Classy Sweater Bag

A friend gave three sweater dresses to me to give away but that person didn't want them so I decided to make a nice dressy bag from one and see how it went. I made it for a gift for a daughter and she loved it. It was also a hit with the young adult grandduaghters so maybe I will find time to make more. I added a zipper pocket and key loop with a D ring on it for keys. It is large enought to carry a couple of binders and a book or two. I don't think I would elect to fill it that heavy but the teenages want it for a school bag. It would be good for that especially in a denim or other heavy fabric. The simple pattern isn't hard but the sweater fabric is not for young beginners. After I cut the pattern out of the sweater I did a straight stitch all the way around it so that it would not stretch. When I sewed the purse together I surged the edges of the seams for further stabilization. It is lined with a beautiful polyester taffeta like skirt lining fabric with a design on it. The button closure on the top will keep it from gaping open and gives it a finished look.