I have admired the gorgeous purses and bags many of you have posted. I have made quilts for several years, but I am not sure I could do a purse. I would like to try one, though. Could you all advise me of an easy on to start on? I am not sure I can do it. It would help if I started with something pretty simple. Thanks in advance.

I feel the same way... looking forward to the responses you get.

Lots of freebies online , you could read through them and see how the directions look. I highly recomend lazy girl designs, not free but very very simple. I have heard amy butlers are difficult. I would look for free patterns and try it with some inexpensive fabrics . If you don't like it you can always cut it up and put it back into a scrappy quilt! Look thorugh the links listed here as well I know some great free links have been posted for purses.

Yes, do a search for free purse patterns. You'll find quite a few. Some are made with fat quarters so they wouldn't be very expensive to try.

I've made many totes and find them fun and easy to make. If you aren't sure on how to go about it, take a class at your LQS. I find them very enjoyable and I learn something new all the time. Kathryn

Lots of good ones here:

http://diybaglover.blogspot.com/

Thanks for the great responses! My LQS is pretty far away. Actually the closest is about an hour and a half drive. I would like to take some classes sometime, however.

I thought there might be a type of purse that is not so hard to start with. I have seen lots of posts on BOW TUCKS. Are they hard to do? I will do some research online and see what I come up with.

Wow! Great site...THANKS!

I have made two bow tuck bags using a pattern called Shelle's Bags. The instructions are clear and well written. I use fleece in my bags and no interfacing. I also quilt them. I put fleece on the lining and quilt it. Once you have made one you will come up with your own likes and dislikes. Good luck and have fun.

My favorite bag is an old Simplicity Pattern and I still use it to make gift totes. I'll post a pic' of some in "Pictures". Some times instruction can be ??? Taking a class will get you started!

I got a picture posted titled totes... hope you find it!

I've made one Bow Tuck, it wasn't too bad but I did get stuck a couple times and needed help. I think there's a tutorial on here for the Bow Tuck. I just completed Charm Party Tote (ps016) by Quilts Illustrated and I thought the directions were a little easeir to understand.

I really like many of the Mc Calls and Simplicity patterns. I pick them up when they are $1 at Joanns. I think they are going to be that over Memorial day weekend. Notice I said THINK - I'm not for sure about that.

The Tulip purse is real easy, and takes only 2 hours, it is neat and will try to get a picture of mine.

Great site - Thank you - ssgramma!!

Don't be so hesitant, they are not as hard as they look. I made the my favorite bag pattern with grommets and did just fine. They look more intimidating than they are. If you can do a quilt, trust me you can do a purse, just go slow if your unsure

They are not as hard as you might think. Find an easy pattern and go for it.

over 100 patterns they say:
http://www.allcrafts.net/sewing/pursesew.htm

If you have an AC Moore craft store near you......The sell kits to make bags and totes. I bought a tote. It is a panel with all the pieces stamped on. Before I cut them out I measured them. It was super easy. I made 12 of them for Christmas presents for the girls at work. If I can figure out how to get a pic on here I will post them.
Linda

If you have an AC Moore craft store near you......The sell kits to make bags and totes. I bought a tote. It is a panel with all the pieces stamped on. Before I cut them out I measured them. It was super easy. I made 12 of them for Christmas presents for the girls at work. If I can figure out how to get a pic on here I will post them.
Linda