ve chosen to pair this shirt with this month are also sure to keep you cool and comfy in the warmer months.
Let’s jump in:
Pictured Above: Women’s Lee Raglan (size Green) in Bamboo/Cotton Jersey Stripes.
Jersey Knit Raglan Pattern Recommendations
1. Women’s Lee Raglan – Sew Liberated
Available for purchase on the Sew Liberated website.
This raglan is a classic, semi-fitted shirt, made using jersey knit. Featuring multiple view options, this raglan is a great addition to all wardrobes. Challenge yourself by adding a henley neckband. This pattern is also available in a children’s and men’s pattern.
This pattern features different views and ways to customize. With different sleeve lengths, different hem options, and even different neckband options, you will have plenty of choices to make this your perfect summer shirt. With the wide variety of colours available in the bamboo/cotton lines, you can even colourblock your shirt.
Fabric Recommendations
Check out our top fabric recommendations for this month:
1. Bamboo/Cotton Jersey (250gsm)
This bamboo/cotton blend jersey at 250gsm is a more stable version of the bamboo jersey we all love! It still has a nice drape, cool feel, and natural fibres, with some more structure.
2. Bamboo/Cotton Jersey
Also available in Stripes.
This is a lightweight fabric with beautiful 4 way stretch. With lots of drape and made from natural fibres, this is a wonderful option with many colours to choose from for color blocking.
3. Viscose Jersey and Viscose French Terry
This soft and shiny fabric has a beautiful drape and weight.
Note: Keep in mind the limited stretch on this fabric – it can not be used for narrow neck bands. This line features many beautiful colour options.
Sewing Tips
1. We always recommend you prewash your fabric. Wash it the same way you plan to wash the finished shirt. This will ensure you don’t have any unexpected shrinkage which can ruin projects!
2. Using a serger for this project will make it fly by, as well as provide the needed stretch in the seams.
3. For finishing your hems, consider a twin stitch or coverstich. This small step can really elevate the look of your finished shirt. We do have studio space available to book for our coverstitch machine.
June POM Studio Times
Join us in-studio this month as we work on our POMs! POM studio times are guided studio times where you will have access to our studio space and tools, alone with a designated person to help guide your sewing or knitting, and answer questions related to the POM projects. This is not a learn to sew/knit session, but rather focused on the specific patterns recommended as part of this month’s POM.
POM Shopping and Knitting Cast-on
In addition to our studio times this month, we will also be offering a POM Shopping Night and Knitting POM Cast-on. Join us to get assistance with your POM supply shopping, and stay to cast on your POM knitting project! Drop in at any point, or stay for the entire time!
We will be here to provide assistance and guidance with choosing materials for the June POM (both knitting and sewing POMs). Whether needing guidance on which materials would be suitable for the projects, or just getting help with choosing a colour, we will be here to help you! We’ll make sure you get enough quantity for your project, and have the appropriate tools.
Once you’re selected your materials, sit down around our community table and cast on your project. We will have a community member available to answer any questions you may have about this month’s 2 recommended patterns: Sarang Bag by Aegyoknit and French Market Bag by Izabela Gryzbek.
Knitting POM Studio Time
All Tuesday and Friday evening Sit & Stitch times and Saturday daytime Sit & Stitch times can be used to work on POMs around the community table.
We will have 2 dedicated POM Studio times in June where a designated member will be available to answer your questions and provide guided support related to the market bag knitting POM.
A $5 drop-in fee applies, payable in person or online. You may book in advance here, but no booking is required prior to yarn POM Studio Times.
Dates:
Sewing POM Studio Time
Pre-register a seat at one of our June POM Studio Times and receive guided support in working through the bag POM. Book in advance on our website here.
Dates:
Sale of the Month
Entries for the POM Prize
Regardless of which POM you choose to participate in (or both!), make sure you remember to post your project to social media and tag us for a chance to win! All posts that meet the criteria will be entered for a chance to win the POM prize.
Criteria:
1) Materials for the POM must be purchased from Makers Lodge to qualify (notions and tools are exempted).
2) Each post must tag Makers Lodge appropriately (Facebook: tag Makers Lodge; Instagram: tag @makerslodgecp AND tag us in your photo; for both, use hashtags #makerslodgecp #makerslodgepom). You may also enter by posting to the Makers Lodge: Virtual Makespace group on Facebook.
3) Posts must be made by July 5th, 2025.
4) Prize and contest are in no way affiliated with Facebook or Instagram.