purlJam

<planning>
1. **Design Strategy**: 
- Goal: A beginner-friendly market tote that follows the "Market Tote Bag" template: circular bottom worked in the round, mesh body for stretch, sturdy handles; use cotton worsted-weight yarn.
- Visuals: The bag is decorated with removable/sewn-on knitted patches (either solid or star-motif). Patches are knit flat (stockinette or garter) so a beginner can complete them easily; star patches are made by simple duplicate-stitch embroidery on a solid stockinette square to avoid complicated colorwork.
- Stitching choices: Mesh body uses a simple 3-stitch mesh repeat that is easy to remember and works well in the round: (k1, yo, k2tog) — a 3-stitch repeat that keeps stitch counts constant. Patches are 4" (10 cm) squares in either stockinette (for a smooth surface suited to embroidery) or garter (textured). Handles are reinforced knit straps, folded and stitched to form a strong, comfortable handle.

2. **Construction Plan**:
- Bottom: Knit a flat circle from the center outward using 9 "wedges" (place 9 markers). Increase rounds add 9 stitches each (one increase per wedge) until the required circumference stitch count is reached. This keeps the increases even and results in a round base.
- Join base to body and work the body in the round in the mesh stitch (k1, yo, k2tog) so the bag stretches for bulky yarn loads (yarn + skeins).
- Knit a firm ribbed or folded hem at the top to stabilize the mouth.
- Make patches separately (stockinette or garter). For star patches, embroider the star on the stockinette surface with duplicate stitch.
- Sew patches onto the outside of the mesh body (appliqué) so the mesh remains intact and stretches between patches. Reinforce patch attachment with whipstitch. Attach handles to the inside of the rim with reinforced stitching; optionally line the bag for extra strength.

3. **Quality Assurance**:
- Potential pain points:
  - Miscounting increases for the base: I use