I love hoovering the internet and have more faves than what is good for me... LOL
Read: too much 'putering, too little sewing...

*Hangs head in shame*

I recommend Craftster for MANY tuts, HERE you can find
the collection of links for totes/bags/purses etc

Another great educationer is Lisa Lam and her blog HERE

And I agree with Connie above me: it really IS simple to make a basic tote!

Here are some I made as xmas-pressies for my very good friend Sue in California:
"Grandma"-tote for children's books and some wine/waterbottle-bags.
( In addition a small nightstand-top... )