I'm thinking about making my mom a tote for Christmas but there are SO many patterns, I can't figure out which one to go with. I don't even have a narrowed down list. I'm wanting to make her a fairly simple bag, one that she can load all her music books, Bible and various stuff in for church, but I want it to be pretty too. Anyone have a pattern suggestion for something like that?

For myself I've seen several Amy Butler purse patterns that I thought were really cute but I'm wondering how difficult they typically are. Anyone made a few and could gauge the difficulty level?

all i have made is the charm pack one, it is very easy, great directions.

I really LOVE Pockets a Plenty & Bring your own Bag by Whistlepig Productions!
They are both big & roomy and stylish--with lots of pockets!!
Go to www.wpcreek.com and then go to purses and bags. They are about half way down.
Could not get the link to come up, just copy and paste should get you there!!
They are both easy!

I just started with bags and I love the bow tucks. I made a tote from a Connecting Threads pattern and I loved it on vacation. It held everything.

I love the Bow Tucks Tote ... lots of pockets. You can really get a lot of stuff in there.

I havent made one, but I sure love everyones Bow tucks!

Bow Tucks, or depending on how large the books that she is carrying are, there are bags like the Garden Party Tote here http://www.quiltsillustrated.com/sho...d-Patterns.htm

Go to Henrietta's Handbags, they have a great selection from all designers.

Try this site: http://pursepatterns.com/

They have over 1,000 patterns. You can narrow it down by searching book bags, shopping bags, etc.

Also, if you Google "free shopping bag pattern" it has a few sites.

This site looks quick and easy: http://sewing.about.com/od/bagstotes...grocerybag.htm

Another place with excellent bag pattern selection is Sew Thankful.com I'm getting ready to make a Grids and Grommets bag by Indygo Junction.