Just go on the internet and put in free bag patterns and you will find a ton of them.

Have you looked up the pillowcase bag(I think that is the name of it ) ? That one is super simple, basically cut to size, then cut out the handles-sew it up, put bias around the handles and you have a bag.
http://spiderwomanknits.typepad.com/...-tutorial.html
http://growmama.blogspot.com/2010/10...illowcase.html

Here ya go if you are looking for a shopping bag- I am sure it could be modified for a purse like bag. Try Ikat (I believe is the name of the blog). She has some great instructions for bags, purses.
http://www.ikatbag.com/

Check out Craftsy.com they have several classes and there was at least on free class too. Also, go to Nancy Ziemans tv show and you can scroll thru her shows and she has some on making bags. I just got several patterns from our local quilt store onsale. One was 18 and I paid 99cents for it.

I used to think bags were difficult, too difficult for me to try. Then i made one, and have now made several. The biggest thing I learned from my mistakes was to be sure to use a heavy enough innerfacing to hold the shape. You can have a new bag whenever you want and at least have one for each season. They are lots of fun. BTW, welcome to the board, you will love it here

How about trying Carol Taylor Oates Totes and Totes with zippers Great books for beginners and Us fussy old folks who make just for fun.