Dumb suggestion, but I wouldn't bother going to a bag merchant. If you're a tailor, I'm sure you can spare the 6 linen you need for a bag (since you'll be trying to collect it anyway to raise your skill), and it's considerably cheaper than buying one from a vendor. In fact, if you buy the coarse thread (you need 3 for a linen bag) and make the bolts yourself (3 bolts for a linen bag), I imagine most tailors would probably do it for nothing (at least I would, I mean if you provide all the materials, I see no reason to charge you, since it doesn't cost me anything *grins*)
Now if you're looking for 8+ slot bags however, then you'll need to either buy them from a vendor or the auction house, since if you can't make linen bags you won't be making any of the larger ones yet (or be likely to have access to the materials). I imagine the auction house is much cheaper though.
Just a few thoughts for you.
Edited, Mon Jan 10 10:28:56 2005 by Drusenija