Designing and making purses is hard enough so give yourself a bit of help by checking out the review of the Design it Yourself (and someone else sews) handbag sites. Good styles and plenty of inspiration! Also have a few bits about making your own handbags, so get out the big needles and drop the tension for some heavy duty sewing (at least around the straps).
See more at:
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We also need input from real sewers about good patterns and material for all crafty do-it-yourselfers!