Gallery

Heather (25 Bags To Knit, Emma King)

Inside, where I added a lining (I sewed the lining with a lightweight interfacing) plus a magnet snap button:

Close-up of the beads and cables:

Close-up of the scalloped edging:

Pattern: “Heather”; 25 Bags To Knit by Emma King, pg. 98
Yarn: Rowan Calmer in Chiffon (light lavendar) #462, 1 skein; Rowan Lurex Shimmer in Gleam #336, 1 skein.
Needle: Size 7 straights
Hook: One the larger steel hooks I had (sorry I forgot which size)
Other notions: 84 pale pink beads

Pattern Notes:

Pattern
You know, I purchased this book around the time I was just starting to knit. This was the handbag I first fell in love with, but was dismayed at the fact that it was too advanced for me (I didn’t know how to do cables, beading, crochet). Over a year later, now I can say that it was SUCH a simple knit! The only thing I changed was the crochet scallop at the top edging - the pattern calls for a single crochet, but I didn’t like how that looked. I did a double crochet instead (it gave it a more finished look).

Yarn
I see how Calmer is so popular. It’s soft, elastic, and is wonderful to knit with. I’m not quite sure how it works for a bag though - as it is pretty elastic and stretchy. The color that this pattern calls for (the Chiffon) is discontinued, but I was able to land the 2 skeins required for it. But I didn’t need 2 skeins that the pattern said I needed - I only used 1 skein.

Sewing
I used Pellon Fusible 911 (for lightweight fabrics) interfacing with my lining, and it worked perfect - the interfacing gave the bag more of a sturdy shape, especially given the yarn’s soft and stretchy characteristics.

Related Links:
Knitting Superstitions
Summer Handbags, Part 1