Book Description
All the techniques for making a uniquely personal purse are right here. Forty projects offer a wide variety of fabulous choices, featuring great fabrics and design options, including novelty threads, raffia ribbon, straps made of jeweled necklaces and bracelets, beautiful yet easy embroidery, and more. Crafters who really want to start from scratch will find 25 simple sewing projects, all originating from seven basic patterns, ranging from a flat folding purse to an oval pocketbook made from iridescent ruched silk. Another 15 designs use plain store-bought bags as a canvas for creative embellishments, such as transforming a simple black clutch with elegant silk flowers, or turn a basic leather purse into something special with whimsical appliqué. An attractive gallery provides additional inspiration. A Main Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.
Customer Reviews:
Great ideas, poor instructions.......2007-09-26
The purses in this book are all variations on a set of basic patterns. The color pictures are great and show a lot of great ideas. The text is written in an entertaining and humorous style that is fun to read. Where this book starts to fall apart is when you go to actually make one of these purses. Vague instructions and errors abound. One one page, the instructions list the size of one pattern piece as different than what the pattern piece is drawn for. The author glosses over how to insert anything but a fabric handle. There are no instructions on how to put in a magnetic clasp or bag feet. And the measly section on how to put in a zippered pocket was so vague that I had to rip out the pocket three times. I finally went to another source to get clear instructions. The book also doesn't give guidance on when to add the extras. Should trim go on before sewing the lining together? Handsewn on afterwards? If the author knows, she's not tellling.
Well worth buying!.......2007-07-29
I first got this book out of my local library and was very impressed with the majority of the patterns (not all but then that's to be expected!), good instructions and the range of alterations to the basic patterns they explored in more detail. Impressed to the extent that I had to buy it. I'm in the middle of making one of the bags and the instructions have been good and to the point. The only downside is that the patterns aren't as exact as I would like and there's a bit of figuring out to do before you can cut into your fabric.
disappointed.......2007-05-31
I start sewing a year ago and I started with bags. So this book really appeal to me. Let me say that I was really disappointed when it arrives from amazon. Actually I didn't even bother to keep it and return it a couple of days later. They're better books on the subject (Make Your Own Handbags)
There's seven different patterns in this book and a few variations on each pattern and embellished bags. For my taste, the bags didn't look great and some of the were overdone (too embellished)
You can have a look at some of them if you google the book on google books.
Should have passed on this one.......2007-05-29
Purchasing this book was a mistake. Nothing in it that I would ever try to make. It goes in the donation bag for sure.
Inspirational, Even For A Beginner.......2007-03-21
I can sew a straight seam on a sewing machine (and that's it !) but this book inspired me to get out there and start making handbags. The patterns and instructions are extremely clear and easy to follow and I particularly like the way the 7 basic shapes are presented at the start as basic calico forms which Valerie then gives variations for.
The other thing I really like as a beginner is Valerie's confidential, fun tone. Its like having a hip girlfriend showing you how to do it - she makes even scary stuff (zips ! linings !) seem straightfoward. This is one of the very very few craft books where I actually read it straight through, including the "boring" technical stuff at the start, because Valerie's tone is so engaging. Good thing too ! Its the boring technical stuff that makes the handbags work, but because its so fun to read you almost don't realise that she's just shown you how to make a lined pocket, or attach a clasp.
I originally picked up this book at the Library because I wanted a pretty nappy bag that didn't cost $180. My prototype was leapt on by my Mum, my sister, and various girlfriends with shrieks of delight and then gasps of amazement that I had made it myself. As I write this, I have two up for sale in a girlfriend's shop, two ordered by my Mum, one by my sister, and one for my God-sister who's just had a baby. I have given one to my sister-in-law and another to a friend for her baby shower. I have even gone and got myself some sew-in labels for my "brand" !! Crazy !!! Who would have thought that one book would spark something like this ?
And its FUN. I have a really short attention span and I keep telling myself "I'll stop when it stops being enjoyable" but I still find myself on the loungeroom floor at 10 at night cutting patterns and matching stripes with a big silly smile on my face. I'm off to a fabric sale to buy cheap chinese brocades to make some of the very "in" wristlets - its such a fabulous excuse to paw over pretty fabrics and trims - and cheap - 'cos you only need a meter and a half to make even the biggest bags.
I would very strongly recommend this book, even for someone who feels unsure of their sewing skills. Several of the pattern can be hand-sewn if you don't have a machine, and there is also an excellent section on how to add trims and embellishment to bought bags. The gallery at the back is fabulous with some really exotic and radical handbags that make my mouth water, and make me determined to get better at this craft - I suspect it will bring me a great deal of joy for a long time to come, and I hope that you'll buy this book (or borrow it from a Library :) and get the same inspiration and enjoyment that I have.
Product Description
A collection of knitted and felted handbag patterns inspired by each month of the year.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic Felted Fantasy!.......2007-05-19
What wonderful pieces to knit & felt! So different & diverse from what you see out there today! The pictures in this book are so well done & you're really able to see what the product will look like when it's completed. That helps you as the person creating the piece and as motivation to do more with felting. I also truly appreciate the concise and easy to understand nature with which this book was written. I never felt the author wasn't trying to help me understand the terms and process, whether I was a beginner to felting or not. All in all, I saw this book as good for beginner or expert alike because of the wonderful pictures and the way each pattern was so expertly explained.
DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK - NOT WORTH THE PRICE.......2007-04-30
I am so disappointed in this book - I can't believe I wasted my hard earned money. There are only two patterns that I would even think about making - the others STINK!!! The pages are made from cheap feeling paper and the photography is something that a 5 yeard old could do. This book is not worth 24.95 - plus tax and shipping!!!! I counted the pages - there are only 31 with pattern info and the rest are "fillers". In my opinion - not worth the money. I am going to find out how to send it back to Amazon!!
Great!.......2007-04-12
I found Terry's book very informative and exciting. I am a novice knitter and felter, and I did not feel intimdated. Way to go, Terry!!
Twelve Bags Fulled.......2007-04-10
Extremely disappointing and not worth the price. I was so angry when I saw it and I showed it to fellow knitters who all told me to return the book to Amazon. The patterns except for the cover are very ordinary and the book has so few pages that I could not believe how I was taken in. Word of advice, don't buy this "book"!
Lovely bags, well written patterns.......2007-03-23
This book is beautiful and offers some inspiring embellishments for handbags. While the bags are relatively simple, the decorations are gorgeous! This book has great ideas and I know I will make a few of them. I would have liked some more unusual shapes and examples.
Book Description
The Bolide. The Plume. The Birkin--object of lust in Sex in the City. Celebrating the must-have accessory for the fashion conscious woman, Handbags is an obsessive, irresistible visual extravaganza, featuring over 900 full-color photographs of the most luxurious, witty, covetable, talismanic examples of the bagmaker's art and history.
The iconic Hermés Kelly bag, made from first stitch to last by a single craftsperson. Judith Leiber's whimsical minaudiFres, Moschino's smiley-face bag, Elsa Schiaparelli's surrealist "bird cage," and the ne plus ultra of fashionable purses--the Chanel bag, reinvented for a new generation by Karl Lagerfeld. There are novelty bags, evening bags, sculptural bags, and class acts. Practical leather pochettes to carry a life, and elegant little reticules for nothing more than a credit card and a lipstick. Profiles of famous bagmakers: Jamin Puech, Kate Spade, Carlos Falchi, and the poet of utility, Bonnie Cashin, with her visionary "Cashin Carry" bags for Coach. Plus the anonymous Florentine artisans whose specialist leather workshops sprouted up in the 14th century.
A labor of love written by Anna Johnson, author of Three Black Skirts, Handbags features over 900 bags from collections, museums, and designers around the world, most of them photographed in seductive full-color exclusively for the book. The perfectly matched complement to Shoes, Handbags is about fashion, about desire, about secrecy, craftsmanship, art, and imagination as well as about the changing roles of women--everything that's packed into every important bag. Includes timelines, fascinating captions, and the "It" bags--anyone for a Fendi baguette?
Customer Reviews:
Lovely Eye Candy.......2007-10-01
Handbags is a light-weight (as in no information on what makes a great handbag great) lots of very good photographs of iconic "classic" and "it" bags. Lovely biographical sketches of taste-making handbag designers and many historical bags and historical details (but not adequate if you are doing historical costumes). One brief sketch of how a very high-quality (Hermes) bag is constructed. All in all a lovely read, though, because of the pictures.
wonderful book with historical information.......2007-03-12
Another excellent book on handbags with beautiful photographs and descriptions by designer/historical context.
Handbags.......2007-01-09
This is a great product because it shows you all the collection of purses that have been made. It has the expensive ones and the wierd ones and how they are made popular.
Cute, but small.......2007-01-04
I somehow thought this would be a much larger book. It's quite small in size. Still it's lots of fun to see all the variety of handbags over time. It's a light hearted subject.
MY MOM BOUGHT HER FIRST BIRKIN FROM HALEY'S COUTURE, AND ANOTHER FROM MIGHTY KISMET AFTER READING THIS BOOK!.......2006-09-01
This book helped my mom and I understand the different handbags out there that are really looked at as high fasion. We are both into fashion and after reading this book, she bought two authentic Hermes birkins - WOW!! - from Haleys Couture Galleria aka hermes galleria and MightyKismet. Both excessively nice ladies. Awesome news for us. We recommend this book as it helps you learn all of the styles out there and is really like one big encyclopedia. Awesome. Thanks.
Book Description
First knit, then felt--and let your "pursenality" pack a fashionable punch! From small, sleek handbags to roomy totes, these quick knitted and felted designs rank high on style and simplicity. You won't be able to make just one!
• Go trendy or traditional with Vintage Bubble Bag, Summer in the City Tote, and pretty, petite purses
• Choose from easy projects that are worked on big needles with 100% wool and a splash of dazzling novelty yarns
• Get a unique look with felting--simple instructions make the technique a snap
Customer Reviews:
This a wonderful book for making presents!!.......2007-09-05
I was hesitant to order this book due to negative reviews.
Some stated that the patterns were too simple,,,and the bags had a "homeade" instead of a" handmade "look.
I really am glad that I went ahead and ordered this anyway!
I have a lot of stash yarn ,both in 100% wool and some trendier yarns that I have been hanging on to for too long.
I wanted to use some of these yarns to make some Christmas gifts,,,, and this book TRULY fits the need I have!
This year I am making most of my presents ,which is why I ordered this in late summer ( so I am not knitting frantically at the last minute!)
I would rather be enjoying friends and family during the Christmas season,, (rather than shopping at the mall),,,,so,, this was an excellent purchase for me.
I think this is going to be fun trying to design each purse I knit to the fit the style of the lady I will be knitting for... ( This includes all ages from 2- 81!)
I can do this by mixing and matching yarns to get a one of a kind look.
One purse I made( for myself) took me all of 2 hours (!!) ~ from start to finish,I used the yarn I had on hand ~which is the best part of it all!
I did line my purse (which was very easy to do,) as I wanted pockets for cell phone, car keys etc ,,,however, this is a personal preference and not truly necessary ~
I also added buttons from my grandmothers old button jar.
I absolutely love this purse!
Yes, the patterns are relatively easy, but,,,what in world is wrong with that??? To be honest, I picked this book for just that reason!( I can save the cables and intarsia for a different project than felting!)
Since I have been bitten with the felting bug ..I will probably get more in depth with it after the holidays ~ but for now the focus is on presents~ and oh what LOVELY presents these bags will make!
I have already ordered a few more books on felting,( the author's next book being one of them) ~
I think most knitters could quite easily make changes to their purse to make it anyway you want to ,,,,,, to use leather purse handles and other hardwear if you want!!!! These patterns leave a lot of room for designing on your own.( By the way a great resource for leather handles and hardware lies in your local thrift shop where you can get these items for next to nothing!)
I think this is fantastic book for gift making , it helps keep my costs down a bit and I am giving something that the recipients really do use!
I have had had many compliments on purses I have made for myself.
Using a little imagination,,,,you could knit and felt up some really nice bags~ These designs are the kind of bags that will be well recieved as presents,, and truly get noticed!
a knitter's "must".......2007-07-05
If you love to knit felted bags , this book is a must. The patterns can serve as a model and you can take off and create your own designs.
Pursenalities.......2007-05-18
I have enjoyed using this book. The purses are cute and the patterns are easy to follow.
Amazon bugs me.......2007-05-12
I have ordered from Amazon before but probably won't again. Have had trouble getting the free S & H when an order is over $25.00. This recent order was just as frustrating. Wanted to order 2 items and could not get both to go in the shopping cart. The 2 items would have totaled over $25 to qualify for free S & H. So, finally gave up and just ordered the one book. That is all just stupid, so will stop at a book store when out of town or order from a different source. The book is nice but could have bought it almost any place.
I love the bag I made!.......2006-11-21
I knitted 2 different patterns from this book during the first year I learned to knit and both came out beautiful. Instructions are easy to follow and supplies needed to complete projects are reasonable. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in making a felted bag. Patterns range from basic to challenging (challenging for me, anyway but I can't wait to try the challenging patterns!)
Customer Reviews:
Purses and Handbags...got to love them!.......2007-07-06
I originally checked this book out at my local library, but since there were several projects in it that I wanted to try (and I have), I truly felt it worth the money to buy it. I loved the way she took the basic tote and showed the different variations for me to try. The directions were understandable and easy to follow.
Thanks!
Great First Purse Book. So Glad I Purchased It!.......2007-02-12
If you learn visually like I do this book has very good instructions and pictures. I'm not a very confidant crafter or sewer. This book however helped me start sewing again and to actually like what I made. I sewed the Hoop Handle Bag pictured above and although not without flaws, I was thrilled how it came out.
The first part of the book has basic instructions about tools and fabrics. Pages 29-83 has sewn bags, crochet, woven, photo transfer. Even a bag crocheted out of plastic bag strips. Good for teens. I use the instructions for the Oil Cloth Tote to make shopping totes any size and out of any fabric choice. Something I did do different from this books instructions: I do not trim the seams as much as instructed or trim off the triangle after sewing the bottom of the cloth purses. I think this ruins the integrity of the stitches. Leaving that little piece of fabric does not really add bulk. I use my totes for grocery shopping and they are holding up really well. (if you have trouble finding the plastic hoops for the Hoop Bag, search ebay under stores and you can find a wide variety of colors and sizes at good prices)
Pages 86-125 are all no sew and embellished bags. Honestly I will probably never make any of these bags but there are instructions for a cigar box purse, vinyl purse, tin can purses, book binding purse and more.
All in all having a little sewing experience will help and you may find you do alter some instructions a little, but this book is a great place to start making purses!
Great!.......2006-11-07
I order every one of Sherri Haab's books because she seems to be interested in everything I am interested in and all of her books are fun and fabulous. I would highly recommend this book if you are interested at all in making handbags of any sort.
Disappointed.......2006-10-13
I ordered this book because of it's 5-star rating. When it arrived, I found the purses to be more artsy/craftsy where I was expecting something upscale and designer-like. My fault, the cover photos should have given me a clue. Anyway, I was disappointed and ended up returning the book.
Great ideas from simple to intricate.......2006-09-03
This book had purses for everyone, sewers and non-sewers, old and young, small and large. The purses are hip and the patterns are easy to understand. I already had some of the patterns but they even presented them in a better way with great step-by-step COLOR photos.
Book Description
Using wonderful fabrics, trims, and accents, the talented designers from Ruby Tag Bags have created more than 25 fabulous, one-of-a-kind purses that women will have to own and love to make. The design romance begins with classic materials, including colorful crazy quilts, delicate lace, and vintage velvet; unique adornments such as glistening mother-of-pearl buttons; and pretty ribbon and floral embellishments. Even the project names—like Camelot, Polka Dance, and Lady of Spain—have a touch of magic. The collection includes small evening bags, larger totes for travel to those exotic faraway locales, elegant silk designs, and enchanting purses with silver chains, gold linings, and looped fringe. In addition to showstopping color photos of each project, there are patterns to make construction simple.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book!.......2007-09-12
Very good tool for the handbag designer. Love all the detailed instructions and photos. Easy to follow patterns. Fun designs.
Excellent book.......2007-08-12
The book has beautiful photos of purses which would inspire even the least creatively challenged. There are detailed instructions, a material list, preparation, and construction instructions, and there are patterns in the back of the book(which you need to enlarge). There are at least 14 bags, all beautiful and distinct. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wants to create a lovely purse.
Great Book.......2007-06-08
Love this book. The purses are unique and different. Hope they publish another one.
Fantastic .......2007-05-29
This book is so fantastic! Just looking at it over and over is enjoyable. I went to the Ruby Tag website and found info that the the purse hardware in the book has the wrong sizes. Boy, would I have been frustrated if I hadn't found that out. There should be a sticker on the front or a bookmark or something to alert to that in case someone didn't accidently find the information at the web site. Have not been able to start on a purse since I just had surgery before the book arrived but have spent many pleasant hours thinking about the works of art that I am going to be able to create. Great Job Ladies you are so talented in your designs. Thanks...
Creating Romantic Purses: Patterns & Instructions for Unique Handbags.......2007-01-12
This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever enjoyed. The purse art is beautiful to look at and stirs your creative juices. The patterns are easy to read and understand. The ladies that created the purses in the book are very talented artists. I have already started one of the crazy quilt bags due to being inspired by this book.
Customer Reviews:
Magnificent!.......2007-05-17
What a beautiful book; filled with glorious bags of the past, historical information and current values. There are hundreds of bags, created using techniqes such as beading, embroidery, tapestry, netting, crochet, knitting, tambour, loom, petit point and various stitchery. Gorgeous bags are displayed - eye-smacking delicious- that I have not seen in other collectible publications; a real plus for collectors. There is a chapter dedicated to restoration of vintage bags, with instructions for repair and cleaning, plus photos; tips when purchasing bags; and choosing the right purse frames. At the back of the book, page 256, I was delighted to see the two contemporary bags by Katerina Musetti, an artist and established opera singler; the bags are exquisite. It is obvious this book is a culmination of Paula and Lori's purse obsession, historical studies and labor. I highly recommend this inspiring book for collectors, as well as, bag enthusiasts; a book not to be missed. Review by Lydia F. Borin, The Beadwrangler
Passion for Purses.......2007-05-12
'Passion for Purses' is a beautiful, quality reference book for all purse lovers & collectors; from novice to the serious collector. The book has special emphasis on very early antique purses by one of the most knowledgeable persons around today. Contains previously unseen purses from private collections that have never before been published. Hundreds of pictures on quality paper, excellent information on the many catagories of purses that are included. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for purses. Great book for study or pleasure.A Passion for Purses, 1600-2005
Purse book to die for.......2007-05-09
For those of us mere mortals who can love from afar and have a "Passion for Purses" and.. the collectors among us, WOW. This book is a consumate collection of the incredible history and workmanship of this much needed and desired personal item. The descriptions and photographs of each purse made me feel as though I was almost visiting them in person. The depth and breadth of the collections plus the amazing amount of detail & photos given on the handpicked items for this book made me feel as though I got a real education and my money's worth for sure. I still cannot figure out how these authors gained so much knowledge and still have lives other than their immersion in purses...do they, I ask? This book was written by people who LOVE what they do. I have read and reread this book too many times already. My husband actually was impressed. I consider myself fairly knowledgeable as I was an antique dealer for years, but I have seen things in this book that I never even knew existed. A "Passion for Purses" - my compliments. This is the first book I have ever bothered to review but - it is just that FABULOUS.
Book Description
Combine the latest accessory trends with the look of the past with Quilted Bags in a Weekend. Through the revival of hand-made, vintage accessories, readers can create an endearing patchwork purse, handbag, or tote - simply and quickly. Clear, step-by-step instructions guide the weekend hobbyist through each project, with additional tips on using inexpensive materials to create a personal heirloom. Also included are tricks to pick coordinating fabrics, advice on the best materials, and ideas to make any handmade bag sturdy and durable, practical yet beautiful.
Customer Reviews:
GREAT PROJECTS. EASY AND INSPIRING........2007-03-14
This is a marvelous book. As I leafed through the pages, I wanted to make every bag project in the book. The projects are explained and illustrated in a very clear and easy manner. I've only been sewing for two years but I felt quite competent about completing any of the bags proposed in this book.
Really great for novices.......2006-09-05
I had trouble choosing which bag to make first. I am really keen to finish the first so that I can start on another.
I am very much a beginner....but this is great.
I have quilted together the patterns to make my own.......2006-05-18
I got this book as a gift from my husband! I was shocked that he would figure out this is a book I would want! So, the receiving it aside, let me get down to the review.
First off, this book looks very similar to "Quilted Bags in a Weekend : 25 Patchwork Purses, Totes and Bags" by Emma Hardy. The purses on the front of that book are in the book I have. So don't get both of these books.
Second, there are some really odd styles in this book. While the pictures are beautiful, they can be a bit misleading. I tried making the silk and velvet tote, but it was WAY TOO big. The dimensions given didn't seem to go with the picture. I cut the bag down and it was much better. Many of the bags have an odd shape that isn't always appealing like a pyramid or oblong, or pointed corners and tiny handles.
Third, while I have appreciated the variety of techniques outlined in this book only pages of instructions are given for each bag. Every bag only has 8 steps to make it. Those 8 steps are not always the easiest to follow and are often cryptic when coming to difficult steps.
I have learned some new techniques like folding the lining outside the bag to give it an interesting border and I do get inspiration from the pictures.
If I were browsing in a bookstore, I would probably pass this one up for something with more descriptive directions and less oddly shaped bags.
Quilted Bags in a Weekend.......2005-09-20
Great bags, easy to make and wonderful design. Gets the creative juices flowing.
A wealth of imaginative creativity .......2005-06-06
Quilted Bags In A Weekend: 25 Purses, Totes, And Bags That You Can Make In No Time by needlecraft expert Ellen Kharade is enhanced with more than 250 color photographs, illustrations, and templates showcasing charming, contemporary designs that can be created by even the most novice needlecraft. Replete with practical "how to" advice with respect to crating stylish shoppers, purses, totes, and evening bags from old scraps and leftover pieces of fabric, each individual project is provided with clear, step-by-step artworks and a techniques section with start-to-finish expert instruction. From a floral beach tote, to a ribbon-motif flannel satchel, to a leaf-print evening bag, there is a wealth of imaginative creativity in Quilted Bags In A Weekend!
Book Description
Knitters who had never "felt" this kind of fashion before are now hooked—they want more Pursenalities! This popular author is back with more fabulous knit-and-felt bags, along with fresh ideas for a "purse-onal" touch.
• Twenty all-new purses, bags, and totes feature seasonal colors and styles
• Bag embellishments range from grommets, pockets, and buckles to beautiful felted flowers
• Fast projects are worked on big needles with 100% wool and a splash of novelty yarns; easy step-by-step instructions make felting a breeze
• Bonus—includes patterns for a cell-phone holder, an eyeglasses case, and a cosmetics pouch
Customer Reviews:
GREAT IDEAS IN THIS BOOK!.......2007-09-11
Just recently I purchased the first book the author wrote on felting purses,
I liked that book for many reasons, one of which the purses were quite quick to knit up and I was planning on knitting some for gifts~
This book however,,is for purses and totes for ME!
Yes, some are more time consuming but they are SO different and look SO professionally done its easy to see that the author did pour her heart into designing these lovely creations!
I cant understand how a reviewer can say that NONE of the ( many styled) bags were to their liking , because there are so many different styles to choose from!
Add to that the infinate choices of yarns available and anything can be done!
I LOVE this book,,,and will save it for bags that I want to have that extra panache ,, knowing full well that I STILL am using stash yarns ~and coming up with some mighty classy bags!
not to my liking.......2007-01-20
As I turned the pages I did not like any of the bag patterns so decided I did not want to own the book.
A range of bag projects use traditional and novelty yarns.......2006-04-20
Eva Wiechmann's PURSENALITY PLUS: 20 NEW FELTED BAGS shows how to knit and few felt bags. There are over ten styles encouraging a range of looks and materials plus patterns for add-ons such as a cell phone holder or eyeglasses case. Projects on big needles explore both traditional and novelty yarns and accompany large-size clear color photos of finished results with tips on pockets, embellishments and more.
Lots of Fun designs!.......2006-02-02
I was really disappointed in her first book. The first book had very basic patterns that I felt I could have figured out without a pattern book. They also had that quirky homemade look. THis book is much more chic and interesting. The construction techniques, colors, shapes, and hardware on all the purses in this book are wonderful. I can't wait to get my needles out and try some of the designs in this book. I also can't decide which one to do first. The designs are not too quirky, yet not boring either, with a good range of shapes, and patterns. Also there are great ideas for using chains, buttons and other hardware on the purse.
Book Description
For anyone who feels she can never have too many handbags, this book is for you. Crafters, sewers, and lovers of handbags and leather goods are invited to take a one-on-one course in handbag and accessory construction and design with this new title.
Written by three accomplished professors from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, this book takes a fun approach to fashionable designs that are not only beautiful but also simple to create.
Learn to construct fabulous handbags as well as other related accessories including cell phone cases, eyeglass cases, a belt and belt bag, wallets, an agenda book cover, and a cosmetic case. All projects are made from garment weight leathers and can be created on a typical home sewing machine.
Numerous photos, step-by-step illustrations, and, best of all, insider's tips for constructing these pieces and customizing the patterns to your own personal style are included.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2007-01-12
This was a great book with wonderful ideas, Beautiful pictures, Great Patterns, and Easy to follow instructions.
Lacking for the serious leatherworker.......2007-01-04
I'm disappointed in this book. The patterns supplied are much smaller than you would expect, making their appeal limited. Only half of the projects are actual handbags. All the projects use very lightweight garment leathers, which lack the structure a good bag needs. The instructions are okay, and the illustrations are generally helpful. The gallery section is just terrible; the examples shown are reminiscent of summer camp or slumber party projects in my opinion. It seems to be intended for cloth sewing hobbyists looking to make something simple in leather. Not for the serious leatherworkers. In all, I do not recommend this book, and would have returned it if the combined shipping costs would not have cost more than the book itself.
FIT does another great job........2006-02-21
This book is essentially a guide to a student show but includes all of the patterns and contstruction techniques to make the items featured. Excellent instructions plus guidance on choosing suitable materials and where and how to obtain them. Includes all the patterns on tear out pages so that you can take them to the copier to enlarge them to the exact size of the samples. It even includes e-mail addresses for the people whose work is featured. Truly an excellent additon to the library of the aspiring handbag artist.
Do things with your home sewing machine you never thought you could!.......2005-12-11
I own several books on making handbags, and this is hands down my favorite. Instead of using the book for its step by step patterns, I've used it as a resource book on how to create things with alternative materials. I've applied the techniques contained in this book to many alternative materials such as naugahide (sp?) and vinyl. What I really appreciated was the breakdown so the projects can be done on home sewing machines instead of by hand or with industrial machines. All of my bags are made from recycled materials and owning this reference has really helped me bring my work up to a whole new level. The project gallery at the end of the book is just as inspirational as the projects themselves. Enjoy!
FABULOUS!!!!!.......2005-08-25
This is a wonderful book. It is great for novice handbag designers to use as a learning tool...It's also great for expert designers to use for great inspiration. I would recommend it to anyone who loves handbags!
Books:
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Architectural Graphic Standards, Tenth Edition
- The Vision A Two-in-one Volume Of The Final Quest And The Call
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory: Standard and Microscale Experiments
- Showcase Presents: Superman, Vol. 1
- Schmucks!: Our Favorite Fakes, Frauds, Lowlifes, Liars, the Armed and Dangerous, and Good Guys Gone
- The Insect Viruses
- The Collector's Encyclopedia of Homer Laughlin China: Reference and Value Guide
- Arabesques
- Naked Men, Too: Liberating the Male Nude, 1950-2000
- Biomonitoring: General and Applied Aspects on Regional and Global Scales
Fashion Design
| Commercial
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Designer Style Handbags: Techniques and Projects for Unique, Fun, and Elegant Designs from Classic to Retro
Bags With Style
Making Handbags: Retro, Chic, Luxurious
Making Vintage Bags: 20 Original Sewing Patterns for Vintage Bags and Purses
Bag Boutique: Making Fabulous Purses And Totes (That Patchwork Place)
