I love the look of structured vintage handbags, but it’s hard to find them in good condition for a decent price.  This bag is quick to knit and big enough to hold a knitting project and a good book as well as all your daily necessities.  The stitch pattern instructions are  easy to follow by sight after a few rows, and are given both in charted and written form.   This pattern was originally developed for Artfibers' 2007 Design Collection.

12.5" wide by 9" tall by 3.75" wide

MATERIALS:

150 yards bulky weight yarn

size 10.5 US needles

2 bag handles 12” wide with 10” slot (item # FV 20 available at Lacis.com or Lacis in Berkeley, CA)

½ Yard buckrum

 ½ Yard fabric for lining (shown with ticking fabric)

Strong sewing thread (upholstery thread is best), regular sewing thread to match lining fabric, sewing needle

GAUGE: 4" = 11 sts by 16 rows in Steps pattern on size 10.5 needles

Yarn shown above left: Artfibers Scrimshaw (100% cotton; 53 yards/50 grams)

Yarn shown below left: Drops Ice (55% cotton/45% acrylic; 49 yards/50 grams)