Mr. Bingley's Miser's Purse

Self-effacing Jane would never have made Mr. Bingley a miser's purse to attract his romantic attention, as a more forward young lady might have. Once engaged, however, it would have been entirely appropriate for her to knit him a monogrammed purse with their initials on the front and the year of their marriage on the back. With fashionably masculine silver beads, Mr. Bingley's Miser's Purse is typical of a gentleman's miser's purse of the time. The small coin purse was intended to fit in a pocket, averaging between 3½ and 4½ inches long when folded in half. Silver coins were stored in one side and gold in the other. In a dimly lit carriage or shop, having one square and one rounded end simplified finding the correct change.

Finished Size 11" long by 7" circumference.
Yarn Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock (80% superwash Merino wool, 20% nylon; 425 yd (388 m)/4 oz [115 g]): charcoal, 1 skein.
Needles Size 2 (2.75 mm): set of 4 double-pointed (dpn). Steel crochet hook (see Notes). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions Markers (m); waste yarn; tapestry needle; beading needle and sewing thread to string beads; piece of cardboard to make tassel; two ¾" rings; 1000 size 8/ 0 beads.
Gauge 32 sts and 40 rows = 4" in St st.
Originally Published Jane Austen Knits 2015