The 3 that I've made, I didn't do foundation single crochet at all because I couldn't be bothered to look up your tutorial. ;) That said, they look fine to me. I have yet to get them lined (my sewing skills are sad) but I really like how they look. I need to get new pictures on ravelry.

Well, I'm not much help. I have stopped short of making the whole pattern twice now because I fell in love with the base part with sides folded down to make organization pockets for my sewing room. These I heart!
But I do love the foundation chain at the beginning.

Little birds! Such crisp photos - beautiful!

People. So concerned about what others might think! I admire that you disregarded how you might appear to others in order to share with us "the moment." Thank you.

Love the picture of the bird!

I do think that for the small bag (the only one I've made), the handle is too bulky. In fact, I decided when I make another one (I'm going to, eventually!) I'll cut back on the number of rows for the handle...

I've made one small and one large Starling bag so far. I've taken the small one out a few times and I do not think the handle is too bulky. I like the shape of the handle with the bag - I think a smaller one would not seem proportional to me. When I make the next small one (for my niece!) I will see how it is with just three rows, but for now my vote is keep it the same. :D

WOW on the bird photo. I am in awe.

I've made three Starlings now. The first was the large. The second is more toward the small size and I did stop the handle at three rows after the fsc.
The third bag - which I love as much as I do the second bag and more than the first - is going to a dear friend this evening during our monthly Quilt Guild meeting.

I've made only one Starling so far, a large. I added two rows to the handle because it felt better in my hand. I'm used to wearing purses with shoulder straps across my body and I think I needed just a bit more thickness in the handle to feel secure. It does not look too chunky, I swear. It looks balanced, at least in my gauge. When I make a small one I will pause at three rows and see how that looks. You might be right about the bulkiness. Hurrah for the accommodating Starling!

Hi Alice ,
I have made a medium & a large and like the handle as is ,The small size is next in my want to crochet pile.
the appearance of the small looks good to me.
The thicker handle was part of the appeal for me.

I've completed a small and medium and am working on a large. I think the handle on the small is a bit too bulky so modifying it would be great. The handles on the medium are a good size.

I've made several small ones (in fact, I ask everyone I know if they want one just so I have an excuse) and it seems fine to me the way it is. My sister carries hers all the time with no complaints. BTW, thanks so much for all your downloads, I've had great fun with them.

Great pictures of the bird you have. It's really clear & detailed. What kind of camera do you use?

Great shot!

Thanks for the feedback, Everyone! Apparently it totally depends on your preference. Maybe I'll just make a note in the pattern. You know how I like notes! Ha!

Katie ... Srsly, fsc is EZ. Rly, u should lrn it. ;)

Vicki K ... The baskets are a great idea! Got photos?

Mr. Puffy ... You have no idea what I'm willing to do in public. ;) I'm totally not self-conscious at all.

Heather ... Andrew is a great photographer! The kick ass Nikon lens with image stabilization helps, too.

Nickcole ... And his camera is a Nikon D90. He recently upgraded from the D70.

Hiya

First .. love that wee sparrow.. I also love photography and also use a Nikon, just the wee D40 but I love it. you can have a peek at my photos on www.flickr.com/photos/tango40 if you want... :-))

secondly .. love the bag, just about to finish my first sample test bag, I'll hav a feel of the 3 rows and the 5 rows but I do like the thickness of the 5 rows.. It's looking good..

thirdly .. could i ask for some help..... HELP !!!! :-))
I seem to add stitches, think it might be when I'm doing the slip stich at the end of a row.
I'm also a bit confused when putting the markers in at the handle as your note says it reminds you to skip a stitch but also to use the stitches with the markers. I was using the marked one as my skip stitch.
When doing the fsc should it start with a double chain..
And any idea how to stop the kittens from shredding the wool and running off with the paper clips :-0
any help info would be a great help..

I'm so glad you I came across your sight, you've so inspired me .. today I was in Hobbycraft buyng wool and material and I've even ordered a sewing machine.. cheers :-)

sindy ... here's some HELP :)

Only single crochet in the top of other single crochets. If you follow this you won't add stitches. Maybe put a stitch marker in the first and last sc of each row so when you start the next one you'll know where to start and stop.

As for the handles, you can put the stitch markers where it makes sense for you. In my instructions I say to put them in the first and last stitch of the 30 handle stitches. They are there to remind me to skip the stitch just before the handles and just after the handles (not to skip the stitch-markered stitch). But, again, do what makes sense to you.

When you start the fsc, chain two (so "yes" if "double chain" means two chain stitches.)

I have no kitten/yarn solutions to offer ... except maybe give them their own ball of yarn to distract them from yours. ;)

Let me know if you need any more tips!

Thanks for all the HELP ...

I'm getting use to the stitch markers so shall put them in to try and stop adding stitches.

i came across one of your tutorials that showed the fsc as a bridge in pink wool. shall try this. Getting use to written patterns but the videos are great.. thanks.

Kittens are getting better..soon they will be crocheting too :-))

thanks again for the help... now off to start my first real bag...

Hi!
I'm a beginner in crochet and I really love your handbag. I'm trying to do it, but I'm blocked at row 1, when it's written to rotate piece and sc in bottom of fsc. What is the bottom of fsc? Thanks in advance for helping me!

Roxane ... Sorry it took me so long to respond! I just started posting videos that show you exactly how to make a Starling. You can see what I've posted so far here http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/labels/startling%20crochet-a-long.aspx

I also have a photo tutorial of the part that shows you how to do most of the first row here http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2010/5/starting-a-starling-part-1.aspx

Hope that helps!