The Perfect Handmade Bag
Author: Clare Youngs
CICO Books
September 2009
Specs: 128 pages, 200 color photos
ISBN: 9781906525811
My Review: This book was fun! When I first received the book, I spent my time looking over all the colorful pictures and step-by-step instructions. I then marked a couple of the bags that I liked the most. After I narrowed my list down to about 6, I studied the projects and picked what I thought would be the easiest to complete. I chose "burlap & print shopper, (pg. 58)" for my review project. This is a great bag to take to the grocery store, the beach or to store kid's toys. I did not have burlap for this project but used a sturdy outdoor Waverly fabric and a houndstooth print. The book talks about recycling, so I used what I had! My one complaint with the finished product is that the seams on the inside of the bag are un-finished. Not a big deal but it would look better had the instructions included a way to finish them. There was only 5 listed instructions and 5 materials listed for this project. I thought the instructions were simple but basic sewing skills are going to be needed. This is a picture of my "print shopper."
The book is divided into 5 chapters: purses, shoulder bags, shoppers & totes, evening bags and kid's bags. There is also a detailed techniques and templates chapter. The book has some great ideas for recycling materials. I especially liked the "packaging tote (pg. 62)." The bag is made from recycled labels, stamps, postcards, paper bags, graphics from fruit crates and old tickets. The ideas are endless!
If you love to create, sew or craft, then this book is for you. There are 35 step-by-step projects for totes, bags and purses. Plenty to keep you busy!
From the Publishers: Give fabric a new lease of life with one of these fantastically chic recycled bags. In today's modern, environmentally conscious society, with its emphasis on reusing and avoiding plastic bags, a practical bag has become an essential part of everyday life. However, practical doesn't have to mean boring, as any of the 35 fun and functional projects in this book show. Every bag is designed to make the most of materials that are readily available and easily recyclable. Try turning a dish towel into a smart shopper to carry all your groceries in, or use an old hessian sack to make a sassy bag to take to the gym. You will soon be able to transform an old blanket or a few scraps of discarded clothing into a unique bag in no time at all. Each project comes complete with beautifully illustrated step-by-step instructions and there are designs suitable for all skill levels. You are certain to find the ideal bag for you or the perfect gift to give to friends and family.
5 out of 5 stars!
You can order The Perfect Handmade Bag by Clare Youngs from Amazon.com and you can learn more about Author Clare Youngs from her website.
5 out of 5 stars!
You can order The Perfect Handmade Bag by Clare Youngs from Amazon.com and you can learn more about Author Clare Youngs from her website.
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Because I love my followers SOOOOOO much, I am giving away my handmade shopper bag! One lucky follower will be the recipient of my handmade, slaved over a hot sewing machine bag. Winner will be picked Friday. Make sure you are a follower to qualify for my giveaways.
XOXO-
33 comments:
OOh I love the bag! I'll have to put that book on my Xmas list.
Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Great job, it looks perfect! And I love your fabric choices :)
Amanda
@caffeinated_mom
Thanks for another giveaway! That bag is too cute!!!
thanks for the chance to win this cool bag. I love it
Cute bag! You're so sweet to use it in a giveaway!
Genius! I love it!
Thanks for a fun book review and a lovely giveaway! I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts :)
Oo la la! I'd love to win!! :)
That is a chic grocery bag and gorgeous fabric choice. I would love to be entered in this generous giveaway!
Can I become a follower twice? Have I really not been an official follower of yours this whole time? Wow. Well, I'm official now baby so sign me up!
Very cute bag!
Nancy
That's a really cute bag! I'm following and thanks for the giveaway.
littledeadmommy@gmail.com
Great job on the bag! I love your fabric selections.
thanks for the chance!!!!!
Ooooo!! Am so in!!
Gorgeous bag..Thnx for the chance : )
zupzui@gmail.com
I am following your blog! You have an amazing shop - I am so addicted to bags :)
audreyscountrycrafts
The bag is gorgeous, and now I have to have that book. It is on my wishlist!
sandym204 @ gmail dot com
Love the bag!
tgiebult@gmail.com
I am a follower of your blog.
I would love to add this to my purses/tote collection :)
aunteegem@yahoo.com
The bag's not only 'green' but fashionable too! khaski78 at hotmail dot com
I agree that bag is gorgeous! I'd love to win. I follow on Google Reader so I hope that counts.
butlerswife@gmail.com
I follow and I would love to win this bag. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
Love it. Very nice shopping bag..much cuter than the Walmart one :)
tammy
Love this bag! You are very talented, and I would be very proud to show this off to my friends, and they would be SO jealous. Please count me in for this awesome giveaway.
Well your slaving was worth it, the bag is beautiful!
lankylegslass(at)hotmail(dot)com
The bag is lovely, hope I win, thank you!
yumihamano@gmail.com
Came over from Cym Lowell's Book Review Blog Party.
Awesome! You're so talented!! If it was me making that bag, it probably won't have any bottom to it :)
I'm a new follower.
My Book Review Blog Party offering: http://www.cherrymischievous.com/2009/12/hush-hush.html
Cherry
www.cherrymischievous.com
mischivusfairy-inbox12 [at] yahoo [dot] com
I am a new follower. Found your blog by "blog surfing" today - probably through We Are That Family. What a gorgeous bag! I wish I could sew. It just isn't my gift. I have 3 sisters and all 3 can sew, but not me.
i'm a follower and would like to try my chance to win this beautiful bag!!
I love it, thanks for a chance to win it!!
janicemitchell43@yahoo.com
Lovely shopping bag - and I love the fabrics!Thanks
mconnors@insightbb.com
love it, please enter me
copperllama at yahoo dot com
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