Pattern Description from Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting: “Each time I teach my ‘Silver Linings’ purse class, I end up creating a sample during the class to demonstrate the different steps. That way I’m giving my students a ‘hands-on’ example along with my verbal instructions and written handouts. It also means that I now have a huge variety of purses! Every one begins as a simple rectangle of knitting, and this one is the same: A little tuck or fold to form the base, a zipper, and some pretty trim and handles and it becomes an original work of art. The most important detail is the lining; my fused lining technique stabilizes the knitted fabric, making it as practical as it is pretty.”

Skill Level: Easy

Size: One size

Finished Measurements:

• Height: 13 inches
• Width: 16 inches

Materials:

• SouthWest Trading Company Yin (60% Wool / 20% Silk / 20% Bamboo; 165 yd/150m per 50g skein), one skein color #822 (A)
• SouthWest Trading Company Inspiration (50% Alpaca / 50% Soy Silk; 126 yd/115m per 50g skein), one skein Be Real #396 (B)
• SouthWest Trading Company Vegas (67% Wool / 29% Soy Silk / 4% Lurex; 110 yd/100m per 50g skein), one skein Cirque #418 (C)
• SouthWest Trading Company Pure (100% Soy Silk; 165 yd/150m per 50g skein), one skein China Blue 077 (D)
• SouthWest Trading Company Bamboo (100% Bamboo; 275 yd/250m per 100g skein), one skein each: color #521-SAH (E) & Ocean Stripe 154 (H)
• SouthWest Trading Company Love (70% Bamboo / 30% Silk; 99 yd90m per 50g skein), one skein Jack and Sally #248 (F)
• SouthWest Trading Company Yang (60% Wool / 20% Silk / 20% Bamboo with metallic sequins; 60 yd/55m per 50g skein), one skein color #836 (G)
• SouthWest Trading Company Rock (40% Soysilk / 30% Fine Wool / 30% Hemp; 110 yd/100m per 50g skein), one skein Trent #760 (I)
• US #5 (3.75mm) knitting needles
• Crochet hook size F-5 (3.75mm)
• Somerset Designs 24” Suede handles, color Denim
• Somerset Designs Large Tote Bag Bottom, color Denim
• One skein embroidery floss to match suede
• One 1½“ button
• ½ yards cotton fabric
• Two yards x 17”-wide Heatnbond Ultra Hold Iron-on Adhesive
• Iron
• Pins
• Tapestry needle

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows = 4 inch in Stockinette st

Notes: Bag is knit in one piece from side to side. The lining fabric is then fused on to the knitting, seamed, and inserted into a suede tote bottom.