First-Ever Personal Design

 Or at least the first one I'll claim.  We all likely have those failed design projects that we stashed deep in a closet, burned, or worst of all, gifted to a friend.  There are a few scarves and one particularly ill-conceived baby blanket that I'll try never to think of again.

This one, though, actually worked out like a charm.  A friend of mine has been on me to create a small coin purse pattern, specifically one with a clasp.  I'd never done anything like that before, so of course Ravelry helped me find options that were available.

I liked two in particular...Sophie's purse, available here:  http://hookylove.blogspot.com/2009/12/sophies-purse.html and Best Friend, available here: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter05/PATTbestfriend.html

Both of these required one fatal step, however: sewing in a liner. 

I know myself.  I know that I am deeply creative when I'm trying to get out of tedium, and sewing and I have never gotten along.  I went so far as to buy some fabric, but always knew in my heart of hearts that I'd never actually use it.

What to do for those of us who avoid sewing at all costs?  After mulling a few days, I remembered a double-knit blanket pattern I'd seen recently.  I've done no double-knitting in my life, but it seemed like a smart solution.  The reason knit bags need liners is that they sag, and they're holey.  Double-knitting reasonably offered a solution to both.

I did a couple of small test projects just to accustom myself to the technique.  It's a little slow, and requires some thought.  Okay, a lot of thought.  But good kinds of thought.

After a few swatches and more math than I care to admit, I have a finished product I'm totally in love with.

I'm going to try out a couple more variations, then create a pattern to share with others.  I've benefited from so many free patterns, that it's definitely my turn to give something back.