Bag fabric...

[stoli-hat.livejournal.com]

So all of ya'lls awesome posts of purses and totes has me really wanting to try it out. I was wondering, what's your favorite material to use for making bags/totes. I have a really great sewing machine, and I've sewed enough to wing a pattern myself, but I don't know what type of fabric or material will work best. Any tips for a beginner???

Thanks!!