Since I am selling a number of them to the resort, I said I would sell them for about $25.00- $30.00, depending on the size. Normally, I sell the purses/totes (like Bow Tucks etc) for $40.00.

I am going back April 22nd, so need to make 6-8 more for the resort, and I have 6 to make for some ladies in the office next to the cafe (which I sent photos of ones I already made for styles, and they told me the colors they want and the style), so I have to make those too. The rest I already have made and NOT given away or sold (there are 23) I will take and set up a rack in the cafe to sell. I also have been asked to bring them into a boutique there to see if they want to buy some and sell them in their shop. Anyway, I will then bring any home that did not sell there, and continue making them and hopefully, find a craft fair and try to sell them. THEN, I want to get back to my quilts projects that are patiently waiting for my attention! I hope I don't burn out on making these purses/totes until I get all make that I need to!
Oh, and I used Pellon 987 Fusible fleece on both the outside fabric and the lining this time on both those totes for the resort. The stiff base I put in matching fabric, but it comes out for easy packing or washing.

I found some "Coroplast" polypropylene honeycomb board at Home Depot. It is cheap, and I cut it with an old rotary cutter and used blades. Then, I make a slip case in fabric to match the interior of the bag and stitch it in. In theses totes for the resort, I just put them in the bottom over the lining, so it can come out and pack easier and be washed. I make several of my purses with cardboard and fusible fleece and sewed them in under the lining, but now I have to take them all out and re-do them, because if you put anything heavy or load the purse, it bends the cardboard. Funny, that many of the patterns I have call for cardboard. Also, it is very humid in Vanuatu, so the humidity will be absorbed in the cardboard. Anyway, this Coroplast is stiff and plastic, so I don't think it will be a problem

Thanks! I also made a matching tab with a clip on the end and sewed it in so you can clip your keys to it and not have to fumble around trying to find them. The tabs (you can see them hanging from the top on the inside) are long enough so you don't even need to unclip them to open the door if you just hold the bag up. I HATE having to search for my keys!

Actually, that isn't done with a twin needed. I just used my 1/4" foot and eyeballed it to make two rows-plus the topstitching. I tried my walking foot, but something is wrong with it-I get uneven stitches, so I just went back to my 1/4" foot. Thanks for the compliments!

I DO NOT DO ZIPPERS!!! Don't know why, but they scare me-they look confusing! Tahoe tote doesn't have one, but if it did, I would leave it out!! I just use magnetic closures or make a tab and button closing, or make a tab with magnetic closing and a button for decoration (which the larger bag has). It was a very easy pattern, but I skipped the part where they say how to stabilize the bottom-I didn't have the stuff the pattern called for, so I did a separate base to add in after the bag was sewn. I also used a light weight fusible interfacing on the inside pockets, which the pattern doesn't call for. I just like a bit of extra strength on the pockets. I also like to line the handles with fusible to give them a bit more strength.

They are fantastic and so much better quality than the commercially made ones. I like the fish one also especially the sole whale/shark on the top of the inside.

Those are really nice. I'm glad you have a place to sell them.

bag pattern
 

Would you mind telling me what pattern you used for the smaller one? My DIL wants one that looks like a bucket.

Absolutely adorable! Sooo cute! I just attended the Sew Expo in Puyallup, WA and one of the ladies that makes purses has manufactured Soft and Stable. She said people who make purses love it because it's soft, durable and stands up really well. They really held their shape well. It's not stiff but gives that appearance in her totes and purses. Take a look at her website-byannie.com. I was very impressed, I came home and removed my stiff stiffner and from my selvage bag (thanks again to you!) I'm replacing with Soft and Stable. She also said that one of her customer has cut her time down tremendously in her production because you don't have to iron it in! It's really nice, the totes are soft and comfortable and hold their shape really well. I can send you a sample if you would like. Just PM me.

I also use coroplast but I make sure the corragated goes across the bag for more stability. It's good stuff! I wrap all my fabrics on it as well. Since it very sturdy(cocoplast) even if the corragated runs length wise I'm sure it would be fine. I'm just very picky!

Very nice!! I love the one with the fishy inside looking at you. Hehe.

They are very, very. pretty.

What do you use for the batting /stiffening ? They look so polished and crisp looking.
They are made very well.

Very cute bags.

These are fantastic!

I just LOVE the flip flops one especially!! They're both super cute though! You did an awesome job. :)

I love your totes. Sew cute!

Just love your tote bags, the pattern is similar to the Bow Tuck Bag with the ties on the side. Your choise of material is great, I love them both

What lovely bags. Whenever a bag is posted on QB I love them so think I will have to start making some.

Very nice and detailed! Love the insides (and outsides)!

Very nice!

Those are great, Jill! Good fabric choices too.

Leslie

Wow very nicely done I too love the flip flop one as well I will need to find that fabric.

My Grand daughters would LOVE the one with footware!! But for me I'd really love the fishies!! I made a small bag sometime back and the girls said Mom you should make and sell these!! Now that I see yours I can honestly say " HA! HA! HA! Yeah right!!" Yours are awesome and good luck on selling all you make...shouldn't be hard at all!! Thanks for posting and for the encouragement for me to do better!!

Those are great totes. You did a beautiful job!

Nice job they look great!

Very professional looking, nice bags...

With the price of cotton these days and the fact that you say there are about 4 yards of fabric plus the stiffner plus the closure magnet, etc. I think you should rethink what you are charging for them. It would seem that at $25 to $30 that you are selling to your friends, you are actually GIVING THEM AWAY. Is your time and skill worth nothing? Please do not undervalue your work.

Hi Leslie, lets get together again!!

The ones I am selling to my friends for their resort are smaller totes, but still use about 1 1/2 yards plus the extras. So, yes, even though I have bought the fabric on sale, it is still around $5.00-6.00/yard minimum. That one that took nearly 4 yards was a giant week-ender bag, which I really don't want to make again!! Well, maybe for a price----LOL

Very nice! Should sell quickly.

That is what started me making them-seeing all the ones posted on this board!! I fell in love with the Bow Tucks last year, and bookmarked everyone! I had never really made anything except quilts, so I was a bit afraid of not being to understand the directions and messing up (wasting fabric is NOT on my agenda!!), but I didn't have any problems, and have made several Bow Tucks, then got brave enough to branch out into other patterns, as long as there was NO zipper!! Still afraid of those! Anyway, give it a try!