It's tough to get your hands on an Adrienne Grahn handbag at local events, as there's always a crowd around the Minneapolis designer's table. The practical but sleek shapes draw women in and the prices prevent them from walking away: The hand-sewn leather bags sell for $50 to $150 at Cliche, 2403 Lyndale Ave., Minneapolis.

Grahn knows she could charge more for her high-quality bags, but she can't bring herself to do it. So handbags remain a hobby, and Grahn teaches home ec at Arlington High School in St. Paul. (Sewing is her favorite unit.)

This weekend, you can meet the designer and get a bag for half off during an accessories sample sale hosted by jewelry designer Karin Jacobson from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. N.E., Suite 288, Minneapolis.

— Allison Kaplan

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