My absolutely favorite handbag patterns are from Pink Sand Beach Designs. I really like and have made several of each the London Bag, Barbados bag, Brentwood, and the Little Glam bag. Different sizes and for different uses. Her patterns are easy to find in quilt shops and online.
Her method of installing a zipper to close the bag, is amazingly easy. Not affiliated with the company just love those bags.
http://www.pinksandbeachdesigns.com/