Sewing by Hand?

[apricotsushi.livejournal.com]

I'm really interested in sewing... But I don't have the money or space to get a sewing machine in the foreseeable future. So I'm wondering, what are everyone's thoughts on sewing by hand? Namely, are there certain things that one should stay away from (obviously smaller projects are easier, less time consuming)? I've heard before that sewing any type of clothing by hand can appear "cheap" because it's difficult to make the stitches unified without a sewing machine. Any thoughts or suggestions? Any good patterns for a beginning hand stitcher (tote bags would be lovely)? I do a bit of embroidery so I am not completely new to sewing.

Thanks!