Maggie's Cable Purse

Materials
Lion Brand Cotton Ease [50% cotton, 50% acrylic, 100g, 207yd]
MC: Orangeade (discontinued), two balls
(click here for the new Cotton Ease colors from Lion Brand)

1 set US #8/5.0mm straight needles
cable needle
tapestry needle

Gauge
I'm not sure, and I don't think it matters, as long as your stitches are tight and your fabric is sturdy. You'll be holding two strands of yarn together while you knit, and you want the fabric to be strong.

Pattern Notes
(click any image to make it bigger)

Directions
Using the long tail method, and holding two strands together throughout, cast on 42 stitches.

First Row (WS): Cable set up row. Work bottom row of chart from left to right.

Rows 1-16: Work rows 1-16 of the cable chart. Read odd numbered rows from right to left, and even numbered rows from left to right.

Repeat rows 1-16 three more times (for a total of four repeats). Bind off all stitches.

Finishing
Fold piece in half so that the cast on edge meets the bind off edge. Seam sides, leaving cast on/bind off edges open.

Cut 12 strands of yarn six feet long. Insert all 12 strands halfway through edge A of purse (see diagram).

Holding 8 strands together in three groups, braid strands together until your handle is as long as you'd like it to be and tie it off, making one or two small tassels. Attach top of tassels to edge B and sew securely.

Fill purse with crayons, candy, barrettes, lip gloss, and anything else that would make your favorite little girl happy. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Morgan Higgins
Models: Mrs. Frisk and Maggie

Cable chart and key from Viking Patterns for Knitting by Elsebeth Lavold