Monica Lewinsky sells handbags online

Monica Lewinsky said knitting saved her from going to pieces after her affair with Bill Clinton caused a scandal.

Miss Lewinsky became such a prolific knitter that she is now selling handbags and knitting bags online.

By visiting therealmonicainc.com, fans can order bags made by Miss Lewinsky which feature ethnic designs in a range of colours. Buyers are then invited to send in photographs of themselves clutching their gifts

But these personalised goodies don't come cheap. Most purses range in price from $100 to $200 (that's between £70 and £140), so many visitors will be checking the sale items.

In a message to visitors, Miss Lewinsky said: "Keeping busy and creative was the biggest help in getting through a time of high anxiety and difficulty, and I started by learning to knit.

"Once I survived the frustrating stages of dropping every other stitch, it became a new form of relaxation."

But she said she lacked a fundamental tool - a knitting bag.

"Having always been interested in fashion, I wanted to create something different and special... so I set out to find the perfect bag to carry my yarn. After an exhaustive and unsuccessful search, I decided to put my creative abilities to use and make my own bag.

"Upon its completion, several friends were interested in getting a bag with the label "Made Especially for you by Monica". I began designing bags using beautiful and exquisite materials, and I tried to make unique and artistic combinations."

Anyone hoping for her signature will be disappointed as Miss Lewinsky isn't planning any autograph tours.