“Applicable to a variety of projects despite the handbag focus, this spirited primer will leave readers feeling well-prepared and ready to start sewing.” —Publishers Weekly Sew stylish shoulder bags, totes, clutches, and drawstring bags! Whether you’re a total beginner or a confident sewist who loves to finish a project in one sitting, you’ll love this modern collection of thirteen bags you can truly make your own. Turn flat fabric into handbags of any shape when you learn the basics of construction, transferring a pattern, and finishing details. A must-have primer for the beginning sewist! “Not only does this book have 13 cute and unique bags, but Hilarie also gives insight on how to think like a designer, and some really cute embellishments . . . If you have sewn before, but have never made a bag this will be great, and if you have made multiple bags and are looking to improve your skills this is also great!” —Brooklyn Sewcial “Full of different styles of bags that are fun and easy to make for yourself or as gifts! . . . All of the patterns and designs are easy to customize.” —Needle, Ink and Thread “One of my favorite parts of the book, however, was the section where Hilarie writes about learning ‘How to think like a designer.’ She gives several exercises that help spur one’s creativity.” —The Sewing Room

Make your own charming purse, tote, clutch, satchel or eco tote with this fashionable bag making book. Handmade Bags in Natural Fabrics offers patterns for twenty-five basic bag styles along with sixty variations and the know-how to customize each bag to suit any style—from sweet-and innocent to minimalist to counter-culture. There is no better project for the eco-conscious crafter than a simple cloth bag. In addition to bag sewing patterns, basic sewing lessons teach the fundamentals of bag sewing: Hand-stitching, including French knot stitch and daisy stitch Lining and drawstring casing Corners, edges and straps Simple flourishes such as embroidery, applique and more Emiko Takahashi, a fashion and textile designer, provides easy instructions and bag sewing diagrams, as well as a sheet of full-sized pattern pieces for each handmade bag project—plus easy lessons on the basics of hand-stitching drawstring casings, corners, edges, straps, and simple flourishes. Cotton and linen bags are always useful, and they lend a carefree, laid-back touch to any warm-weather outfit. Each bag can be machine-sewn, but they are designed to be made in natural fabrics that are lightweight enough to be easily sewn by hand. With Takahashi's expert guidance, beginning sewers with little or no previous experience can learn to make these understated and elegant handbags. 25 Sewing patterns to do 60 different projects including: Envelope Pouches Bucket Bags Picnic Totes Sacks and Carryalls Classic Drawstrings

From Make It Yourself magazine comes Simple Sewing, an all-inclusive introduction to sewing. Make It Yourself serves the new generation of crafters captivated by Etsy and Pinterest, inspiring them to try out sewing techniques by hand or machine. Whether it’s your first time stitching, you’re trying to introduce a friend or loved one to the craft, or you just want to brush up and expand your skillset, Simple Sewing Projects is for you. Whether you’ve been sewing for five weeks or five decades, Simple Sewing Projects features 120+ designs, tutorials, and accompanying patterns accessible to any sewer. The time-honored craft of sewing is a tremendously useful skill—it lets you create pretty and utilitarian pieces that can be given as gifts or used to bring color, texture, and interest to your life. The designs are easy enough for beginners but will also have great appeal to more experienced sewers looking for something fun to whip up in an afternoon or two. Each project is presented with a finished photo; step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and photos; and corresponding patterns where necessary. The look and feel of the book puts a fresh spin on traditional sewing with youthful, on-trend DIY fashion, accessories, and decor. From appliqué affirmation pillows to embroidered jewelry, from five-minute wreaths to dog beds, whether you sew for practical reasons or purely for the satisfaction of making something by hand, Simple Sewing Projects will inspire you to get stitching. Just some of the projects: Pillows & Throws Denim Grommet Pillow, Recycled Sweater Throw, Rosette Pillow Home Dec & Accessories Embroidered Tea Towels, Monogrammed Cards, Embroidered Coasters Purses, Bags & Personal Accessories Denim Tote, Fabric Clutch, Embroidered Scarf Kids & Pets Girl’s Ruffle Skirt, Fabric Bunting, Dog’s Food and Drink Mat and Cushions Simple Storage Reusable Snack and Sandwich Bags, Felt Pencil Case, Make-in-Minutes Jewelry Bag Notions & Pincushions Donut Pincushions, Circle Sewing Bag, Stuffed Mushroom Case Holiday Projects Napkin Rings, Make-in-Minutes Gift Tags, Stockings

Featuring 22 innovative patterns for all skill levels, this book includes projects from 20 top knitwear designers, including Veronik Avery, Norah Gaughan, Mags Kandis, and Kristin Nicholas. From a zenith carpet bag to a felted messenger bag to a delicate purse with handles made of bracelets, each project features gorgeous photographs and step-by-step instructions, and all techniques are explained in easy-to-understand detail. Whether an avid bag knitter or creating one for the first time, this book has all the inspiration, technique, and details crafters need.

Shizuko Kuroha's Japanese Patchwork Quilting Patterns infuses a cherished American craft with an exquisite Japanese sense of color, detail, and design. This book brings a fresh eye to classic patchwork patterns in a way that is delighting quilters all around the world today. Here, Kuroha shares her intricate hand-quilting techniques and a design sense that has been refined over her 40-year career as a celebrated book author and teacher. Her easy combinations of soft colors, detailed patterns, and bold stripes show how to achieve balance and flow in any type of patchwork project--from the simplest to the most complex. Step-by-step illustrations walk quilters through Kuroha's intricate hand-piecework process. The book includes 19 sampler blocks used to make hundreds of different combinations for all kinds of quilting projects. The photos and diagrams of the block assembly are so clear, you hardly need to read the steps! A handy printable pattern sheet at the back of the book takes the labor out of drawing the pieces used to build these blocks. Detailed instructions show you how to incorporate the blocks into projects large and small, including: Pincushions in round and square designs Drawstring bags and zippered pouches embellished with patchwork Quilted tote bags and a stylish backpack Table runners and wall hangings with gorgeous color schemes Full-sized quilts destined to become cherished heirlooms This book is an invaluable introduction to the basics of hand-stitched piecework. Practiced quilters will also love it for the way it broadens their horizons. Kuroha fans will be happy to see this popular book finally available in English--where it's sure to become a treasured reference for years to come!