I’ve had the idea of vertical strips of fabric on a bag before and surfing around I saw the perfect leather handles. I DO live where the West begins, you know, so some more surfing found me some 1/2-inch wide saddle strings. I think they work perfectly for purse handles, although I wish I could think of a more attractive way of attaching them, besides straight-stiching back and forth across the leather.
Yeah, I know, it looks like I copied the whole thing from the above link, but really, I’ve thought of making vertical lines before. The first time, the bag was turning out way too big, so I turned the fabric 90 degrees and made horizontal stripes. I used four 99-cent fabric samples from JoAnn’s for the exterior and lined the entire thing in canvas with stabilizer in between the layers throughout – very stiff stuff that works well for a big bag like this. See how it’s all boxy all by itself?
Miss Painted Pear mentioned a few weeks ago that it had been a while since I made a purse. Truth is, I’ve been burned out on bags for a while, but after her comment, I really couldn’t stop thinking about what my next bag would be. Thanks for the verbal kick in the pants, Rebecca. 
Very pretty!!
Very fun. How about gromets with the straps tied in a knot? I have never done gromets but I think they have a tool at Joannes.
Susan
I was thinking maybe a small D ring with the leather folded over and stitched in brown. A bartack like stitch. I love the bag. It seems we all took a small break from bags. I desperately need to make me a new fall bag. I have some great material a friend sent (hint) and I have been saving it to use! Maybe I will do that this week.
Bagaholics Unite!
Wow that bag is great. Glad to see you’re still a bagaholic, I think it’s time for me to jump back on the bandwagon too.
That looks like a great bag! Love the shape!
Very cute bag, I like the fabric combinations. I think the d-rings are a good idea. Also, you could had a fabric strip or ribbon around the top and hide the stitching.
Great job.
yours is so much better than the one in that picture!!
Beautiful! What a great bag. D rings are a good idea but you could also sandwich the handles between the outside and the lining so that the ends of the handles are hidden inside the bag. A belt buckle attachment might be fun too.
a lady cannot have too many handbags.
Especially when they’re as nice as yours!
I have been thinking of leather handles since I saw Posie’s bag. Specifically, where did she get the leather? That’s the trick, finding the right supplies.
I love your new bag… but then I love all your bags! I’m with you on bag burnout. I have a client patiently waiting for her next bag (she sent the cloth a while back) but I can’t seem to get going on it. I don’t like doing the same project over and over and over apparently.
Oh I am so glad I verbally kicked you in the pants! That is one awesome bag. I personally like the look of the sewn on handles. Really, great job, great, great looking bag.
Very cute!
Cute bag! Love the handles. Since they’re already sewn on, how about a small fabric (or leather) patch, shaped like a spade, sewn over the strap ends? Kinda like you see on some leather goods. If you want to keep up with the “western” theme, add a couple of conchos…
Next time, you could do the anchor stitch that looks kind of like this:
______
|\ /|
| \/ |
| /\ |
|/ \|
——
It’s pretty strong, but tidy looking.
Love the bag! I have a thing for bags, but so far haven’t been inspired to make one yet. Maybe that’s a good thing, in case I’d get addicted!
Well, that picture didnt’ come out as well when the comment was published as it did when I typed it, but maybe you can get the idea anyway;-)
What a gorgeous bag! You could sell these for some moola!
Bagaholics Unite! I love your new bag Lindipindielou! It’s beautiful and looks so handy as well!!! I love it!
lovely bag!!!
Very nice bag. My favorite colors. Love the straps. Did you get them online or local? I see lots of options with those.
love the new bag! very cute
my first thought was (what i’ve always called) the Xstitch – someone else mentioned it above
and then i thought D rings…. also mentioned already. guess i’m just not that creative tonight ;-P
Nice bag (I like the fabric choices) — I’ve been burnt out on them too
. Everyone has good ideas about the leather handles…I second the idea of some sort of patch/applique. But I like the D-rings too.
I love the bag. I see everyone has already given great ideas for attaching the handles. I’d probably put a fabric patch in a contrasting fabric over the ends if I did anything.