Watermelon Bag

I've finished sewing another bag, which I have given to my sister. I was a bit worried that she might not like the fabric, as it is a bit out there, but she seemed to really love it. This is the larger version of the Teardrop Bag, from the Amy Butler book. I lined it with a lime green fabric. The velvet that I used for the strap was really quite thick to sew through, and only just worked. I prefer the size of this bag, and because the top is wider I found it easier to sew.

Detail of the inside pocket and magnetic fastener

The shop where I bought the watermelon material had run out of magnetic fasteners. I usually pay 99p, but when I went to the only other haberdashery in town (in our large department store) one fastener would have cost £4.95. (So much for "never knowingly undersold"!) I had a bit of a fit, as it just seemed too much. So I had a look online, and found a really good site which sold them at a fraction of the price (£4.80 for 10 and even cheaper if you buy more), with no postage and next day delivery. I may never need to leave the house again.) The site I bought them from was http://www.bag-clasps.co.uk/Home_Page.php. I  thought they were a bit nicer than what I have bought elsewhere, as they have a slightly brassy, antique finish.

I am making these bags at the moment as gifts for my friends and relations, but also as a way to teach myself some bag making techniques.  Knitting is still really my thing. But eventually I do want to sell a few bags on my craft stall, but as so many bag patterns seem to forbid their sale, I have decided that the best way to avoid any problems is to design my own bags. So I wanted to ask other more experienced bag-makers out there a few questions: Do you design your own bags? Are there any patterns out there that do give permission for sales on a small scale? I would be really grateful for any advice, as it all seems a bit of a minefield.