If you Gooogle "snap bags" you will find some free patterns. The original pattern is called Snap Happy Bags by Stitchin Sisters.

Thanks to BMP and peaceand joy for the topic and links. I've wanted to try my hand at making a purse but the patterns were more involved (time wise) than I wanted to invest. The idea of using Vera Bradley placemats will make a striking purse with little time invested!

Snap Happy is the name of the purse/bag with the ruler:
http://tatteredgarden.blogspot.com/2...-tutorial.html

that is very pretty.

Great idea and most likely less expensive than the Vera bag

I made the VW purse during the winter of 2010, really liked it, and it went together very easy. I found the top of the purse would fold in on itself, (I made the straps to go down the sides instead of a couple inches in from the sides) so I made a "tube" on the inside of each side at the top, closing one end, and slipping in a chopstick in each tube. Worked for me! BUT, the cost of the placemat and napkin were ok for the first one, but I wanted to make one for my daughters for Christmas the following year. I decided to go to KMart and get matching placemats and napkins....worked for me. They loved them, too.

I made one in a class. Website is [email protected] 3 sizes and easy to make. I made the larger one and
the instructor didn't mention quilting it or anything. However, I can see lots of possibilites for them, like some
"bling", flowers, buttons, lace, etc. Hope to make some for Christmas. Big emphasis on the word "hope"! LOL

I failed to mention that my reply was to the request for the Snap Happy bags. I'm new to the Quilting Board Digest and love it. Can figure out most of the acronyms but not all. I went to the Quilt Board site for the list but it was lacking quite a few. Was helpful, though. I'm learning so much from you folks. Thanks for all the info!

where can I buy these placemats and napkins?? thanks:)

I think I might try to make one for my daughter's birthday in 2 weeks.