Not a Margaret Nicole purse...

[knittinkitty]

I rarely do the fashion mag thing, but I was flipping through the last issue of InStyle (looking for the Sexy List, heh heh) and found an article about the latest big thing, cable knit purses! My, who'da thunk it?  I immediately thought of a beautiful skein of bulky blue handspun I bought in the Smokies last spring and what I could do with it.

A hunt online turned up this pattern. The blogger made the loveliest bag, that looks so much like a $250 designer number I'd be hard pressed to tell 'em apart. Thing was, I don't like HANDbags--I usually have both hands full of other stuff! So I prefer shoulder bags. Not to be denied though, I just adapted her approach, enlarged her pattern, and instead of the 'bangle' handles, I used 2 leather belts for shoulder straps!

The closure is a black pearl button with a deerskin thong loop. It's lined with a blue patchwork fabric. And the heart dangle was made by folks with developmental disabilities, who live at the residential center where I work.



Designer purse price: at least $250. My purse price (if I could even get one that's exactly what I wanted): $15 for yarn, $10 for straps, $8 for button & loop, $2 for lining=$35! (why yes, I am cheap, why do you ask? hehe)

[Just_A_Girl]

Thats awesome! The Margaret Nicole clutch was a big thing on craftster a few months back, but Im def. liking your take on it. I made the clutch and Im lucky it fits my phone and wallet, yours is def. a better for everyday living kinda purse. Great job!

[Jane2]

I really like it!
So much so, that I've bookmarked it. Because although I will only ever dream of making one - I would have your details to guide me. (Just in case.)

I don't like/use handbags either - but I can look at yours and be happy.

[noTORIAus]

It looks so nice!!! I am not a fan of handbags either. I originally made it for a wedding to match my dress-- I've been thinking about making a regular one for everyday... I'm going to try it your way!

I love it! It's so neat to see other people using the pattern I compiled!

And in case anyone wants the cable part pattern it's here: http://spytastic.blogspot.com/2005/07/cable-knit-purse.html

[Sunshine,]

i love how knitted purses are coming into style =) yey i will be instyle for once with my little bag,
That is a REALLY pretty purse.
yea i saw a purse that looked a lot like that..... i think it was at superstore......... ...=)

[knittinkitty]

EEEE, notoriaus is here! (does snoopy dance) So happy you like it! I get such a kick out of showing stuff off to the originator...ask RubyTuesday how loud I squee whenever I post one of her lil crochet critters and she comes to see it. hehe

[vintage/modern]

When I saw the page about cabled handbags in InStyle, I totally ripped it out.  My coworker was like "Why?" and I said, "See this 200 dollar purse?  I'm going to make it for about 10 bucks!"  I don't think he was impressed, but whatever, he's not very bright anyways.  Thanks for the link!

[ScotSkipper402]

I I used 2 leather belts for shoulder straps!

Brilliant!

[mishti]

That's so great!  I'm not a huge fan of cables, but that blue is so beautiful, the button is great, and I admire you for working with people with disabilities - my brother is autistic.  yay all around! 

[useratl]

Wanted you guys to see this $2400.00 Salvatore Ferragamo


http://ferragamo.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod3520005&parentId=cat105&masterId=cat101&cmCat=&index=0&tid=C15

Okay, you GREAT knitters, commence with the imitations!