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List Price: $24.95
Best Price: $6.99 (new), $4.99 (used)
Availability: New (31), Used (18)
Author: Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader
ISBN: 157990601X
Number of Pages: 128
Publication Date: 2005-03-01
Publisher: Lark Books

Customer Review

Solid inspiration and instruction
by Customer A1M5PY37JFQWGA at February 25th, 2008
I've been making handbags for myself for a couple of years now, and this is one of my go-to books for instruction and inspiration. There are seven basic bag instructions (Messenger, Clutch, Tote, Tuck, Flirt, Vessel, and Travel), each with between three and five variations. There are decent instructions for the basic bag, and the variations tell you what's different, but it does not provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for each project. That's fine - I don't want to make the exact bag they show. I use this book for inspiration and basic construction methods.

The first section of the book talks about the basics - designing, embellishing, and sewing. It talks about material choices, how to make linings and pockets, use interfacing, install zippers, add straps and flaps, and close the bag. It explains decorative techniques like piping, grommets, handles, feet, frames, and fabric panels. There is a brief section of embellishing with beads, buttons, trims, jewelry, flowers, applique, embroidery, ruffles, and topstitching. The next section shows the effect that embellishments can have on a plain bag. They show several different before and after photos of purchased bags with embellishments. This is a great section for inspiration. There's a sewing section that explains the tools you'll need, basic sewing terms, and pattern making. The patterns are very simple line drawings on a grid. That makes perfect sense - you can make your bag as large or as small as you'd like or change the shape. Many of the pattern pieces are composed of straight lines, and it's easier to cut them with a rotary cutter anyway.

The last section of the book is pure inspiration. It's called the Gallery of Totally Hip Handbags, and it's full of "art" bags. It's interesting to see the color, material, and shapes, although I can't imagine I'd ever carry a ceramic bag. I tend to make my bags freestyle - no pattern, just an idea that I play with until it turns into a bag. This book helps with both the construction techniques and the inspiration for new ideas.

If you're looking for a detailed pattern book so you can make exactly what they show in the photo, this may not be the book for you. If you prefer to work a little less structured, and are comfortable making some things up as you go along, this is a great place to start.

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