*giveaway closed* By request (+Giveaway!)

I was asked to make a tutorial for either bag #2 or #3 in my earlier "Bags" post, so here it is! The bags are very similar, but because of the heavier fabric that I'm using for this bag, I chose bag #3 with the pleating, instead of gathering. I will try to do instructions for both though.
This is a pretty easy bag, but there are lots of steps, so it will probably take a couple of hours.


1) Choose a fabric for the bag, and a coordinating fabric for the liner. Start by cutting out 2 of these shapes on a fold. Each piece should be 6 1/4" on bottom, and 12 1/2" on top when folded. Unfolded, it will be 12 1/2" on the bottom, and 25" on top.
 I'm sorry I don't have a template, but it shouldn't be too hard to freehand!

2) Out of the same fabric, cut three strips that are 6"X27".
*If you are making bag #2, you will need 1 6x27" strip, and 1 6x30" strip.


3) Use your first cut-outs as a template and cut 2 more pieces (on the fold) out of your lining fabric.



4) Unfold the lining pieces and place them right sides together, pin, and sew along the two sides and bottom.



5) Then set your machine to the longest stitch and sew a gathering stitch all the way around the top layer of the lining. You should just have one layer of fabric, because you're not sewing anything together. 
6) Pull the top thread to gather the top of the lining until it is 25" around (12 1/2 lying flat).
*If you are making bag #2, after you have sewn up the sides and bottoms of the lining and bag pieces, you can put the lining inside the bag (wrong sides facing each other) and sew the tops together with the gathering stitch, then pull to gather.


7) Now lay your outer fabric pieces on top of each other, right sides together, pin. and sew sides and bottom just like the lining.

8) Clip your corners and turn the bag right side out.


9) Starting in the middle, fold over the fabric about 1/4"-1/2" to make pleats all the way around the fabric. Make sure they are nice and even, and that the opening is 25" around, 12 1/2" lying flat.


10) Tuck the lining inside the bag, wrong sides facing each other so you see the pretty side of the fabric when you look in the bag. Match the side seams of the bag to the side seams of the lining, and pin.
11) Sew them together with a basting (long) stitch, to hold it together while you are doing the next step....


12) Take all three of your 6x27" strips and fold over the edges, then press with an iron to hold (I had to use pins because I used an upholstery weight fabric). 


 *I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of the most difficult part!*
13) Fold over one of your long strips (width wise) so that it's about 2 1/2 wide and press. Open it up, and pin one edge of the strip (with wrong side facing up) all the way around the top of your bag on the lining side,  and sew on. Fold down the other side of the strip (it should be right side facing up now, and about 2 1/2" wide) and pin it all the way around your bag on the outer side.  Sew all the way around.  *You can also try just sandwiching the bag between the long strip while it's folded, but that's a little more tricky!).

14) When you're finished sewing the strip on, you'll want to fold the ends under each other and sew them together.



15) Your other two strips are going to be your straps. Fold the two sides that you pressed on top of each other, and sew right on top of them, all the way down.


When you get to the ends, fold them under and sew over them as well...


And then sew all the way down the other side, just to give it a finished look.


16) Now you can pin them on the bag, wherever you like.
*For bag #2, sew one side of the strap to each side of the bag, lengthwise.


17) And sew three of the sides of each strap onto the bag, leaving the top unstitched.


18) Hand stitch your buttons to the bottoms of the two front straps.


18) Pin a flower on if you like! I had already made this flower, so I couldn't take pics for a tutorial. But basically what you do is make another strap with the lining fabric and make a gathering stitch along the bottom, gather it, and roll it in the shape of a flower. Then you can hand stitch the bottom of the flower and glue to a safety pin thingy.


19) That's it! You're all done!




By the way....does anyone want this bag?? It came out really nicely, but I already have a bag for fall, so I thought maybe it could be my first giveaway! Just leave your email address in your comment if you do want to enter. Or if you don't feel comfortable leaving your email, you can leave a comment, and email me separately with your address. Thanks!  Have a great day!

Comments

  1. What a pretty bag! I'd love to win it! I want to learn to sew, but I don't have a machine. Besides, I need another hobby like I need another whole in my head, but when I look at the things you make, it certainly gives me the itch to try sewing. Maybe someday...

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  2. Incoming! Totally new Follower leaving a comment. Oh my gosh, your blog is super cute. I love all of your posts so far, they're both eye-opening and depressing. The day I get a sewing machine is probably the day I move out of the house (there's no way I can fit one in my room, and I doubt my parents would agree to one in the first place). But still, looky no touchy is fine, right?

    By the way, I love the fabric that you used as lining in this post. I love bags that surprise you inside.

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  3. I LOVE it! I have been starting to look for something to make for all the ladies on my list this year. We are going to be on a tight Christmas budget, so i am going to be making a lot of gifts. This is what all the ladies will be recieving. Now to start finding fabric. I know with making one for everyone else I won't take the time to make one for me. So, I would LOVE to win this one! lodmellb@yahoo.com
    Beth Lodmell

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  4. It is a beautiful bag! Thanks for the awesome tutorial too; I'll have to add it to my project list! :)

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  5. I've just started following your blog, and I love all of your ideas! I'm in school right now though and can't seem to find time for much of anything. Oh well, I'll just have to save the ideas for later. Would love to win a bag though! tianed21@yahoo.com

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  6. What a lovely bag!! Where did you get the lining fabric- it is so cute! I would love to win- savannah.stone@ccuniversity.edu
    Thanks for all of your great ideas!!

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  7. I got it from my mom a couple of years ago. I'm not sure where she got it! It's a mystery fabric :o) I love it though! It's kind of retro!

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  8. oh my gosh...SO cute! I've been looking for a new bag! Love it!

    Katie Anne Melcher
    katieannemelcher@gmail.com

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  9. I would love to win this bag. I think it is beautiful. I just started reading your blog a week ago and I love it. You make great things that are totally my style! maggie.strebel@gmail.com

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  10. I love it . . . and since I'm NOT a sewer it would be splendid if I won it! Thanks so much!
    Blessings,
    Shana in MN
    kirbyandshana {at} gmail {dot} com

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  11. robynjensen1@comcast.netAugust 25, 2009 at 7:11 PM

    Super cute! You amaze me. Love your blog, you'll have to tell me how to have a blog..

    robynjensen1@comcast.net

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  12. Beautiful! I'd love to win it! I have to admit I had stopped looking at your blog because I was so jealous of your wonderful talent!!! I have been thinking about asking for a sewing machine for Christmas. I did make the cushions for both Julie and Weston's rockers freehand, then had a friend with a machine sew them up. dene@alumni.oc.edu

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  13. That bag is darling. Your tutorial was great! I really enjooy reading your blog. :)

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  14. I would love the bag! I really don't own a bag, just sacks!!!! michellejohnnie@gmail.com

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  15. I love those buttons! And the fabric! And the flower pin! Sewing machines and I have never really gotten along so I would be ecstatic to win such a great bag just in time for fall! What a generous give-away!
    LydiaBridgette[at]gmail{d0t}com

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  16. Such a cute bag and perfect for fall! Thanks for this fun give away!

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  17. I love the bag! It's so cute, and I'm into retro. design. The fabric, buttons, everything is really adorable! I would love to win this prize! It inspires me to sew again. :-)

    jena_akers@yahoo.com

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  18. Oh this bag looks so cute. Are internationals allowed to participate too?

    If so, I would love to participate, the bag is just my color.

    My email: nesaja84(.at.)web(.dot.)de

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  19. I would love to win that bag...I love it!!! Great blog too!

    Lynette

    getyourcrafton.blogspot.com

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  20. Love love love the bag! And your blog - we're now following!

    http://homemademamas.blogspot.com/
    homemademamas@gmail.com

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  21. Good Morning to the other side of the ocean! your bag is just wonderfull! thank you so much for the tutorial, as soon as i get my sewing machine fixed, I'll try it. you have a wonderfull taste in colours and patterns, not just with this bag but all the crafting you share on your blog. Best wishes from Belgium, Julia

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  22. love it! davispluslinda (@) hotmail (dot) com

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  23. I am featuring this on somedaycrafts.blogspot.com Yahoo!

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  24. I love that bag!!! I've been following for a couple weeks now and love it, your sleeping bag was so cute and creative, I'm waiting for a deal on material :) nattiesue2 -at- hotmail -dot- com

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  25. "By the way....does anyone want this bag??" Humm, yes, please! What a wonderful concept! Not only do you freely share your time and talents (by hosting this blog) now someone out there in the world will be able to cherish your creative handy work! Thanks for making the world a better place :)

    ashleystarrfaison@gmail.com

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  26. I LOVE this bag and this blog! You're so creative! cheri@patriotsaints.com

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  27. I love your stuff, friend. Please enter me in the giveaway!

    By the way, in case you haven't heard, you are extremely talented!

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  28. I'd love to win this bag it's gorgeous! And I need a fall bag! lol

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  29. Wow! What a great tutorial! I'll definitely have to try to make it sometime! : )

    I'd love to win it!!
    rebeccajnapier (at) gmail (dot) com

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  30. I'm glad I caught this in time. great job on the bag! anne molino at hotmail dot com! thanks!

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  31. Boy, everyone would want to know where I got it, and I could tell them I WON something! Wouldn't they be jealous?! chiggins@yellvilleweb.com

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  32. You are amazingly talented!! I adore this bag...and I have the perfect pair of shoes to go with it!! *wink*wink* and I just believe that I may have to try my hand at making one!

    KrystanSilva@hotmail.com

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  33. If you will include Canada residents I'll toss my name in the hat. So fun to see your projects and your sis in law's blog. I have several things I want to make now! Found you via My Mama Made It!
    jenni_gary at yahoo dot com

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  34. I LOVE that bag and LLOOVEEE your blog and all of the amazing ideas. Thanks for sharing with all of us. my e-mail. ebishoroye@gmail.com

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  35. Love your blog and love the bag. Please throw my name in the pot.
    Thanks
    Tami
    tntpleiss@futuretk.com

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  36. I've been meaning to make a gathered tote like this for ages, but I think yours is probably nicer than anything I'll come up with!

    please add me to the comp xx
    Jen

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  37. i've looked at your blog a few times lately as it seems to be all over the crafting blogs...nicely done!

    love the bag...LOVE it!! would be thrilled if it were mine. :)

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  38. What a cute bag! You are so talented... and so very generous to offer it in a giveaway, so throw my name in the hat!

    I found you via Craftig :)

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  39. You are very talented- this is a beautiful bag ;-)
    bridgestranslation (at ) yahoo (dot) com

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  40. SO beautiful! my email is hephzibah62 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    :)

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  41. Just came across your blog and what a hot bag! I'm so giving ti a try. And, I play for the giveaway! Love the colors you have choosen! My e-mail adress is ablogette@gmail.com! Crossing my fingers, it is absolutly beautiful!

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  42. What a great blog and what great bags! I am bag-making obsessed! And yay, I heart give-aways too! Count me in... lindsayleach (at) gmail (dot) com.

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  43. I love the bag!! The strap on my favorite bag broke this weekend (after I already fixed it a couple years ago...). This would be a perfect replacement! My email is runner0406 (at) gmail (dot) com.

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  44. L-o-v-e Fall! It's my favorite season. Love your blog and your bag. Here's hoping : )
    pink and green mama MaryLea
    pink.green.98@verizon.net

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  45. So pretty. I spotted this tutorial on Craftig. I'm not sure how mine would turn out so thanks for the chance to win one. I love it!

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  46. Love the bag!!!Great tutorial. my2littleladybug@yahoo.com

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  47. I would love to have this bag to add to my fall outfits! I'll email you my email address.

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  48. Oh yes, please enter me! Great job, fun stuff. gardnerlove@gmail.com

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  49. love the bag! i've been looking to replace mine too! hope i get it! mo_ad_inc@comcast.net

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  50. I would love to have this bag to go along with my collection of purses that I have, a girl can never have too many bags. I have looked at all your post and loved them all. I will have to try out some of the clothing for my niece. She is such a fashionista, I think she gets it from me, LOL. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing some more of your post. I have you bookmarked. My email is s-a-w-m@gmx.com. Lots of love!

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  51. I love that bag!
    The fabrics you chose are wonderful for fall.
    Thank you for the brilliant tutorial.

    hugs,
    Heidi
    heidig@gmail.com

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  52. dang your talented!! I'd love to show off this bag for all seasons...thanks for the chance :)

    peters.ab0124(at)gmail.com

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  53. Lots of thanks for the tutorial, I'll be definitely making one, but probably in a floral motif, since here in Chile we are waiting for Spring! But, stiil, I would love your autumn bag!
    mmimica@maimonides.cl

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  54. I think it's a great bag, I love the lining choice! fieryone4@hotmail.com

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  55. What a great bag! I am going to have to give it a try! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  56. Thank you for the tute! I love your blog! I found it through happy together and have been following ever since! (:

    Here is my email is jlillback@gmail.com

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  57. Cute bag. I'd love to win it, and if I don't win, I'll just have to make one. :)

    tlnovak[at]mlnovak[dot]com

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  58. Oh, Dis! It's another amazing creation. I love it! And I'd love to win it too. =] Hope you're doing well! ~A

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  59. Thanks for taking the time to put together a tutorial for your bags.

    txkukana64@yahoo.com

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  60. I want it! I found your blog on craft gossip.. cute bag!

    BethyBarnette@gmail.com

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  61. I love, Love, LOVE that bag! Please enter me in the giveaway.

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  62. Love the bag and thanks so much for sharing your tutorial! If it's not too late, please enter me in the giveaway - thanks!

    Edina
    edina_tien@yahoo.com

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  63. That bag is great! I am going to add it to my list of things to make. Or, if I'm lucky enough I'll win that one!

    Thanks for sharing.

    hdohrn77@hotmail.com

    Heather

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  64. Great bag! Thanks for the tutorial!

    {You can contact me through my Blogger profile if I should happen to win.}

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  65. Thanks for the giveaway count me in
    Msemilykay25@comcast.net

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  66. Super cute. LOVE the tutorial. I am going to try it tonight. I have been looking for a bag tutorial like this.
    Anyway, count me in!
    cassieeagar@hotmail

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  67. Loving the tutorial! It's a good looking bag and I think even I might be able to have a shot at making one - thanks for sharing!

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  68. I love your bag, and was just saying to myself that the one I've been toting has seen better days. The tute is great too.

    I would love to win your giveaway!
    nodoubtrxs@hotmail.com

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  69. Well yes, I would love to have that bag! You do really nice work!
    katiekarr at gmail dot com

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  70. Giveaway? I'm in. I first came across your bags by going to Paige's site. You do lovely work - and they're very unique. My email address is: rebekahfurubotten@gmail.com.

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  71. The bag is gorgeous! I want to get out and buy some fabric and attempt to make my own. Attempt being the key word there! LOL

    Great fall bag. Love the mystery fabric bit too. Totally in for the giveaway. :)

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  72. What a great bag! Fingers crossed! If not, then I'll just have to try to make one :)

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  73. Gosh, I hope I win this...I think I'd probably mess it up if I try to make it!

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  74. wow hope i win, gorgeous bag! email is princessjess3(at)yahoo.com

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  75. amanda.kana.lo@live.ca ♥

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  76. What a great bag! Thanks for the tutorial and giveaway.
    alusco@centurytel.net

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  77. adorable bag. tonia.k.ox@gmail.com

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  78. Hi Disney..I just wanted to sew a tote today and came to ur blog while searching..
    I must say..that u r doing really a great n fabulous job, by posting up the tutorials..

    I even gone thru the rest of ur posts, and u r truly great.. :) Guess what..I even tried out ur Bow now..and it came out pretty well. Im going to post it in my blog, linking up to ur blog..hope u dont mind.. :D

    Next, ive just made a rough draft of this tote bag, and i will try it as soon as i get the fabric..but i have some few questions.
    1.whats the height of it ? I mean 12 1/2 & 6 1/4 are widths..what wud be the height/length of it.
    2. And apprx, how many mtrs wud be required to make this..
    3. How can i make that flower..its so lovely..:)

    Hope im not asking too much..but i just cant stop appreciating u.. :)love ur blog..

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  79. I just made a bag... it was so easy and fun with your tutorial. Thank you!! I shared some linky love http://love-2-create.blogspot.com
    nori

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  80. Thanks for the tutorial! I made two and shared a link to you on my blog: http://connectthedotscrafts.blogspot.com/2009/09/to-netherlands-and-back.html.

    Carole Ann

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  81. Hi! I really like the design of this bag, and I'm planning on making it. But I'm afriad you lost me on step #13, with no photo. Could you explain that portion to me? I think I understand the rest. I am new to the blogging world, and I love finiding tutorials like this! Thanks! sohldesign.blogspot.com

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  82. It was certainly interesting for me to read that article. Thanx for it. I like such themes and anything connected to this matter. I definitely want to read more on that blog soon.

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  83. I just found your blog yesterday and I LOVE IT!! I made this bag today super cute!! You are so creative thank you for sharing the tutorial!!

    Here is my bag:

    http://gracefullittlehoneybee.blogspot.com/2010/07/busy-saturday.html

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  84. Hi Disney!! Thank you for your lovely tutorials and ideas.. I have linked this tutorial in my new blog:)
    Here is the link:
    http://handmadebyfreeda.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-first-bag-ever.html
    -freeda

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  85. The bag is amazing and I'm gunna give it a go making one for my Mum for mother's day. Just one question, though I might have missed it, but what's the height measurement of the bag piece?
    Thanks for the tutorial - it's beautiful!

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  86. Your bag is so pretty. Since you do not mention using interfacing nor batting for the purse, how do you keep it from looking floppy? Is it in the stiffer material you use? Your material looks to be of a medium to heavy weight. Please let me know what kind of material you used.

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  87. This purse is so cute! I would love to win it.

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  88. Which kind of type is the brown fabric? Lovely bag! :)

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  89. What a neat bag. The tutorial is wonderful. I'm going to try my hand at this. :)

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  90. I really love this bag! Thanks for the tutorial. I've pinned it for future reference... hope to make one soon though as I'm in dyer need of a new bag!

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  91. I love this bag! Fall is my favorite time of year and I tend to wear those colors all year :) Really enjoy your tutorials and blog!

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  92. I just made this bag and LOVE IT! My mother-in-law liked it too. Thank you!

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