New Free Pattern—Cable Band Bag
The Cable-Band Bag pattern is up on KnitMonster now. I’ve gotten tons of compliments on my bag, it’s a great bag, elegant, and not too big or too small. I don’t have a lot of experience lining bags, so I ended up winging that part a lot; but I think it’s worth it to line the bag, it’d probably stretch out of shape too much otherwise. Knitting the bag might be a tricky for a beginner, it does require a provisional cast-on, cabling, and then some advanced grafting (grafting both knit and purl stitches rather than just knit). But overall it’s not that hard. In fact I found lining it tougher than knitting it was.
I really tried hard to write the grafting directions well, but PLEASE let me know if you have trouble! I’m always eager to help anyone with any questions or problems, I very much want you to enjoy the patterns and knit them successfully.

I am a beginner. Have only knitted a scarf. LOVE this purse, had to make it.
Your instructions are very clear and I have taught myself a lot of techniques.
I’m having problems on the body of the bag… do I knit in the round? This is probably easy for you but being new I’m not sure what to do. Thanks!
Yes, once you’ve picked up the stitches around the edge of the cable band you’ll knit in the round the rest of the way. Once you’re to that point you’re on the easy part.
Thank you so much. You made me excited about knitting!
Ooo, what a lovely compliment! Let me know if I can do anything else for you.