Customer review
I only got my copy yesterday and Ive already made two projects ... with a long list of others I want to complete.
Customer review
If youre thinking of ordering this book for yourself or as a gift I wouldnt hesitate...
Customer review
A fascinating book on quilted bags. This shows you step by step how to make the bags. It also includes patterns to trace or photocopy. It shows you embroidery stitches and is well-illustrated throughout. A lovely book to have in your bookcase There are 28 projects to have a go at and will keep you busy for a long time. I thought the patterns were so pretty a joy to behold. I will have a go myself. Might make some mistakes but you are never too old to learn. It is nice to have the instructions nice and clear.
Customer review
Beautiful bags, these are hand sewn and would be a labour of love, but definitely a bag to be proud of when finished. The instructions are clear, with lots of diagrams, and a reference section at the back shows basic techniques. There are also pull out full size templates at the back of the book. Lots of ideas and inspiration, a lovely book to own for any craft enthusiast.
Customer review
Beautiful sewing book filled with plenty of variety of different styles and sizes of bag to make, each unique in its own way. Each project has all the steps and instructions you need, plus also comes with pattern sheets at back of the book. Never before have I been so excited to review a book as I have this one, each bag is just pretty and different and certainly has the wow factor.
Customer review
I like the fresh Japanese approach to combining patchwork and quilting. There are two elements to the design: the first is about the shape of the bag, its versatility and the variety of handles; the second is about the delightful combination of subjects for appliqué and quilting. I like the fact that some are about the world around us, others just geometric. Sometimes there are two different ways a bag can be used - some have two sets of handles enabling them to be carried differently. I particularly like the way the instructions are set out - there are different coloured pastel backgrounds for the materials, and then the cutting instructions. There are also templates for the required shapes at the back along with details of the processes needed - particularly useful if you are not yet proficient in patchwork or applique. I can see the birthday presents for my female relatives and friends including some of these - the only issue will be how to choose which ones to try first.
Customer review
I only got my copy yesterday and Ive already made two projects... with a long list of others I want to complete.
Customer review
If youre thinking of ordering this book for yourself or as a gift I wouldnt hesitate.
Customer review
Lovely book containing some gorgeous designs you can make truly yours. It would suit the confident sewer as assumes some understanding of patchwork or appliqué. Hardest thing is deciding which one to make first. I'd recommend for the sewing enthusiast.
Customer review
This book is simply beautiful, from the photographs to the patterns and the bags themselves. The instructions are clear and concise and the pull out patterns are printed on good quality paper to allow you to trace them and use time and time again. It is something I will reach for many times when I need to make a truly special gift or just for quilting inspiration. A lovely addition to my sewing room.
myshelf.com
Inside this book are twenty-eight stash-busting projects, enabling you to use up lots of small scraps and produce some elegant and practical bags using patchwork and appliqué. One look at the cover and I was sold; a tote bag with a village scene, another with Hawaiian flowers and two elegant handbags. There are many different types of bag in here, from shoulder bags to clutch purses, bucket bags, a lunch bag and matching bottle caddy and even a sewing case. Bags have intricately pieced decorations involving hand and machine patchwork as well as embroidery and even some beading. Many motifs and designs are inspired by flowers.
This is a book of projects for those who are already confident with these techniques, and although a short guide to the basics is included it is really more of a refresher course with tips. Projects do have coloured diagrams for most stages, rather in the manner of a paper dress pattern. These are well done and easy enough to follow together with the instructions for anybody au fait with the basics. There are separate cutting instructions, and project overview diagrams showing the anatomy of the bag which is a helpful feature. Measurements are given in metric and imperial, and at the back is a pull-out sheet containing all the full sized patterns. At the back are diagrams for making covered buttons plus a few basic embroidery stitches, and I found the whole layout of the book easy to follow. There are some beautiful bags in here and a fun way of using up not only scraps of fabric but also embroidery floss and beads.
www.karenplatt.co.uk
What a fabulous book. 28 bags from Japan that you are sure to want to make. When it says beautiful, believe it. The author has a signature style that really speaks volumes. Elegant and stylish. Great bag shapes, beautiful fabrics, practical style. These are bags you will be proud to make and own. Different patterns include purses, pouches, shoulder bags, backpacks, cases, totes and more. There really is something for everyone. I think that, like me, you will want to make each one. It is often hard to find something different in the bag world, but this book offers a unique and distinguished feel. Learn techniques such as patchwork, appliqué, embroidery and beading. Use scraps of fabric and turn them into works of art. Clear instructions with colour diagrams and photographs. Full size templates are given where necessary for pattern parts but you have to trace them. The finished bags look fantastic but I do prefer to make fabric handles. There is also a lovely embroidery sampler and a sewing case in redwork. An appliqué collage is also included. In addition at the back of the book, you will find basic quilting techniques with personal tips. This includes finishing techniques and making covered buttons. There is a short embroidery stitch guide. Most importantly at the the back of the book you'll find pattern sheets for all the projects - these are full size. They are to be photocopied or traced as the sheets are double-sided. I am happy to highly recommend this wonderful book. I cannot wait to see more of this author's work in print. Don't keep it to yourself, this is a book to buy for all your sewing friends and bag makers. Just as good as her first book, but a few less patterns.
Postcard Reviews
Japanese crafts always have a certain look that is just perfect. I love the craft and skill that goes into each piece and you can just see the amount of care that goes into each project.
This is a beautiful book. The bags are stunning and each one is unique and stylish. There are full sized double sided pattern sheets and each project comes with concise instructions, which are in written and a visual format. These bags cannot be made quickly, each one has a dedicated technique, that will advance a stitchers skills and give a stunning professional result. The designs vary from totes to backpacks and zippers and pouches.
There is something for everyone.
Craft Focus Magazine Dec 2018/Jan 2019
Created by Japanese quilt artist Akemi Shibata, Sew Beautiful Quilted Bags features 28 handmade designs including purses, pouches, shoulder bags and totes. Combining elegant yarn-dyed fabrics with Akemi's signature patchwork style, the book is packed with ingenious construction methods. Readers will learn how to incorporate multiple techniques to create sophisticated multifaceted designs.
