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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Crafty Satchel


I am so thrilled to be a part of the Just for You book tour today! Caroline and Sarah have put together an amazing book full of fabulous projects that are just perfect for spoiling yourself or someone you love. If you enjoy sewing clothing and accessories, then you absolutely need to add this book to your wish list! I was asked to make the Crafty Satchel which was created by bag extraordinaire Sara Lawson. Although I would recommend this project for someone with at least intermediate sewing skills, I was able to finish it in a single day of solid work, which is always a big plus for me!


I paired a sweet floral from Acorn Trail by Teagan White for Birch Fabrics with yarn dyed essex linen in leather by Robert Kaufman, and I love the way they look together. For my interfacing, I used a double layer of thick batting rather than the recommended Soft & Stable which I didn't have on hand. Although my version of the bag isn't as structured as it would be with a foam core, it holds its shape fairly well. Leather handles are a challenge to sew onto the bag by hand, but it looks so professional when you're done! And as you can see above, this bag has tons of room inside it for just about anything you might want to carry with you on the go.


My sister pulled into my driveway when I was outside taking photos of the satchel and helped me out by holding it for one last shot.

"It looks beautiful," she said, examining the front while I took a few more pictures.

"It's yours," I answered. "Happy early birthday!"

Her gasp and smile reminded me why I love making gifts for family and friends. It's all so very personal -- just the way it should be.

If you'd like to win your own copy of Just for You, please leave a comment on this post. I'll pick a winner on Friday. The giveaway is open to everyone worldwide (international readers will win an e-copy of the book). So many thanks again to Caroline & Sarah for letting me be a part of this tour and for putting together such a beautiful book!

143 comments:

  1. This is so so cute!

    It looks exactly like a favorite purse I lost ... but better!

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  2. This is so so cute!

    It looks exactly like a favorite purse I lost ... but better!

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  3. I like the Crafty Satchel! I'd love a copy of Just for You. It looks like a great book.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  4. Wow, what a cute satchel. Would love to sew one, but then I need to win your book. Thank you.

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  5. This is SO CUTE! I love the pattern and your choice of the fabric!!!

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  6. Love the bag, and the look of your book. I'm always on the lookout for a good bag pattern. The only addition I would add, that I add to most bags I have these days is something to clip my keys to, it means I can instantly can find them even in the dark.

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  7. Beautiful bag!i would love to add a copy of the book to my collection.

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  8. Would love to make that bag! Thanks for the give-away.

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  9. Loove it very much and so great that it was just the perfect birthday gift! This makes sewing so much fun!

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  10. What a pretty bag - I really like it!!

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  11. Lovely bag and lucky sister, arriving just at the right time. jennylarking at gmail dot com

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  12. Love your bag and it is perfect for taking to the store or to work. The leather handles really finish the bag and make it look so professional.

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  13. What a sweet bag and a fun giveaway to go with it! Thank you for the chance to win!

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  14. What a great gift! I'd love to learn how to make that bag. Thanks for the chance to win! shopgirl7232(at)yahoo.com

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  15. Oh my. How beautiful. I'm looking for things to make for really special gifts. This would be perfect.

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  16. Love the bag! Would love to win the book.

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  17. so cute, i love it. What a great gift

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  18. I would carry that satchel all the time. It's a great look.

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  19. Great looking bag, looks Vintage!

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  20. What a nice present. Can I be your sister too? :-).

    senstrings(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  21. What a great design and it would make a great gift

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  22. What a wonderful bag. I love the fabric you chose. The leather handles give it such a professional touch. Nice job!

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  23. I love the bag. What a great gift.

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  24. I love this bag!! Your fabric is perfect for it.

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  25. I love that bag - hope I win a book so I can make one!

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  26. Your bag is beautiful -what a wonderful gift to receive! I am new to sewing - did you buy the handles or make them yourself? Did you say that you sewed them on buy hand? Thanks for the chance to play: )

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  27. I have so many bags because I keep trying to find the perfect one - I think I found it. This bag is beautiful.

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  28. Wow what a beautiful bag Heidi! And such a fun story about your sister holding the bag and then realizing it was for her! -Sara

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  29. Wonderful fabric choices...I think I need to try those handles!
    Thanks for the chance to win...now I'm off to look at the book some more!:)

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  30. A girl can never have enough bags!! thanks for the giveaway.

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  31. I love your bag. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

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  32. What a generous sister you are Heidi! I would love to have a bag like that, heck, I wish I had a sister! It's a
    beautiful bag, and the perfect bag for me, since I can't put any weight on my shoulders, so, thanks for this giveaway opportunity. lv2bquilting2@comcast.net

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  33. Your bag looks great. Love the leather handles.

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  34. Oh wow I adore this bag!! Such pretty fabrics! And I love the design of the bag and those gorgeous handles too! Thank you for the lovely giveaway :-)

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  35. Sew adorable - I can't wait to win this! I sew want to make one for me! (and a few dozen friends for the holidays!

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  36. Love the bag. Thanks for the giveaway

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  37. Gorgeous bag, Heidi! I love your fabric choices. The leather straps look fantastic hand sewn.

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  38. Love this bag. The style and design are fabulous along with the fabric choice. Can't wait to make this bag for me. If I am not the lucky one to win the book...where can I buy Just For Me, so I can still be lucky to own it?

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  39. What a lovely bag. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  40. So cute! I am looking for a bag to make for each of my 5 sisters for Christmas. I think this one might just do the trick. Thank you for sharing!

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  41. I often look like a bag lady as I walk into the office. This bag would hold my knitting, lunch and a small purse and I would look more professional.

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  42. You did a great job. I love those colors! Thanks for the chance.

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  43. You did an amazing job! Love it!!

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  44. I love the bag with the leather handles. It adds such a beautiful touch.

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  45. I love the Crafty Satchel by Sara Larson. I have several patterns by her and would love this one. You have chosen fabric colors that are my favorites.

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  46. Your satchel turned out fabulous, I haven't heard of this book, so I need to go look it up!

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  47. The outside fabric is gorgeous. And the hand sewing handles!!! amazing.

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  48. Your sister is right - it is beautiful! Thank you so much for the giveaway - I am sure the projects in the book are inspiring:)

    -CaLynn

    hoopla ((at)) thecrafties ((dot)) com

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  49. I love the fabric and the bag looks fab too :) I would be thrilled to win the book so I'm keeping my fingers crossed :)

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  50. It looks awesome and so fun to give it to your sister! I love sewing for others!

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  51. Loved the bag you made and loved the fact that you gave it to your sister! I too like to make things for my family members. Thanks for the chance to win this great book!

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  52. Fabulous bag ... Perfect for summer ... large enough to accommodate the extra things that come with kids being out of school ... yet not so big as a tote bag. Perfect size! :)

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  53. That bag is beautiful and would love to make it! Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

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  54. Your bag is very pretty. I like the fabric and the shape of the flap. Thanks for a chance to win the book.

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  55. Great job on the bag! It's bea and you're beautiful for giving it to your sister! Sometimes it's hard to give away the things we make, especially when they take a lot of time to accomplish, but when someone truly appreciates it, it's so much easier!

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  56. Love your purse! And, your sister was one lucky girl. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  57. It's a beautiful bag! Inspires me to go beyond quilting and start making apparel and accessories. Thanks for sharing!

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  58. I really love this bag and want make it myself. Been out of sewing commission for a while do to shoulder surgery, and just getting back into the swing of things. Thanks for the giveaway offer, would love to win.

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  59. I fell in love with your sweet bag! Would love a copy of this wonderful new book too!
    Thank you.
    nettiecrain@live.com

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  60. My first words were ~ OH WOW! Love the bag and took a look at the book ~ it has lots of fun projects in it too!
    Thanks for the giveaway ~ so generous!

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  61. An awesome bag! I would really like to win the pattern. Xoxo

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  62. It's so pretty! I love the leather straps.

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  63. love this purse, I have made all sorts of bags/totes in the past and am now ready to begin on purses. Thank you for this opportunity to win this fabulous book. Suz

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  64. What a unique design! So beautiful! I would love a copy of Just For You.

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  65. You want to adopt me and let me be your sister?

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  66. What a beautiful handbag! Bags and totes are my passion. I wish I had a sister like you!

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  67. OMG I love it I love the fabric as well! Thank you so much for chance to win. Love it I was saying its time for some good luck! Thank you again. Good luck to everyone here. Sheri Whiteley nanainca3@att.net.

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  68. Awesome Satchel you made! I have made about half dozen of Sara's bags, so would love to win this book if it has that pattern in it. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

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  69. What a lovely purse! I love it and the book looks amazing! tytanbay3@cox.net

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  70. I can see why she gasped. It's beautiful!

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  71. What a lovely bag, and your colours are beautiful, Helen

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  72. It is beautiful! Your sister must be thrilled! I love your fabric choices. Thanks for the chance!

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  73. You did a nice job! Great fabric choices,

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  74. That's why I like to sew the joy of the recipient!

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  75. Replies
    1. It's gorgeous! I love your fabric choice. Thanks for the giveaway :-)

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  76. I commented but not sure it went through. So here I go again. Beautiful fabric and great work. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win the book.

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  77. Love this bag! Looks like the perfect size and I like the fold over top. Thanks for the chance in the giveaway.

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  78. I absolutely love this bag! Thanks for a chance to win the book.

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  79. Beautiful bag! You did a great job! I would love to win this book. I ♡ sewing!

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  80. I like the satchel as it is very versatile. You did a great job with the fabric in creating a casual bag, however, I can see it done for a more professional look for the working outside the home women who must carry so much during the week

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  81. Boy, would I love a sister like you! What a great satchel =so roomy!
    sandyzoo45@comcast.net

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  82. Nice job on the bag. I especially love the leather handles.

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  83. I love this purse. The size and shape are perfect! If I don't win I would like the pattern.

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  84. Love it!! And what a sweet surprise for your sister😊 fingers crossed!

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  85. You did a great job on this bag and it looks amazing.

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  86. This purse is so pretty!

    jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com

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  87. Love this bag! I have just started bag making so this book would be great to win, Thanks!

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  88. Love this bag! I have just started bag making so this book would be great to win, Thanks!

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  89. Now isn't that the best, surprising your sis? Love your fabric choice here, very pro-looking! Sara made stitch cool details for the front around the straps too.

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  90. What a lovely gift and purse! I love to give handmade gifts.

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  91. I have some Melody Miller fabric that I have been hoarding for just the right pattern. Your satchel pattern would br perfect!

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  92. This is such a great idea for a book. I love making gifts for others, but sometimes need help with ideas.

    Debby

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  93. What a wonderful gift for your sister! The leather handles are the perfect finishing touch!

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  94. I love the scalloped front on the satchel.

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  95. Beautiful work Heidi! Love your color combination. Leather handles are a lot of work, but worth it in the end.

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  96. Professional job on that satchel~ just lovely! Would like to learn how to use leather handles, they really add a special touch to your bag.

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  97. Thats a really beautiful bag, I love the fabric you used.

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  98. Wow, I aspire to make something that looks as good !

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  99. Aren't you a sweet sister to give it to her for her birthday and make it a surprise too! I wish I had a sister like that to give something to. I love the pocket inside and curvy cover.

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  100. Beautiful bag! Your sister must love her bag (and you for giving it to her!!!)

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  101. Very cute satchel! Love the fabric too.

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  102. Lucky sister! Would love to treat mine!

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  103. I love sewing things for my family!

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  104. Your bag is beautiful. I love the floral on the outside.

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  105. Great bag. Thanks for hosting this give away. Mrscummings2u at Gmail dot com

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  106. One very beautiful bag. What a nice thought to give it away to your sister. Good luck on your book.

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  107. I LOVE this bag!! Everything about it is just Perfect!!

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  108. I love that fabric! How lovely that you gifted it to your sister. Perhaps you should make another one for yourself!

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  109. I would love to win this - so very cool!
    merryorganic@gmail.com

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  110. I love bags of all kinds and would love to make this one!

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  111. Love the bag, and what a great sis you are......

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  112. Beautiful. Thanks for the opportunity

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  113. I've always been intimidated by leather handles, but yours look beautiful! Now I can't wait to use them! The first bag I ever made was by Sara- looking forward to trying this one!

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  114. Love the bag and would love to be able to make one.

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  115. OH What a lucky sister! Love that pattern.

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  116. Hermoso bolso, en mi pais no conseguimos revistas y tampoco libros y tampoco los podemos importar me encantaria tenerlo gracias por publicar tan hermoso trabajo

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  117. Beautiful work! I would gasp and smile too, if my sister gave me something like that! sarah@forrussia.org

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  118. Isn't it sew much fun to make things to surprise sisters? :) ♡

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  119. I like your fabric choice. Very pretty bag.

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  120. I love this bag, it would be perfect for a friend's birthday in April.
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

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  121. Beautiful satchel! And thanks for the giveaway!

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  122. Wow, that's amazing! Did you make the leather handles yourself, or are they a notion you can buy and add yourself?

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  123. I have started using tapestry/upholstery type fabrics for bags. Gives them a textured look and makes for durability as well. Love you bag. Thanks for the chance.

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  124. Love this bag! Looks like the perfect size for the traveling I'll be doing this summer!

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  125. Beautiful bag! Just the right side for all my stuff! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  126. Love the bag! Thank you for the chance at the give away!!

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  127. I love this bag! Your fabric choices are awesome too. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!

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  128. I just LOVE this purse! It's different than the rest that I've made. I also love the tutorial to make the fabric handles. They can be made whatever length you want. When I make a fabric bag, I like the handles to be fabric as well. Thanks for sharing :o)

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  129. It would be wonderful to make a new bag for my travels this summer after a tough winter :-)

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  130. I love this bag and would love to win the book and try making it myself!

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  131. I have been looking for just the right bag for weeks now. I do believe I finally found it. I love this bag, it is just the pattern I have been searching for. I have also been eyeing the book for a while now wondering if I should get it or not. But if the projects are anything like the bag I know I want it now! Thank you so much for the opportunity to enter such a great giveaway and the chance to win a copy of this fabulous book! I have fingers and toes crossed lol. I love reading my blogs and entering giveaways. Don't ever win but it is so much fun! Again thank you!

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  132. Your satchel is definitely a bag I would carry and I especially love your fabric choice!

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  133. Thank you Heidi I can't wait to get my e book (Im in the UK) it is so good to have won as I love making bags :)

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  134. How cute is this. My favorite style of purses and would love to have the pattern to make for Christmas coming :) ibesuemca@gmail.com

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