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. 🙂
CraftApple 
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.