Thanks for that Yummy, despite not being a magnificent sewer I'm actually quite good at pattern making my own designs, it's not that different from drafting a floor plan at the end of the day. I just worry about the tensile strength of seams, etc. in a self-made bag as I wouldn't want a bag that I'd only carry a scarf in out of fear of it unraveling. It is a good idea just to get a bit of experience with it, I've seen courses advertised but most are more a 'pimp your bag' type thing or as expensive as buying a proper bag.
The rules are similar here, Elle, but US goods always get taxed. They automatically get flagged but I've gotten loads of things from Japan and S. Korea and that hardly ever gets stopped. I really don't mind paying the VAT, it's the standard charge plus an extra % the national post service charges for 'handling fees' that enrages me (and it's not like they have any competition and I have no choice in the matter so feel it's an unfair monopoly and should be against EU rules ). Some US e-tailers are catching on though, with UPS or DHL you can prepay taxes and they won't dispatch it from the US until you've paid them, and then it's usually a few dollars. Others have it integrated into their site (like Shopbop), even better then.
I loved the Kusama x LV collection too, there had just been a wonderful exhibit of hers down in Rotterdam around the same time. It was absolutely bonkers and magical. Though I probably liked the collab she did with Uniqlo a few years back, I really wanted attached tote but Uniqlo didn't ship here at the time and it was sold out pretty quickly.
Speaking of Uniqlo colabs, they've announced a new one for early summer with Thomas Maier. Not really a brand I'd looked into before but it has similar Cristhophe Lemaire vibes of quality basics and I can see it working well within the Uniqlo brand. He's also head designer for Bottega Veneta.
I have the Phoebe in all black from Danse Lente but the Johnnys are quite popular in all the fashion week street style photos at the moment. I hope Instagram doesn't ruin it 
. I quite like the look of the Lornas (I'd need a mini one) but I'm thinking they're probably not so practical.
I've also been really enamoured by a from Low Classic (pic 2), a S. Korean brand, for a while, was hoping Thomas Greyhound in Paris would have stocked them, but no accessories, just the clothes which were great to see too as the Korean and Japanese designer labels are so completely different. Very luxe/minimal but not as crazy conceptual as it used to be. Unfortunately, you can only order from S. Korea or the US and taxes and duties would ramp up the price disproportionately.
Even though it's not relaxed or slouchy, I'm back to contemplating an Aesther Ekme bag again, but in burgundy, which is more reddish than brown, figure that will be quite versatile too for S/S.
Apols, everyone, ignore my musings on bags whilst I'm in indecision mode at your leisure.