Here is an elaborate beaded drawstring purse based on the formal reticule purses popular from Jane Austen’s times through the Victorian Era. How does that relate to science? The maze-like colorwork is loosely based on the shape of the Endoplasmic Reticulum, a part of our cells which helps synthesize proteins. (In fact, the pattern name was originally going to be “Endoplasmic Reticule”!) Amazingly, worked in deep blue tones on a pale background, the design also evokes antique Chinese porcelain. A tassel accents the center of the square base. The bag is double-knit in the round. Beads are added with a crochet hook - no pre-stringing is necessary. Two special 5/8” buttons make an elegant clasp.

Yarn Shown: KnitPicks Stroll Tonal, 1 skein each Deep Waters and Pearlescent

Beads: 1000 Seed Beads. Shown: Matsuno Dyna-Mites, size 6/0, color Cobalt Blue with silver lining, 40g, 2 pkgs.

For extra oomph, make it a set with the "Miss Sakamoto" scarf / sash (shown). One skein of each color is plenty for both projects, with almost a third of each skein left over.

EU customers can purchase the pattern through Patternfish.