Saturday, December 5, 2015

Project Sighting: On-The-Go Bags and a Giveaway!


Today, I am very excited to show you my bag in a new book!

Many months ago (for that is how long it takes to make a book happen), one of the co-authors invited me to contribute a bag for their new book.

So I did.

Here it is on the back cover. Eeeeee!

Loosely adapted from my old Mesh Swim Bag that I made en masse for Jenna's swimming birthday party in 2013, 

this is a breathable shoulder tote designed for gym visits and other athletic adventures. Unlike the soft mesh in the earlier swim bags, the mesh in this gym bag is a sturdy pet screening, so the bag stands upright like a regular tote, to hold stuff like yoga mats and towels and bottles and running shoes.










The fabric itself is outdoor canvas, because this particular model wasn't meant for aquatic activities, but you can make it out of nylon or some other water-friendly fabric and turn it into a swim bag for flippers and snorkels and wet towels and such.

Now let's talk about the new book, On the Go Bags—15 Handmade Purses, Totes & Organizers by Lindsay Conner and Janelle MacKay (Stash Books). The book is available this month at CTPub.com and January 7th on Amazon, where you can already peruse quite a few of its preview pages.

Unfortunately, I don't have a physical copy of it myself to photograph or do a full review of, but here is a short video of the book trailer.

And here is some useful information about what's inside:

146 pages, including the front and back covers, in about 20 chapters, broken down into the following sections:

I      Introductory chapters

II    Biographies of authors and contributors


III   14 pages of techniques and tips, covering

  • How to cut curved corners
  • Interfacing and stabilizers
  • Back-stitching
  • Open-end straps
  • Closed-end straps
  • Adjustable straps
  • Installing magnetic snaps
  • Bias binding and piping

IV    15 chapters of projects, organized by sewing levels:

EASY

1 Hipster Pocket Scarf
2 Laptop Keeper
3 The Man Clutch
4 Handy Purse Pockets
5 Padded Bag Insert

INTERMEDIATE
6 Cart or Stroller Caddy
7 Park Blanket
8 Travel Toiletry Organizer
9 Two-Bottle Tote
10 Tablet Shoulder Bag
11 Sporty Strap Pack

ADVANCED
12 Mom's Minivan Organizer
13 Airport Sling
14 Snap-and-Go Sewing/Art Case
15 Air-It-Out Gym Tote

Roughly categorized to give you an idea of their functions, I'd say that of the 15 bags, there are
  • 6 inserts and organizers, including a fold-up blanket
  • 3 clutches/pouches
  • 4 purses and totes
  • 2 backpacks/over-the-shoulder style-bags

Where provided, the pattern templates are full-size and include seam allowances; other pieces not requiring templates are rectangles and other straightforward geometric shapes for which full dimensions are given in each project. Each instructional chapter contains detailed steps and clear and colorful illustrations, as well as photographs of the finished projects and parts thereof.

Now for the giveaway!

Stash Books is giving away one copy of On the Go Bags (RP: US$26.95) - U.S. winners will receive a hard copy and winners outside the U.S. will receive an e-book. No purchase is necessary to be eligible to enter. The giveaway ends at midnight EST of 15 Dec 2015, and I'll pick a winner by random-rafflecopter the next day, and let you guys know the results. I'll also contact the winner by email for their postal address; if I am unable to reach him/her after 48 hours, I will select a new winner.

For a chance to win:
  1. leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite style of bag to use, or your go-to style to sew,     then
  2. enter your information on the rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Visit the other stops on the blog tour, and enter their giveways for more opportunities to win this book:

Tuesday, Dec 1: Shannon Fabrics / Sew Sweetness 
Wednesday, Dec 2: Clover & Violet / Ann Kelle 
Thursday, Dec 3: Radiant Home Studio / Melly Sews 
Friday, Dec 4: Sew Caroline / Mia's Creations 
Saturday, Dec 5: ikat bag / imagine gnats 
Monday, Dec 7: sewVery / The Girl Inspired 
Tuesday, Dec 8: Stash Books / Fabric Mutt 
Wednesday, Dec 9: Pellon 
Thursday, Dec 10: Simple Simon and Co / Mrs. H 
Friday, Dec 11: Emmaline Bags / Lindsay Sews 
Monday, Dec 13: Sew, Mama, Sew
  



120 comments:

  1. Cross body bags are my favorite - love to be hands-free! I've been sewing clothes recently but always go back to bags, especially for gifting!

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  2. I make zippered pouches. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  3. Zippy pouches are my go-to bags to sew. Can't have too many!

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  4. I need cross body bags so I can be hands free with my 3 kids and also be able to throw my youngest on my back when needed.

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  5. I love anything organizational and I love bags. This seems like the perfect combo for me.

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  6. Leather backpacks are my fav'!

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  7. Oh pet screen is a neat idea. I always get a bit nervous to try new materials but then I'm always excited after I make the plunge. Thanks for sharing!

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  8. I also make zippered pouches in various sizes. Small for little things in your purse, Medium for makeup, large for hairbrushes, toothpaste, etc when traveling. :)

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  9. My favorite bag to make is a tote since it's so easy to add/take away features. My favorite bag to use is a cross body style.

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  10. I love to make zip pouches but my favorite bag is a hobo type bag. Congrats on having your pattern published!

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  11. My favorite is crossbody with a zipper top. :)

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  12. I like tote bags with lots of pockets!

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  13. I use cross body bags and totes a lot, since I often bring a needlework or knitting project with me. Though I sew, my daughter has been sewing for me (!) and she makes me zip pouches.

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  14. I like hobo bags, but I've only made simple tote bags. This book would be perfect for me to learn to make more complex bags. Congratulations on being on the cover, even if it's the back. :-)

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  15. I like any type of purse / satchel that involves plenty of pockets, a zippered top, and a long enough strap so that I can put it on one handed.

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  16. Simple bags with at least one zipper pocket. No flaps allowed. Must have a shoulder strap, a flat bottom and open wide. Light weight but durable.

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  17. Love these bags I like the hobo bags

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  18. Cross body bags are my favorite bags. Thanks for the giveaway. vickise at gmail dot com

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  19. Cross body bags are my go to bag to make or buy

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  20. Love cross-body bags, but I also use upscaled backpacks as a purse, especially when traveling!

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  21. I love cross-body bags, but I'll never feel the same again about Nora, by Swoon Patterns. Not only did I win a vote only real live contest with it, I also just learned that it won Purse Palooza 2015 by Sewsweetness! I'm still flabbergasted, but Nora wil always have a very special place in my heart

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  22. My favorite type of bag is one that is medium size, that can also be used like a handbag and has outside pockets. Sheri O

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  23. Would love to try making bigger bags . Definitely will help me learn from it. Thanks for the chance.

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  24. I like foldover totes, for their flexibility

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  25. I like tablet shoulder bag. I will be so happy and lucky to get this book.

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  26. My favorite bag is a short & long "weenie dog" purse. Easy to find stuff, no dark deep depths to lose anything in :) :) Thanks for the chance.

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  27. Congratulations LiEr. That's a very practical looking bag. My favourite bag to use is a tote with lots of pockets. It's the perfect mummy bag. I can fit everything in, and it all stays put.

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  28. I love bags with lots of interior organisation. Bonus points if that is customizable!

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  29. I love carrying my tote almost daily and will carry my crossbody when I am carrying fewer items and out for the night.

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  30. I have this book on my christmas wish list. I like sewing aby type of bag. My everyday bag is a $1.00 rummage sale score NESS bag made of Harris Tweed. Small, Purple plaid. Stand up leather handles.
    Awesome job getting your bag into this book.

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  31. I love crossbody bags. Hands free is great.

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  32. I always go for either a cross body bag or backpack (a smaller, nice one replaces a handbag). I must have a phone pocket, and at least one more pocket for keys & coins. An outside pocket is a nice-to-have.

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  33. Congratulation LiEr! The book loos awesome! I am very excited because I have been looking for a pattern like the one on the front cover for ages! Yay! So, there you have it, my favorite bag is a cross body one, because I like to have my hands free.
    Thank you for the opportunity
    Vania

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  34. I'm all about practicality with a hands free- cross body bag with lots of places to secure things for easy retreavel and to keep them out of sight from the kids. If not they somehow misteriously end up walking out of my bag...

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  35. Hi I love making totes and cosmetic or toiletry bags. Totes are so functional and make great gifts!

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  36. I make a lot of grocery bags and make-up bags for people and of course beach bags.

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  37. Crossbody purses are my favorite purse.

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  38. My favourite style of bags are cross body ones. X
    Iain.ross30 at gmail dot com

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  39. My favorite kind to use is crossbody, to sew is bucket style. Congrats on the inclusion in this very practical looking book!

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  40. hi LiEr, I love backpacks and shoulder bags with a lot of compartments.

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  41. I LOVE this bag !! I always carry crossbodies, but this bag would great when traveling.

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  42. Backpack styles - or a tote with a backpack option - are my favorites. For a person like me with back pain, carrying any weight in a balanced way is by far the best :)

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  43. I love bags in which I can find my keys in less than 1 min!
    I also like sturdy materials easy to clean.

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  44. I love the cross body bags and the wristlets for everyday use, but the bags I make are tote bags.

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  45. I tend to make large tote-style bags since I can add a ton of pockets to keep it organized. I want to make some backpacks and crossbody bags since my daughters prefer them. Love your tote!

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  46. I love making bags that teach me new skills or use materials that challenge me in a new way...have to keep learning!

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  47. Thanks for the give away. My favorite bags are utility bags; ones made for specific purposes such as camera bag or multipurpose with several section such as a gadget bag for cords and batteries or sewing supplies or travel items.

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  48. I like crossbody bags that are small and have different compartments to organise my bits and bobs.

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  49. For everyday runnin...I prefer a shoulder bag...so much easier....plus Hubby always wants me to "throw this in your purse for me?" too! lol I Love Love Looooovee your Bag!! Would make this for my Daughter (they live in NC..go to Ocean often)!! Would be perfect for them! Thanks for chace to win this Awesome book! :)

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  50. I like sewing purses for myself with lots of pockets and clasps and hooks, but I think that I sew drawstring gift bags most frequently, b/c I hate to spend good money on paper ones. :)

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  51. My favourite bag is a cross body bag because I usually go out with one of my children and/or dog so I need my hands free. I like to make tote bags of all kind with inserted zipper pockets.

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  52. I love cross-body messenger bags for carrying my laptop and roomy over-the-shoulder bags for everyday.

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  53. I love a well organized cross body that doesn't look hand sewn or crafty!

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  54. I love over the shoulder or crossbody bags to leave my hands free (for holding the little hands of my grandchildren). Congratulations on the book and Happy Holidays! :)

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  55. Tote bags or zipper pouches. Relatively easy to make and perfectly functional.

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  56. I like a bag that I can cross my body or versatile that can go on like a back pack. I need my hands free! :)

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  57. I love making little zippered pouches. Great way to use scraps!

    lenelson(at)mail(dot)com

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  58. I love messenger bags for carrying, and I like to sew all kinds of bags. Congratulations on the book!!

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  59. I usually go for a cross body bag and now I may add the cowl with pocket. I do like your addition to the book. I have made a version of your earlier mesh bag for friends and family who live near the beach. Thank-you for this giveaway.

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  60. I like all kinds of bags but I guess I will say for the sake of choosing....Hobo Bags. Have a great day!

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  61. As much as I would love for my go-to bag to be beach worthy, for now, I have to go to my cross-body bags that will stay on over layers or winter padding. Brrrrr.

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  62. I love the mesh gym bag! two of my granddaughters are on a swim team, the bag would be perfect! January sewing! bgrantrn at gmail dot com

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  63. Your blog inspires me to try a bag, I haven't sewn one in many years (purses). I'd like to try a wallet/clutch or an organizer type bag. First though we have other pressing projects (a house to finish building) and I'm not sure when I'll get to sewing again. Cathy (calvert dot cathy at gmail dot com)

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  64. I love backpacks or small bags. Love yours!

    Darlene
    kittyklaws13411@yahoo.com

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  65. I make lots of totes, but I'd like to make more zippery bags. :D

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  66. My "go-to" pattern is a super large tote, called the Chubby Charmer. I like making zipper pouches too!

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  67. I would like to make a soft "slouch" bag with a thin shoulder strap and organized storage inside.I found the bag years ago but everything sinks to the bottom.....so guess I will have to design and make it myself. Would love a copy of the book to get me started.

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  68. Sounds like a great book! I love making totes for the beach.

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  69. Thanks for the great post, LiEr! So happy you are a part of our book!

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  70. I love large tpte bags
    gandn74@ymail.com

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  71. I need my bag to be really big, to hold everything, have lots of zippers and compartments and have a shoulder strap.

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  72. The type os bag I like the most is a tote with a zipper closure that can be worn cross body.

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  73. congratulations! I've only made purses so far but would love to branch out :)

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  74. I love to sew small travel bags with matching makeup cases. Also, my favorite to use. They keep my essentials handy when I travel for a family visit. And make great gifts.

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  75. I love small backpacks or cross body bags :)

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  76. Pour moi un sac doit être pratique,beau,avec des rangements.
    J'ai commencer a coudre des modèles simple.J'aurais beaucoup de plaisir à coudre les modèles plus perfectionnés de ce nouveau livre .
    Félicitations pour votre blog j'aime beaucoup.

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  77. I need a new purse. The book would help me to finally decide which style to make!!

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  78. Thanks for breaking down what is inside, I like making over the shoulder bags, with at least one zipper pocket, for keys and cash.

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  79. I love, love to make cross-body bags. I am a hands-free kind of girl. I love that cross-bodies don't slip off your shoulder. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  80. I really like my foldover clutch I made about a year ago.

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  81. I don't have a favorite style of bag. It all depends on what I need a bag for. For music, I like a bag that is sturdy with this with padded straps (music gets heavy) and large enough to hold an orchestral music folder. I prefer it to have a zipper closing to keep out rain.

    senstrings at yahoo dot com

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  82. I really like to use sling packs best, though I haven't attempted to see any yet.

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  83. i prefer structured totes with divisions to keep magazines and ipad and kindle standing upright

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  84. I recently made an enormous bag that is meant to carry my laptop, camera, and other sundries... My favorite way to make a bag is to collect all the features I want and try to make them all fit together. I was super-proud of myself for combining my favorite features of my beloved, trusty diaper bag (well, as beloved as a diaper bag can really be...) with some features of camera bags I've long admired online into what I think is a really nice bag.

    I also make a lot of zipper pouches. They take a lot less time ;-)
    ~Natalie (QSOgirl)

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  85. I love cross-body bags! Love to keep my hands free when I am with my kids.

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  86. I love my lined shoe bags that I make a dozen at a time!

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  87. I just love bags! No favorites, but I tend to use a cross body time most often.

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  88. Cross-body bags, tote bags, oh who am I kidding, I love all the bags!

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  89. I always use backpacks, and haven't tried making bags before, but would like to give that a go...this seems like a great hand-holding help, and I'd love to make your pool bag! Would be great for avoiding stinkiness during summer camp. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  90. I love making little zip bags and shoulder bags!!

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  91. I love the tote! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  92. I love cross body bags, hands free for when you have 3 kids.

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  93. I am trying to design a messenger-type bag right now.

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  94. I love cross body bags so that I have both hands free.

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  95. My favorite bag is the tote!!! :) Not because it's the only bag style I have ever sewn :) but because it's so versatile and effortless! I especially love the slouchy ones with no zipper! A clasp is fine for me! It goes with everything I am. I love your blog Lier. You are a genius!

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  96. I like trying to make yoga mat bags.

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  97. I just started looking around for a bag to replace my very worn-out bag. It's a large soft bag with a zipped top, 2 handles, and a long strap. It has 3 zippered pockets. I LOVE it. Might have to sew the replacement instead of buy!

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  98. My favorite type of bag to make is a boxed-bottomed tote bag. I like to add pockets to the inside and one on the outside too. Sometimes I'll add a monogram or applique to personalize it. duchick at gmail dot com

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  99. I prefer postman bags with many zipped pockets!!

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  100. I really like large tote bags with plenty of pockets and dividers.

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  101. Love your gym tote--my daughter could really use one of those--congratulations on having been selected for the book! My favorite bags are smaller and cross body--I've got my eye on the one shoulder backpack on the cover

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  102. I like to use and make large tote bags!

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  103. I tend to make and use tote bags but more because they're the quickest to make than because they're the best bags for what I need. I'd love to tackle something more complex - maybe a backpack style bag for some upcoming trips?

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  104. I prefer backpacks or bags with a cross body strap so I can use my hands for something else. I like to sew project pouches for my knitting.

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  105. I like a shoulder bag big enough for everyday essentials as well as a small hand sewing project. Janice

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  106. My go-to-style is a cross-body with lots of pockets. I like to have my hands-free and to have everything organized. Enjoyed your blog. Loved your mesh bag.

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  107. My favorite style of bag is small, cross body with lots of pockets.

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  108. I love tote bags – plenty of room for my daily stuff, a knitting project or book and lots of pockets

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  109. I love the thought that you put into the materials you use. It seems like you always give first consideration to the function of the item,and then find materials and supplies suitable to it, rather than making bags from whatever cute fabric you find. You've really taught me to think of functionality first,and I really appreciate it!

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  110. I love all types of bags. My least favorite are the giant ones that hang to my knees. I love the roominess but I am short and heavy so they make me so much wider and heavier-looking.

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  111. A cross body bag with multiple pockets is my go to everytime I leave home. :) That way I have 2 hands free to shop or deal with my kids.

    And your bag looks fabulous!! Would be an awesome bag for each kid to take to swimming lessons. :)

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  112. Love open, loose cross body and messenger styles

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Thank you for talking to me! If you have a question, I might reply to it here in the comments or in an email.