This is definitely the MOST bad-ass thing I’ve ever knit. Check it out:
This was the first pattern in… the history of me knitting that was worth lining. If I was going to do this, I was going to do this right. And oh, how right it turned out! The knitting itself was pretty fun… the pattern grows in a real cool progression, so it’s a really fun knit. I had to re-knit the gusset (after going 1/2 way and realizing that the stitch count was supposed to increase a bit – oops!) and while it’s shorter than the pattern calls for, it’s perfectly functional. And check out the inside…
I love it, love it, love it. I’m going out to dinner tonight and I cannot wait to bring this and get tons of compliments! You’ll notice that this bag has a nice inside… and a zipper…
Yea, I bought a sewing machine. I know, I know, kind of an expensive impulse buy – but I had some extra christmas money and its one of those things that a crafter should have… and it’s the reason why I haven’t done the steeking thing (which is the one remaining knitting technique I haven’t done – that I can think of anyway).
I had some trouble with getting the sewing machine going. I kept getting the bobbin thread stuck. Luckily one of the RAs I work with has LOTS of experience with a sewing machine and since she owed me, she helped me out. I even sewed the zipper to the knit piece! I’m like a sewing fool now 
I know you probably want some more details, but I wanted to give you another photo to drool at.
Pattern: Brea Bag a free pattern from Berroco
Designer: Norah Gaughan
Yarn: 2 hand dyed skeins of Lion Brand Lion Wool
Needles: US 7
Lining: An old skirt that I had from a few years ago
Strap: Thiefed from old Target handbag
Button: From the stash! yay for buttons!
Pattern Mods: The gusset was worked 1 stitch narrower and shorter than the pattern called for
Time: Cast-on Wednesday, Bind off and other finishing done by 4 am last night (yea, I know that was pretty late… I’ll pay for that later, I’m sure).
Want one more photo? OK!
I love it! Great job with the lineing and zipper.
Wow! That’s a great pattern, and you did a wonderful job with it.
Wow, that is gorgeous. I’m so impressed with the finishing, it looks really professional.
Love the brown and the blue together. I’ve never put a zipper in anything! Very impressive.
That is gorgeous, really unique – well done!
This is beautiful! I love the leather strap and button. The blue lining is a nice surprise!
I love it!! What a handsome bag – you will surely get tons of compliments. I love the clever re-use of other items as well, very clever!
That’s pretty awesome. I love the bright blue lining with the brown yarn. Congratulations–its fabulous.
I found your blog via the Shiny group in Flickr. I love this bag. I’ve wanted to make it ever since I saw the pattern but I’m terrified of lining it. Must find myself someone who really knows how to use a sewing machine.
it came out bee-a-u-tee-ful. so so awesome. I love the whole thing… the strap looks awesome too.
Your bag is beautiful. I am jealous about the sewing machine. I sew zips on by hand and steeks that way too. Have fun with it all.
Seriously, that’s gorgeous! You did such a great job with it.
Beautiful! I’m simply jealous
Beautiful bag! The lining takes it up another notch in gorgeousness.
Also, yay for sewing machines! I agree that every knitter should have one, although I only recently got the hang of actually using mine.
That is fantastic!
I am not a bag person. As long as it holds my stuff, I’m good. But that bag is beautiful! (Way more so than the one on the pattern!) I am totally going to make one (when I finish the hundreds of other things I have set for myself!)
Such a cute bag! I kinda want one now.
But it will have to wait until I knit my swiffer!
you. are. AMAZING.
love the bag!
love you!
can’t wait to see you workin’ the fab tote next time i visit blooms.
xoxo,
lauren
I love it, love it, love it too! Fab finishing too!
Had to delurk to say that bag is totally gorgeous! And totally badass/fancy with the zipper and lining! Great colors, great yarn, great everything. Totally inspiring!
That’s awesome. I’ve had a sewing machine for months now, but I would never have the guts to put it near my knitting!
Love, love, love…
Love the pattern… love the colour… and love… yeah, just love it!!! 
Need it, or? 
Hugs from Sweden – and just now on my way to find the pattern… … …
really beautiful!