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Make twelve bags and twelve matching purses using only half yards of fabric.
All you need is this amount for the outside of the item plus
lining, decorations, notions, and hardware. You don’t
even need a lot of sewing experience with the easy to read
instructions with plenty of staged photographs, although a
good knowledge of the basics is a must. There is a page of
tips for the “complete beginner” but personally,
I would rate this for improver level as there is a fair amount
to master. One of the features is that most of the projects
feature bag hardware in the shape of buckles, frames, chains,
D-rings, and carabiners. This gives the bags a professional
finish and instructions are given on how to attach them. At
the front there is a list of what you need to embark on making
bags plus several pages of basic techniques including stitches,
making straps and your own bias binding, adding pockets and
putting in zips. There are no patterns in this book apart
from a page of templates; each project has a cutting list
of the simple shapes you require, plus a list of everything
you need and a finished size. You can expect plenty of Search
Press’ trademark photographic stages for a pretty foolproof
project and a good range of different bag and purse styles.
Choose from casual tote bags, shoulder bags, formal handbags,
and bags to take to work as well as various purses and wallets
to match. My favorite feature of the book is the emphasis
on using up what you have; it really shows how to do a lot
with a little. From an ingenious use of an old cork to a brilliant
way of using up lots of spare threads there is a way of using
the smallest scraps. I love the Charles Rennie Mackintosh
style rose made from “iris folding” strips of
fabric – very pretty and effective. I was also impressed
with the range of fabrics used, not only quilting cottons
but leather, felt, tweed and all-over lace. This is the sort
of book that you can dip into again and again for bags every
time you have a new outfit. My current favorite from this
excellent series.
If you cannot find a good range of fabrics and other sewing
materials locally try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
Hardware and a good range of bag making items are available
from https://www.u-handbag.com who ship worldwide.
Reviews of other craft books by Debbie Shore
Making
Cushion Covers
Quilted
Covers and Cosies
Half
Yard Home
Half
Yard Christmas
Sewing
Room Accessories
Half
Yard Vintage
Half Yard Bags
& Purses
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