Sounds like my kinda thing

This might be the foot for a Category 4 machine (atelier 5)
https://j-shop.co.uk/collections/feet-and-attachments/products/ultra-glide-foot-3

I use a teflon foot (on any machine) if sewing the thin faux leather, but it can still stretch depending on the quality. Try using greaseproof or silicon paper on top of the pleather, and stitch slowly

I would stabilise the fabric with a light iron-on interfacing first. If it’s a very fine or stretchy jersey, you can use another layer of interfacing, if needed. To help keep the bag in shape, interline it with a cotton backed foam (I usually sew it to the outer fabric).  Annie’s Soft and Stable, Pellon FF78F1 or Vilene Style-Vil sew-in foam batting are suitable.

Tejidos Nicolas in Cartagena, Spain.
Tejidos Nicholas. Avenida Brussels.  Espacio Mediterraneo.
Loads of unusual fabrics, I guess they're roll ends from the local clothing manufacturers. Good prices.

Visited here today.....good selection and prices.  Thank you, Lacihica, for the heads up.

I too have voted, and as above, would never vote for myself. Very difficult to choose between all the other clever and talented entrants.

Finally managed to take some photos of my bags for this challenge (Thanks Manuela for uploading the photos)

Items going into the mix were a past-it’s-best red leather tote bag, a home made skirt (never worn), a cushion cover and an old cotton top.

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First item to emerge was a mid sized tote bag with a couple of slip pockets inside.

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Second was a cross-body bag with outer zipped pocket and 2 inner slip pockets. The gold embroidery was machined on, and a handmade tassel and bag charm added.

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Finally, had enough bits left to make a wallet. It has a zippered pouch for coins, slots inside for credit cards and notes, and an exterior pocket for a mobile.

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The bag linings were made from the cotton top and cushion, and the zips and handles were all re-used from the original bag. The only ‘new’ things used were the magnetic snap fasteners and the butterfly ‘button’ which I already had.

So, 3 useful items which cost me nothing. 

Instead of a book, have you checked out the groups that sell patterns to download?
They have all levels of bags, with good instructions and some have video sewalongs/tutorials.
There are a few free patterns to download, and lots of inspiration from other bag makers.

RLR Creations, Bagstock,  Sacotin,  ChrisW Designs,  Blue Calla to mention a few.

Even just browsing what others make, gives me lots of ideas.

(Just seen the post that Lizzielogs started on free bag patterns, that has links to some of the sites)

@Goth Gardiner   I have that pattern, and it makes up really nice. Made mine (a few years ago) in a silky satin fabric. Easy to make and easy to wear.