No matter what your size, a handbag will always fit and therefore be the perfect accessory. Best of all, they are relatively easy to make. Get your designer juices following with these DIY recommendations:

• Free patterns: Sewing sites are flush with free handbag patterns. Check out some of the best of the lot here: Henrietta's Hanbags, Amy Butler, Martha Stewart, AllCraft, and ThriftyFun.
  

• Let's get lazy: Now this is right up my sewing alley - a great purse pattern from LazyGirlDesigns.com that's easy to assemble.
• Love leather: Leather is easier to work with than you think. Learn the tricks of the trade in this fabulous video.
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• Hardware Resources: Finding pro-quality hardware for your handbag, from buckles to grommets, is always a challenge. Here is a list of some great resources.
• Ladies, start your sewing machines: If you get stitching now, you'll be able to make the April 15 deadline for Handmade Handbag category in the 2010 Independent Handbag Designers Awards and potentially win a sewing machine and a thread collection. Even better, your pattern will be a featured download! Click here for more info and see last year's winners.
• Get inspired: For inspiration and tips on handmade handbags, check out Handbag Designer 101.

For more DIY Design columns, click here. Next week: high fashion comes in small package with handmade doll clothes.