I’ve got a hectic weekend ahead of me (have to update my first aid & CPR) so this is going to be short post
I just found the Yahoo group, “Bags to Brag About“.   It’s an online community specifically for hand-bag makers to share inspiration, tips and how-tos.   The group description is:
“Handbags are a woman’s accessory to her
individual style.
She chooses what makes her feel good,
stylish and a look she wants to call her own.
The bags you find here are original and one of a kind.
Here in this group you will find talented artist from all over the …read more

I’m sure there are quite a few handbag/purse designers out there…  Now who wants to get their work accepted into a new book by Lark Books??

Lark Books is producing another “500″ book, this time it’s “500 Handbags”.  It’s being juried by Jay McCarroll, the winner of the first season of Project Runway!
The catch is you only have until July 16th to enter – so get busy!  You can find all the details here.

Simplicity has just released their early fall collection! They have some very cute patterns – I would definitely make some of these purses:

It’s pattern #3715

It’s nice to see more men’s patterns being included – they’re hard to find sometimes. This is pattern #3708.

I’d wear some of these blouses I think I need more time for sewing! This is from pattern #3684.

If you need a pattern to base your fantastic new creation for Bags2Riches on – how about checking out eQuilter’s pattern store?  They have some cure patterns and some great pre-made handles.
Fabric.com also has a ton of different purse & handbag patterns – including some by Amy Butler!

I love making my own handbags – it’s such a fun way to express my individual style!  I know there are a lot of you who make purses as well… and there’s something very nifty happening

Bags2Riches is a competition for the most original handbag.  The prizes are fantastic, including a two night stay at a swanky hotel!
Best of all, proceeds from the competition go to support a good cause – go check it out

I love reading about what other people are working on in their studios   I just found out about this great blog from a handbag maker & wanted to share it with you all.
It’s called U-Handbag and as well as showing their own bags, they also profile other designers.  There are tutorials & yummy supplies too – lots of fun!