Here’s the windup on my new bag. After embroidering the corner accents and grommet designs on both bag outer panels, I followed the instructions in Handbags 2, Designer Knockoffs for stitching the grommets on the lining. Now it was time to construct the bag. I used a centering ruler to find the center of the bag front. The long legs of the target ruler hit the grommets at the same measurement so the hole in the center designates the center of the bag. I slid my decorative trim under the ruler and pinned it in place then edgestitched the trim to secure it to the bag. 
I burrowed into my stash of bag-making supplies to find the Clover Shape ‘n Create Bag & Tote Stabilizer. I found a packet and low and behold, it was mere scraps! Ugh! 
But hey, since I can sew this piece to the bottom of the bag, I can probably sew the strips together to make a larger piece. That’s exactly what I did. I placed two strips under the needle, side by side and zigzagged over the joint. 
Then I repeated that for the third strip. Worked like a charm! I wouldn’t recommend this for a laptop bag but for an everyday bag, it works fine. 
I sewed the bottom seam, right sides together and taped the Shape ‘n Create in place. Then I sewed the stabilizer to the bag bottom and added the feet. 
Designer Knockoffs shares some secrets for successful pressing because pressing during bag construction is crucial for a professional finish. I recently purchased Dritz Thermal Thimbles (heat resistant finger protectors) and loved using them for this task. It seems I’m always burning my fingertips while pressing the narrow ¼” seams open but not anymore! Love those Thermal Thimbles. 
With the sideseams sewn, I slipped the lining into the bag and even tucked my phone into the pocket for one last fit check. 
Next step is the grommets. If you read Designer Knockoffs, you’ll notice it calls for headliner interfacing not heavy craft interfacing. The grommets will not adhere to the heavy interfacing like they do headliner. Make sure you use the proper materials. Here’s a tip for inserting the grommets. Use a kitchen cutting board to insert the grommets. Place the prong side of the grommet on a flat surface. Center the hole (on the bag) over the grommet. Place the matching side of the grommet over the hole, connecting the two grommets. Place the kitchen cutting board over the grommets and push down on the board with the palm of your hand. You’ll hear a snap as the board forces the two sections of the grommet together evenly. Give it a try; you’ll be surprised how easy it to force the two sections together. 
I followed Nancy’s instructions for adding a zipper then bound the upper edge and voila! That was fun – I love making bags!
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July 30, 2014 at 11:38 am (6 years ago)Like
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July 30, 2014 at 11:44 am (6 years ago)I bought the book and the starter kit as soon as they came out. I absolutly LOVE all of these bags!!!! I will make them in every color and style.
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July 30, 2014 at 1:01 pm (6 years ago)What a unique look for a handbag. I never attempted such a project. With the recent loss of a parent, this would be a good distraction to try on my new sewing machine.
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July 30, 2014 at 1:07 pm (6 years ago)I really “Like” .
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July 30, 2014 at 2:37 pm (6 years ago)Like!!!!! Since this is my birthday—I would love to win!!!
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July 30, 2014 at 3:56 pm (6 years ago)LIKE!
Debi P.
July 30, 2014 at 4:31 pm (6 years ago)I’ve made some of the other bags in this line. These sure need to be added to my pattern drawer!
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July 30, 2014 at 4:54 pm (6 years ago)Like
Cindy V
July 30, 2014 at 5:25 pm (6 years ago)I would love to win a copy of Handbags 2 Designer Knockoffs. They look amazing! I’d make purses for myself and my daughters and the smaller one for my granddaughter!!
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July 30, 2014 at 6:45 pm (6 years ago)LIKE!
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July 30, 2014 at 8:22 pm (6 years ago)LIKE!!
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July 30, 2014 at 10:25 pm (6 years ago)Like
I’ve made several Florida Totes but would like to make one using your grommet method.
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July 30, 2014 at 10:38 pm (6 years ago)Like!
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July 30, 2014 at 10:45 pm (6 years ago)Like (but the link seem to be broken)
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July 30, 2014 at 10:48 pm (6 years ago)Like!
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July 30, 2014 at 10:59 pm (6 years ago)Like
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July 30, 2014 at 11:07 pm (6 years ago)Like!!
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July 31, 2014 at 12:33 am (6 years ago)Thanks for the tip on applying the grommets. In will definitely be trying that.
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July 31, 2014 at 7:32 am (6 years ago)LIKE!! Actually, LOVE it!! What fun it would be to have seasonal bags that coordinate with your wardrobe!
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July 31, 2014 at 2:26 pm (6 years ago)like
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July 31, 2014 at 4:21 pm (6 years ago)Like!
Loretta Leith
July 31, 2014 at 4:43 pm (6 years ago)Love your bags, but also like Med sized hobo type w/single over shoulder strap, pockets inside and outside. With your wonderful creativity, can you whip a pattern out for those? 🙂 Enjoyed your show in OKC.
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July 31, 2014 at 5:34 pm (6 years ago)Like!
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July 31, 2014 at 6:46 pm (6 years ago)Like
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July 31, 2014 at 7:26 pm (6 years ago)Like! Haha… I posted earlier but didn’t follow direction very well.
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July 31, 2014 at 7:35 pm (6 years ago)Like
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July 31, 2014 at 7:43 pm (6 years ago)Like, always so well thought out!
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July 31, 2014 at 10:10 pm (6 years ago)Like! Love it!!
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August 1, 2014 at 1:23 am (6 years ago)I know if I could see it I would LIKE it, but something is wrong with getting there and I was unable to see it :(. Message said it was broken.
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August 1, 2014 at 5:43 am (6 years ago)Like!
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August 1, 2014 at 2:41 pm (6 years ago)Like
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August 1, 2014 at 3:39 pm (6 years ago)Like Very Much! but cannot get there to let you know!?
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August 1, 2014 at 3:59 pm (6 years ago)Like
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August 1, 2014 at 11:30 pm (6 years ago)These have such a professional look to them. They are nicely designed. My friends will be wanting some.
Berenice
August 1, 2014 at 11:30 pm (6 years ago)No fb, but still Like!
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August 2, 2014 at 4:36 pm (6 years ago)Like
Vicky
August 3, 2014 at 5:51 pm (6 years ago)Like
Karen Poole
August 4, 2014 at 3:00 pm (6 years ago)I think I already commented, but just had to comment again!! You mention the Thermal Thimbles, I bought those as well and use them ALL the time, and I also suggest them to my beginning sewer friends! I love love love the thermal thimbles!!! You wouldn’t think those thin little things would help but they do!!! They have made a HUGE difference for me when pressing!! Another must have!!!
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August 4, 2014 at 8:54 pm (6 years ago)Like
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August 4, 2014 at 10:10 pm (6 years ago)Great bags! Would love to sew one of these little cuties up!!!
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August 5, 2014 at 11:26 am (6 years ago)like
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August 5, 2014 at 12:32 pm (6 years ago)LIKE
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August 5, 2014 at 3:00 pm (6 years ago)LIKE!!!
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August 8, 2014 at 9:02 pm (6 years ago)LIKE!!! Would love to win to be able to make some purses. Thanks for the chance.
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August 8, 2014 at 11:02 pm (6 years ago)Like!
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August 10, 2014 at 1:57 am (6 years ago)Like, a bit late!
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Emory Spangle
December 16, 2014 at 6:11 am (5 years ago)Thanks for sharing!
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December 19, 2014 at 11:43 pm (5 years ago)I have mentioned a part of you article here if that’s ok? – vfxsoftware.net
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December 20, 2014 at 8:43 am (5 years ago)Impressive, well they also mentioned something about it at onlykids.dk