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Applique Wearables

A New Bag

Nothing puts a little kick in your step quite like a new handbag – especially when you make it yourself. Once or twice a year, I like to dip into my fabric stash and see what I can use to create a new bag. I gather some materials I’ve been hoarding, I mean saving, and see if they would work together. Handbag Supplies - Eileen Roche

I knew I wanted to make another grommet bag from Handbags 2 Designer Knockoffs. I really like the grommets but I also like ready-made straps. It seems the best ones, (right length, width and material -microfiber) come with a ring attached at the end. Grommets for handbag

The ring doesn’t work with the grommets but I wasn’t going to let the closed ring stop me, I have a seam ripper! So I released the stitches from each end and unbraided the strap. It left me with two slits on each end. Hmmm…I placed them on my cutting table for a few days in the hope a good idea would pop into my head.

Modified purse strap

Once my materials are gathered, I take my time and work on the bag over several days (ok, maybe weeks!). This gives me time to think the process through, make some subtle design changes, overcome any challenges and enjoy the whole process.

I start by measuring the bag I’m currently favoring and decide if I want to duplicate that size or make adjustments. I’ve learned through the years, the larger my bag, the more stuff I pack in there. So reducing the space is a good idea for me, less clutter, less bulk, less weight. I decided my new bag would be a bit shorter than my current favorite. Then I cut and interface my outer fabric.

Next, I prepare my four corner appliques by hooping just the faux suede and stitching the Corner App design from Handbags 2 Designer Knockoffs. Then I stash my pre-cut applique pieces in a plastic baggie to keep them safe. While I was stitching the appliques, I turned my attention to the straps.

I was concerned about trimming the straps above the slits as this would make the straps too short. So, I decided to just stitch them closed.

Stitching straps closed

It looked so pretty that I stitched from end to end to make it a decorative detail. I used the triple zigzag stitch on my BERNINA 830. It’s normally a functional stitch but looks great on this strap!

Triple zigzag stitch

On Monday, I’ll show you some speed techniques for embroidering the corners and grommets.

Here’s your assignment this week: Leave a comment below about what size bag you prefer. Small, medium, large or jumbo-jet size? One comment will be chosen to receive a copy of Handbags 2 Designer Knockoffs by Eileen Roche and Nancy Zieman.Handbags 2 - Designer Knockoffs
The winner of last week’s assignment :Sewing Spoolie invites you to win a Slimline box of fabulous thread along with the pre-digitized designs to make all seven of the Spoolies in Sulky’s Collection #1. These popular sewing-themed designs, from the imagination of Joyce Drexler, are as fun as they are creative. And if you’ve ever tried to keep your stabilizers organized, you’re going to love Sue Hausmann’s bonus project included with the package. The whole package is a retail value of nearly $150 including 22 – 250 yd. spools of Sulky 40 wt. Rayon Thread, a 475 yd. spool of Bobbin Thread, and a CD with the seven Spoolie designs and bonus project. If you win, it’s all yours from Sulky. Now, go Express Yourself! Leave a comment below on where you would embroider a Spoolie to be entered!blog adAnd the winner is… Karen P – “Oh my gosh!! These are so cute!!! I would stitch them onto a bunch of tote bags that I have that I use for various different things, one is my Quilt Guild bag, one is my Crochet project bag, another has hand embroidery squares that I bring with me while waiting at various appointments, and so on. Plus, how could I resist putting a few of them on a sweatshirt or two!!! Ohhh I hope I won this one!!”

 

 

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181 COMMENTS

  • Sallie Sirhal

    I’m chanelling Goldilocks on this one “not too big…and not too small”…I’d go for the medium bag! These are great! Would love to make one for my sister (and myself of course!)

    • Donna Swanson

      I like a medium size. I also recycle handles and straps from ready made. Since I don’t know the size of the ring or grommet, maybe you could put the ring thru the hole before you put on the grommet. I have done this. I have made many of the handbags from the original book, have been wanting this one but finances won’t allow it at this time, so maybe I will win this one.

    • Karen

      I like a medium size bag as long as it fits my iPad…..

  • Cynthia S

    I’d like to carry a small, but need the jumbo jet for all of my junk!

  • Angela Bright

    I make medium bags, they need to be large enough to carry my tablet. It has all my projects on it that I need to buy fabric for on it.

  • Cindy

    I would like to see a medium bag made

  • Joyce Fike

    I would like the medium bag. I don’t want to throw my shoulder out!!!!

  • Janet walsh

    Would like the medium also.

  • Sherrie

    I like the largest size possible as I am always lugging craft supplies as well as needful identification.

  • Dinah

    I like a large bag…my husband occasionally has things he wants me to keep track of for him and with a large bag I have the space!

  • Betty Woerner

    A medium size bag with plenty of pockets inside to hold my cell phone, medicine bottle, keys, etc. and room for a medium size pad of paper for making notes.

  • Polly

    I would probably make the medium bag. Large enough to carry my tablet but not so big I’m tempted to try to carry around the kitchen sink.

  • Hilary McDaniel

    I like medium bags w/crossover straps. My shoulders must be too round as straps always slide off. Very aggravating. I don’t like “handbag” short straps. Very grandma looking and I’m a grandma.
    BTW, LOVE your Craftsy class.

  • Belinda Germain

    This looks like a great project! I love a good handbag but tend to carry one until it completely wears out. I would love to make a few favorites to update myself! These look like the perfect designs to do just that.

  • Kristine Alvarez

    Where is the picture of the finished bag???

    • eileenroche
      AUTHOR

      Stay tuned…

  • Ann Mitcham

    If I have a large purse then I’ll have a hissy fit because its too heavy and hurts my shoulder , so then I’ll go to the smaller one and then I’ll cry because I can’t get all my stuff in it ,So what’s a girl to do? She’ll get the medium one and that’s just the most perfect one .Well! so glad we got that one figured out .

  • Nancy Barger

    Always need a new purse. Make mine medium to large meas I put to much in it.

  • I love these Designer Bags and have made quite an assortment. I am hoping that in Volume 3, you work out something for a single strap hobo bag or a single strap cross body bag. I like medium bags with lots of pockets, zips shut and of course, one long strap.

    • eileenroche
      AUTHOR

      Volume 3? We better get started!

  • Julie Barkley

    I like a medium sized purse to carry my normal everyday stuff as well as my sewing/embroidery thread, needles, fabric, etc…

  • Becky Caskey

    Med to large is always good:)

  • Diane W

    Small. I don’t like carrying lots of weight and never put it on my shoulder.

  • Dee

    I prefer small, but alas, age now requires toting glasses everywhere, so medium is minimum.

  • Linda

    I love the jumbo size so when I go visit grandbabies I can carry lots of surprises and goodies!

  • Ginger

    I would love to have the Designer Handbags 2! I have already made the Designer Handbag of the first designs you had out! I go with the Medium to Large bags! I like lots of pockets in them, because I usually carry my life in my bag! I like the grommets with the new Designer Handbags 2!They really add an attractive look to the bags! Really hope I win this one, big time! Thanks for great designs!
    Ginger

  • Kathryn

    I like a relatively small bag, but with enough front-to-back depth to hold my purse organizer, rebook, reading glasses, and keys.

  • Teresa Wicker

    Cant wait for the next step

  • Karen Newman

    I would like the medium bag it would be just right for my tech items.
    Thank you for sharing

  • Fay Engel

    I prefer medium size bags. I’m only 5’1″. I tried small bags, but hard to fit even the necessities. And big bags are too big for my size

  • Sandra Plake

    I would have to have the medium bag. It would have to fit in my locker at work, but also hold every thing I can’t live without every day.lol I watched the episodes on Sewing with Nancy and loved what you made. They are awesome, would love to be able to make for myself and family and friends.

  • Barbara Stickle

    I would probably make the medium size first since that is the size I would use the most often. I’m sure I would end up making all sizes.

  • Gladys Stanley

    Large – I have a set of gromets and don’t know what to do with….Perfect opportunity

  • Nina Stewart

    How about one of each size? I love handbags!

  • Sherrie Schoening

    I like medium size 10″ x 12″ with straps long enough to slip over my shoulder and hug under my arm. A zipper on top is important. I have one with Velcro that allows me to change the look quickly (read embroidery)!

  • Nancy Drake

    I like small to medium bags as large ones are too heavy on my shoulders and back. If I need more “stuff” then I add a tote for the car. The designer bags are COOL!

  • Jeane Janesek

    I prefer a small bag, much easier to carry.

  • Jan Verdoorn

    I say medium! It’s perfect for my ‘stuff’ & my electronics. I would just fill up a big one & it would be too heavy!

  • Deb Caley

    I really like BIG. I carry a lot of things in my purse. Tablet, Cell Phone, wallet, etc. Also my boyfriend always puts his glasses and wallet in my purse when we go out or he fills it up when we go on vacation with maps, water bottle and brochures. I don’t know what he would do if I started carrying a smaller purse.

  • Lorri Duff

    Large bags kill my shoulders, small bags just don’t seem to have enough room for all of the ‘stuff’ (junk( I THINK I nee to have with me all the time. Sooooo–medium it is:)

  • Kathy

    I like a large bag, but have to agree that the bigger the bag the more I carry around. Item on my to do list-clean out my purse!!

  • Lori E

    I’m definately a small bag person ~ only like to carry the essentials

  • Linda W

    I’m only 5’1″ so a small to medium bag is best for me.

  • Janet Golay

    I personally like all size; depends on what my need is at the moment. For everyday use, I prefer the smaller, but I like a larger bag for going back and forth to sewing/quilting/machine embroidery events and a medium size for traveling to hold iPad, travel documents, etc.

  • Marthie

    I am at an age now where a large bag is just big enough for me!!!!!Enough space for all my essentials

  • Sally Richards

    I am a medium bag woman. Not to big to look like a small suitcase and not to small which I need to carry a wallet, with credit cards, car keys and of course my phone for purchasing items on my favorite web site Designs in Machine Embŗoidery! Love it!

  • sue cleek

    I’d love a large ss in living large!

  • Bernie

    I like a medium size crossbody.

  • Beth R

    I prefer a small bag – keep just the essentials around, leave the junk in my desk at home!

  • Frances Powell

    I carry a medium bag. If I carry a big bag, it gets too heavy because I put more things in it than I need.

  • Brenda M

    I would like the medium size bag.

  • Cheryl

    I would like the medium size bag because if it is too big, I carry too much stuff! Can’t wait to see your finished bag.

  • Mary Haggenmaker

    If there is such thing as a medium/large that would be for me. I use a cane so I have to make it over the shoulders..strap goes on the right and bulky part goes on the left. This way I can open doors etc. Just started getting into possibilities of what I can do with pockets and zippers.

  • Lydia

    Large to extra-large bag. I use these for travel to workshops.

  • Karen Sherwood

    I like all sizes of handbags. Different occasions call for different sizes, so I make them all and love each new one!

  • Donna Schell

    I carry a small cross-body three zipper bag so that my hands are free for shopping!

  • BobbieannG

    I’d love to have the medium then make the other sizes later. They are just too precious. I’m short so the medium will do just fine. I just cleaned out my closet of all the bags that I don’t use any more. Many of them were like new. I donated them to a club that helps women get on their feet to find jobs. I also have a stash for next years purse donation. I’ve been looking at these patterns since they came out & it was hard to decide which one so I’ll end of making them all, but in due time. ggg

  • jomimms

    Medium, medium, medium please. I really wished I knew how to carry a small handbag, however, there are just too many things I must carry everyday that I simply cannot do without! I had to stop carrying the kitchen sink a while ago — murder on the shoulders! So, I have disciplined myself down to a size ‘medium’.

  • Sue Winnie

    I normally like the larger bags since I carry my ipad and lunch to work, but I’d like to try the small one for my sons upcoming wedding!

  • CINDY

    I carry a small bag. Have given up the large bag because carrying everything was hurting by shoulder.

  • Donna G.

    A medium one for eveyday use, but I also have small ones and an extra large one that I put to use for special occasions.

  • Bobbi White

    Def a medium size bag but one w/pockets to keep things organized (sunglasses, phone, etc.).

  • charlene Hebert

    I love a small purse

  • Bonnie Gray

    I like a medium bag, with at least one pocket on the outside so that I can access my phone quickly. With large bags everything gets lost!!! Definitely need pockets on the inside too to keep things organized.

  • Elizabeth P

    Hmm…I cannot decide! I have the desire to have one of each as each day and event brings different requirements from just the essentials (small bag), for errands (medium) to toting around all my teaching supplies (large). Variety is the spice! Enjoy the zippered pockets for security reasons!

  • Patty Fiske

    small to carry and large to organize for projects, classes and so forth.

  • Pam

    Winter small and summer large so I can stick my iPad, book, hand stitching, etc., for those road trips. If I have a big purse I feel it up. I prefer a small one so things don’t get lost.

  • Carolyn H

    A medium bag with lots of pockets in it.

  • Gayle

    Would love the large for carrying everything that has to go with. But with the crime rate here the small will be perfect to clutch tightly under an arm to try and keep it to myself. So the small it will have to be.

  • Ellen Perry

    Medium size with lots of pockets
    Pick me please
    Ellen

  • Sharon Repici

    I prefer smaller bags, but there are times when a medium bag, or even a large, becomes necessary. I’d love to make the Scalloped bag to use as a tote, wonder if it would be large enough for a small computer? I’ve never done the grommets, looks like a great challenge!

  • Gail Beam

    I love a large shoulder strap bag with lots of zippered pockets, inside and outside of the bag. Pockets on the side are nice too!

  • joyce

    I like a small to medium bag since I have had shoulder surgery .i have found that you.don’t need as much as you think just the essentials! Love to make bags to express my creativity .

  • Judy G

    I prefer a very small bag and for many years have actually used what I call my “wallet on a rope”, which is basically a fat wallet with two zippered sections; one for a nearly obsolete checkbook, the second for credit/debit cards, cash, and interior zippered section for change, and an outside pouch for eye/sun glasses. It has a clip-on shoulder strap that can be removed if I ever should want to toss it into a bag. If you could come up for an in-the-hoop design for one of these, I’d be the first to buy it!

  • Marilyn Copeland

    When planning the size of my next bag, I’d have to determine what its use would be—if it’s for me, then I would choose a medium size, since my aging back is temperamental when I carry something heavy on one side, and I have to load my bag accordingly. However, if the bag is for taking books, toys, goodies, etc, to “play” with my grandchildren, then super sized it is! I love to watch their faces as I take out the fun stuff for that day.

  • Lori Hernandez

    Medium! For every day Because no matter the size of your bag you tend to fill it up. And large gets too heavy.
    Small for vacation. This might sound wrong at first. I used to believe large for vacation was the way to go until spending 3 days out of town with 3 boys and a husband all saying ” can you put this in your purse for me”. Lesson learned, small for vacation.

  • Maga

    I like a small bag – I have shoulder and back trouble so prefer to carry as little as at all possible. I also like the option of carrying in my hand or over the shoulder so handles that will do both.
    Thank you for the possibility to win.

  • veerle

    I would prefer all in one : a big bag for large stuff such as a towel but I would like to add small side bags for an e-reader, an iPad and much more…

  • Juanita Cooper

    2478 Jenes Lane

  • Ellen

    I like a medium bag.

  • Susan Claughton

    I tend to favour purses that area little on the large side and then of course wind up carrying far too much stuff in it! I need to size down but it is hard.

  • Marilyn

    Ditto on the medium. Loved the comment about having too much room and others want to contribute things to be carried!

  • Carol W

    Love that I can make the medium to large bag by just changing up the pattern a bit. Custom is always best!

  • linda

    i like my bags more narrow and deep with shoulder straps. works when i travel, can carry my ereader everywhere if i like.

  • Denise

    One for every occasion! Medium for everyday. Than a small and large for traveling. I keep my small inside my large that has my essentials in it while traveling. I keep the large in my car and take the small out as needed that has my money, credit cards and of course lipstick,balm, gloss whatever and I am good to go 🙂

  • Cindy Hollenbeck

    I am making bags all the time. For myself I like a bag about 15x12x4. I am one of those people that carries everything but the kitchen sink in her bag. I always put a lot of pockets in the bag too. I have always been a purse collector, now I can make them in all different styles and colors. So much fun.

  • Rita Baker

    I like a med. to large purse/bag.

  • R. Edwin

    I hear you on needing to get smaller bags. When my children were young I used to use a combination dipper bag and purse. Each time I get a new purse make it smaller and smaller. I still carry too much stuff with me.

  • Orvalee Roe

    I used to prefer smaller purses/bags but as time went by my purses/bags got larger. I am going to start making smaller ones as well. It’s amazing how much “stuff” is attracted to a larger purse/bag.

  • Diane Cockman

    For me the medium one would be perfect. For my granddaughter the small one and for the daughter and daughter-in-laws the large one would be perfect. I like making bags of all sizes and shapes.

  • Terri

    For so long after my husband died, I felt like I had to carry my entire life in my handbag…resulting in several painful posture issues. Now, I go for small bags only… it truly was a discipline I had to learn. So I prefer and will concentrate my bag making on smaller bags.

  • Gail sabramsky

    I carry a small bag that I can easily use as a crossover or clutch. But I have been craving a bigger bag that I can travel with. That might be my next project.

  • Brenda Melahn

    When I was young, I truly felt “bigger is better” … however, now I am a true follower of simple, simple, simple … a few credit cards, cell phone, and keys — good to go 🙂

  • Nancy Weber

    For me, I would love to make a medium size bag to use as a purse for everyday. But I also would make any of the other sizes for gifts as my family and I are all tote bag crazy! Hugs. Nan W

  • Colleen

    I like the medium in most cases for a handbag. I also like to recycle various items/garments to use in making some of my handbags.

  • Vici Fallin

    I think I would like the medium bag, should hold necessities and still have room for a hand stitch project. I used to love the big ones, but as my mother used to say I was way too short to carry the big bags. She thought my arm was getting longer while I waS IN ART SCHOOL.

  • Joan M

    I would prefer to use a small one, carrying only the bare necessities HOWEVER… I need a larger one to hold a book or magazine that I always carry to read during “down time” . Would love to have easy to understand instructions and a pattern so I could make my own and not be ashamed to carry it in public.

  • Ann H

    I prefer a big bag so I can carry all my “necessities”. Then a small
    bag goes in that with essentials. That way I can just grab the small bag if I am running into the store.

    Ann

  • b tucker

    I must confess that I’ve never made a handbag. I did try a tote once and was intimidated by the whole process. Maybe I should give it another go? If I get up the nerve, I would probably go for a medium size cross over style. I’m inspired by all the posts of ladies who have made bags before!

  • Darlene Graham

    After multiple back surgeries, I go for the smallest I can get away with. If I can find a bag with built in organization for the basics (phone, check book, id, credit and insurance cards, and cash) I will carry that every day until it falls apart!

  • Judith Davis

    I would go for the medium bag for everyday use; but, would have to do the large for travel when I needs lots of ‘stuff’ with me at all times. Love, love, love the grommets!

  • betsy

    I’m with you – the bigger the bag, the more I think I can put inside, the more weight. We are not big people – need to stay in proportion! Great use of the Triple Zig Zag on your BERNINA. Well done 🙂

  • Fran Wiest

    I would love one in each size, small for evenings when all you need are keys and id, and a medium for regular days, and of course a large one for travelling!

  • Ginny G

    I like a small/medium for everyday use – One that will hold my phone, my kindle, and my daily planner! The straps must be long enough for cross body so I can always have hands free to hold my grandchildren’s hands!

  • Crystal

    Similar to you, I need to stay with a small to medium bag so that the “stuff” I pack around doesn’t get out of control. I have to admit that my small bags end up as my wallet sometimes in my large bags, depending on what I’m doing.

  • terry

    I prefer the medium to small. I too have a habit of carrying more if the bag is larger. My neck, back and shoulders tell me if the bag is too large!

  • Diane Bowman

    I prefer a medium to large size bag. I really like grommets on a bag. Bag making is one of my favorite go to projects! They are quick, you can use just about any type of fabric, and they are fun to showcase embroidery designs on. My daughter has been living at home since graduating from CMU last year, and she has become addicted to bag making also!

  • Patty

    I like medium sized bags for everyday. I always carry my kindle for reading so that’s how I judge how big to make it. I like really big bags to carry my crochet/knitting stuff in to my weekly group though.

  • Vicki Allen

    I like the medium sized bag for my kindle.

  • Sandy P

    I would have to say Jumbo, I have all ways carried around the kitchen sink and now walk with a lip BUT if I am out and about and you need something you can pretty well depend on me to have it.
    Would love to win this book, I have been looking for a new bag but can’t seem to find one that fits me and know I need to make my own.

  • Patty

    I guess I would have to say medium to large. I just love them all

  • Valerie Gwara

    I like small bags. As you said, the bigger the bag the more you stuff in it.

  • Nancy Owens

    I prefer medium handbags, but it depends on the configuration as I have a couple of medical items that I must carrying, so I have to make sure they fit and still leave space. The Giant bags the girls are carrying remind me too much of my many years of dragging diaper bags everywhere!

  • Patty Schrock

    I would probably start with the medium size bag just to see how it is to carry and then go up a size or down a size depending on the fit!! Love the designs!

  • Carmen D'Amico

    I like a small bag but usually carry a medium size with shoulder straps. Also like unusual colors.

  • Donna Austin

    I like the jumbo jet size. I need one to fit all the crap I carry around with me for myself, the grandkids, and the people I meet who don’t have things like: pens, paper, aspirin, gum, lotion, paper, etc. I even have little stuffed animals that I buy from the thrift store to give to babies (who doesn’t LOVE babies?!)

  • Donna Bear

    I like a small to medium size bag with shoulder straps.

  • Gwynn McKenzie

    I normally try to get away from hand bags and carry a wallet only. However, I’ve fallen in love with these grommet bags and would love to make some for gifts and me. Medium is my preference in a bag. My daughters accuse me of having a dark hole that eats their hands. Hopefully this bag won’t eat anything!

  • Rita Thrasher

    A medium bag would be my bag of choice cuz I have a husband who’s always saying
    “Here, put this in your purse for me” !!
    and I could say “But I don’t have room!” 🙂

  • Karen

    I use a medium size most of the time lined with pockets and a center zip pocket. Would love to win this set.

  • Karla

    I like a bag that is big enough to hold my wallet, make up case and my tablet. Oh and a spot for my phone as not all my slacks have pockets. I love making purses and in cleaning out a closet found faux suede I had gotten for a purse, and then discovered some silk fabric that would work for lining. Oh, as for the size, I carry word search puzzle books in my purse, so guess it needs to be between medium and large.!

  • Dell Martinez

    I would make them in all sizes! I love side pockets inside and out. The small ones carry just a few cards (plastic, of course) and my glasses. The bigger ones can hold my e-reader and a bottle of water. The really big uns carry a change of undies and a nighty for overnight with my quilting buddies. The right bag does it all.

  • Phyllis Marshall

    I like med and large depending on what I have to do or where I am going.

  • Danie duchesne

    I like medium size bag with lots of pocket on the outside for my phone, my glasses, my debit/credit card, keys. I also orefer bags that are not to deep as it is harder to find the one item you are looking for as it always end up at the bottom. I hate searching stuff in my purse!

  • Debi Patrick

    Oh my gosh, I so need the big one with all the things I lug to and from work. I am always about to drop something as I figure how to juggle what so I can scan my badge to get in.

  • Teresa

    Love your blog – thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
    Medium bag is very handy for me – love zippered pockets.

  • Hilary

    Jumbo! As my husband says – I carry a disassembled Sherman tank in my bag.;)

  • Wendy Moore

    I love oversized bags for travel, but for everyday use I carry a medium sized bag and I love interior pockets to keep my phone & lipstick and other must haves organized and easy to locate. I just started using a carabiner to clip my keys onto the ring of my straps. It’s all about function, but I still enjoy a stylish bag to compliment my attire!

  • Karen Poole

    I absolutly Love these templates!! I love what you did with the straps!! I actually have purchased this set along with fabrics to make several bags!! They are SO pretty!

  • eileen costello

    I need a large bag since i must carry my husbands medication whenever we go out. i love the idea of being able to make my own. hopefully i will get over my fear and try to make 1.

  • Nina Mohss

    I do need the bigest bag avaliable as I need to carrie most of my office around. Computer, papers etc. But I still want a stylish bag that looks good and are nice to carrie around.
    Sorry for my spelling. I live in Sweden and work as a special educator for visulay impaird pupils.

  • Laura Odenthal

    I prefer the large bags as I carry a TON of stuff each day to work (don’t ask me why). Usually, I have more than one bag!

  • Fonda

    I would make a medium size bag..I love the designs you have included with this bag.. I hope I win, but if I don’t I must buy.. I love making handbags. But I have yet to maake on with embroidery machine. I love the little purse labels. Good luck everyone. But I do hope it is me…

  • Betsy Gunter

    I’d love making a medium-size bag for everyday use with inside pockets specifically for cell phone, glasses and one to fit my small Kindle when going to appointments or shopping with a friend, since you never know when you’ll have to wait. I would decorate with embroidery.

    I’d love a large bag to carry dance shoes and socks, etc. to line dance classes. I have a neat line dance applique for the outside.

  • Audre Gaer

    I like to carry a small bag but it must be cross body. I use a cane so it is nice to have one hand free. As for size–if it doesn’t fit in my bag I don’t take it. That requires thoughtful editing of the contents. If only my sewing room received the same thoughtful editing!

  • Estelle

    I ‘d like to carry a small bag but need room for iPad, glasses case, cell phone, wallet, keys, coupons, chapstick, tissues, pen or two, etc, so medium-large it is. With lots of pockets and a lighter colored lining so I am not searching for things in a black hole.

  • Linda Burwick

    I like carrying a smaller handbag, but my “essentials” are more than they used to be – cell phone; wallet; and a small 4×6 zip bag to hold lipsticks and lipbalm, pens, pain relievers, antibacterial wipes, etc; sunglasses and my Kindle (which goes with me everywhere), so I choose medium shoulder bags most of the time. Your handbag patterns look like something I would like.

  • LeAnne L

    I prefer a medium bag. If it’s too small and I can’t get my essentials in it, but if it’s too big it becomes a bottomless pit.

  • Berenice

    These days the jumbo jet bag only goes from the house to the car. My wallet has a long strap so I don’t have to lug all the “stuff” I have to have with us.

  • Dorene Locke

    I prefer. a. Small bag/tote with some kind of a hook on the strap, I am. Always. Forgetting. My bag so I need to attach it to me.

  • JoAnn D.

    I continue to down size my handbag and it’s contents. Currently I would purchase or make a Medium-Small bag. I cringe when I see the mega-bags my daughters carry. (ages 33 and 35)). I’d need wheels for a bag this large and heavy.

  • Linda Dawson

    After much thought I will take the large bag. It will go nicely to workshops and classes, hold my Android pad and I can make the small clutch which will also go into the large bag and can be used once I arrive at the workshop or class.

  • Joanie

    Hi, I love both of your designer handbags programs. I would love to make a large bag. I find the medium is just a tiny bit too small for all my stuff, so a large bag would probably work just fine.

  • Carolyn Linnemeier

    It’s a medium bag for me! Long gone are the days of toting everything that I own in my bag. I am streamlining everything in my life including me. {: In my minds-eye, I can see it now! It is a lovely, medium size bag. It will be perfect to use with the new toned down, purple coat that I have on the cutting table now. Rich, distinctive, embroidery will give it the one of a kind look that everyone can drool over. When they ask, where did I get it? I will reply, sorry it is one of a kind. There are no more! ;}

  • Robyn

    I would like the medium bag! Just enough room for what I need…won’t hurt my back/neck/shoulders like bigger bags do…well, not really to bag…me, having the room to keep stuffing it full of fun!

  • Pat Oishi

    I like a medium-sized bag. It needs to be big enough to carry the essentials, but not so big that I stuff it to the gills with all I own!

  • Linda Hassett

    I prefer a small to medium bag to keep me from carrying too much stuff so it doesn’t get too heavy. I like lots of pockets with zippers and without so I can be organize. I like to put embroidery designs on the outsides to add that one of a kind look!

  • Emma

    I love small bags as I’m only diddy myself!!!

  • Phyllis Sheppard

    No bag is the wrong size…I love them all, small, medium and large. Never have too many bags!

  • susan

    I’d have to say a medium bag suits me. I’ve taken to bringing my Kindle (it’s in a nice hard case) with me everywhere so I need a bag tall and wide enough for it plus a wallet, sunglasses, phone and a couple of other essentials. I also don’t like a big bag because I feel everything gets lost in the “bottomless pit”. I’ve been very interested in this process since I saw it demoed on Sewing With Nancy. The bags are beautiful and a great size!

  • Pat

    I prefer a backpack for my handbag because it is kinder to my back.
    Discovered this one craft show when I borrowed my youngest child’s school bag for my day at the show with lots of walking.
    I was back pain free after a day of heavy craft shopping and looking and learning. Went out and bought myself one as the son wanted his school bag back. (That son is 34 next week!)
    I would make the smallest bag with a clutch and make sure that I could fit in them into my backpack for lunch time shopping when I am at work.

  • Janet Barnett

    I’d be overpowered by a large bag since I’m only 5 foot tall, so I’d make a medium one for carrying around when I’m just out and about. But I’d definitely pamper myself with a large bag, or even a jumbo-jet bag for books, magazines and my Nook tablet for days I am waiting in the car while my husband sees his doctors. Those are the days I set aside for reading my embroidery and quilting books and magazines!

  • JudiC

    I use a medium size bag with lots of interior & exterior pockets & an extra long strap to crossover if needed. I would love to be able to make my own instead of spending hours at a store trying to find the perfect bag.

  • Vicki Becker

    Medium – I’m like you – I overload if it’s too big, and it has to have two straps that fit over my shoulder comfortably.

  • Annette

    I use 2 bags – a large one to hold a water bottle,my small bag and all the other stuff we need to have with us, but don’t necessarily need to carry around because it’s TOO HEAVY. So the big bag stays in the car and I just carry my “run into the store quick” bag with the bear necessities.. If you are like me, you have a ton of cards and stuff you only need once in a while, so they are there in the big bag for when you need them.

  • Susan

    I like bags of all sizes because you never know what size you will need for a particular trip, project etc.

  • Angie

    Im thinking a large bag would be nice for traveling.

  • janet

    I think I would like the medium size , but I do carry my kitchen sink with me when I go shopping , so maybe the large.

  • Terry Jones

    I would really like to carry a small bag but as my husband says I carry everything in my purse but the kitchen sink so I guess It better be the medium. I have been looking at this pattern for quite sometime. Just can’t justify buying it yet for one bag. Maybe christmas!!!

  • Ruby G. Benn

    I would like a medium. I have been looking at these purses for a long time. Seen them on Sewing with Nancy. I have made a few purses but none like these. Thank you

  • Robin Farley

    As much as I would love to carry a smaller bag, I just cant do it! I had medical device remotes for my pain pump I have to carry, then there’s the usual glasses, sunglasses, and girly stuff, we women tend to tote around. I’m really excited about this new bag!!!!
    Thank you for the opportunity to enter!
    Robin

  • Rosalyn

    I carry a medium size bag. I like lots of pockets on the inside so that I can stay organized.

  • Sarita

    Would like large I always carry to much stuff, but they look adorable, & have never done any. Thanks so much for so much inspiration, & your blog from the bottom of my heart!
    Needless to say I’ve never won anything,

  • Kimmy

    I prefer a small to medium bag. It needs to be big enough for my Kindle and my wallet and a few other things. If it gets too big I put too much in it.

  • Janet Fitzgerald

    I had one years ago I’d just LOVE to duplicate. It was a tote size with a zipper organizer on the front almost as large as the tote, with lots of pockets inside. I used to get lots of compliments on it–still have it but it’s in dire need of repair. Those corners would work really well on this tote! I’m hoping for a miracle–and I win!!! Thank you.

  • Colleen N

    I prefer small bags since I tend to put too much “stuff” in large bags!

  • Barb Habets

    I would love the large bag for carrying my knitting projects, the medium bag for a purse and the small bag for carrying supplies when I go to an embroidery class!! I love them all!!

  • Lorel Maple

    I like a medium bag. If I need to take more, I use an additional tote as most of the time, I don’t need everything on me at one time. I find the small bags looked stuffed if I just throw in one or two things extra. When I find a pattern that contains three sizes, I pull out my favorite fabric and make all three, all at once! Done and Done!

  • Laura Aldridge

    I like a large bag so I can carry my Ipad and all my other stuff I need through out the day. I would love to try these bags love the one with the lace. I think that would make a cute denim bag.

  • Sarita

    I wWould like large I always carry to much stuff, but they look adorable, & have never done any. Thanks so much for so much inspiration, & your blog from the bottom of my heart!

  • Sarita

    It would be very nice to have one of each size, Eileen is wonderful, so creative & talented! They look adorable, & have never done any. Thanks so much for so much inspiration, & your blog from the bottom of my heart!

  • Pam

    I love medium sized purses – anything larger and I start collecting way too much stuff I really don’t need on a regular basis.

  • Bev Hunt

    I like to have bags of all sizes as I like to audition the bag for the occasion. I like the small clutch for evening wear, the smaller bag for cocktail parties, the medium bag as my everyday bag and the larger bag if I know I am going shopping and may have some parcels. Easier to manage. I just love BAGS. P S My daughter loves shoes and I love bags but alas have different styles.
    Thanks for all your hints ans great suggestions.

  • Maria

    Medium bag please! 🙂

    I heart bags.

  • Jackie Furlong

    WOW, I think this purse (in a large size) is the answer to my dilemma (professional appearance vs homemade) and I could.use faux leather and gold grommets. Inside my Briefcase-like purse, I’d tuck away my smaller UFO’s for transit time to and from work.

  • Deanna

    I prefer the large bag. It’ll hold everything I could need.

  • Kathy Schmidt

    I usually prefer a medium size….but I have realized I am a purse hoarder…..especially black bags……I try to change up at least twice a year which one I am using. For travelling I like a small one but mediums and even larger ones for regular use. Would love to be making my own.

  • LizSelby

    I am making purses to raise money to buy a sewing machine for a home that rescues abused and abandoned children in Honduras. I’m looking for a new bag design and this one is perfect. A medium bag is my preference, but I’d love a coordinating small bag to use as a wristlet type to carry my cell phone and credit card when I’m running errands. Love that I can incorporate embroidery in the bag with something other than a monogram…which I love, but enough is enough!

  • Cyndi

    I like large bags

  • Judy Troyer

    I like the Medium size as it is just big enough to get all my necessities in it and a little room to spare so I can easily find everything. I like to take left over thread tail that I collect and make fabric with them and us that as the front pocket and then an embroidery design can be added to it to make it more out standing and the top of it I put a binding on it like a strip of leather works great to make it very stable and it is lined also with a piece of fabric to match the bag lining. I love the little label that can be put inside of these bags to make them even more special.

  • Wende

    I normally would love a large bag, but since my neck surgery I’m thinking a medium is much better ( but it just fit my wallet, my Marjong card and small
    money wallet and of course my I PAD). I just hope all this fits inside, but if not maybe I could adjust the size by twicking a bit. Thank you for the opportunity of winning this great software, I’ve seen Eileen on SEWING WITH NANCY and loved it…………