I discovered this book at the Frankfurt Book Fair. As a cosplayer I am familiar with the problem of Where do I put my stuff? I often see so many great cosplays which are ruined by a bag that doesn't match the rest of the outfit - make it match your outfit! This is an easy way to create a bag from any leftover fabric you have. If your leftovers are not big enough: patchwork it! The templates are easy to use and easy to follow. A great book to use for your leftover fabric, for cosplayers, but also for vintage lovers. You could even make a bag to match your vintage dress.
-- Tina Schaufle * Customer Review *
These two stunning new titles from Debbie convince us yet again that we can never have too many bags! Each book comes in an attractive hard-back folder which also encloses a wallet containing two durable plastic templates, from which, by following Debbie's impeccable instructions, it is possible to construct fifteen different bags from each book. There is a bag for every taste and occasion, each beautifully presented in full colour, showing Debbie's inspiring fabric choices. Techniques including zipped pockets, magnetic closures and piping are all covered in detail, making these projects suitable for every level of sewing expertise. Debbie also includes inspiring suggestions on adapting the templates to expand the design possibilities and create even more bags. Outstanding value for money, these books are a definite must-have for every bag-loving sewer.
* East Kent Embroiderers' Guild *
Debbie Shore has released two new bag making books in a new series of books with Search Press - the Build a Bag series. The first two books focus on Tote Bags and Occasion bags, each book containing instructions for 15 projects as well as tips on making your own variations of these designs. I hear that future books include backpacks and satchels.
What differentiates these books from other bag making books is they both come with full size reusable plastic templates, so you can use them repeatedly without the wear and tear you normally get from paper patterns. They are thin plastic templates with slots for you to draw through to mark the shape of your bag, the flap or zip positioning. The templates are also transparent, so you can fussy cut your fabric. Each book has a handy plastic pocket inside the front cover to safely store your templates, so they don't get bent or damaged.
Both books start with a guide to using the templates, to the tools and techniques you will need to make the bags (with step by step instructions and colour photos) and some tip tips from Debbie.
The bags themselves range in size and complexity and include clutch bags, large totes and handbags. Some of them do look quite similar with just a detail like the bag flap changed but there's still several different styles and sizes contained in the books.
The projects teach you different bag making techniques including adding zips, making pockets, sewing different shaped bag flaps, making piping, bag closures, making quilted bags, adding details like bows or applique etc. In her bag making tips Debbie lets the reader know which bag is the easiest one to start with.
As with all her books the project instructions are easy to follow and have clear photos for every stage to help guide the reader.
These books are ideal for those new to bag making and will help readers grow their bag making skills and confidence as they work through the projects. The plastic templates are a brilliant idea and a great bonus. I look forward to seeing the next books in this series.
-- Fiona Pullen * The Sewing Directory *
If you need a bag for a special occasion (or any occasion for that matter) you can make one quickly and simply with this book. Undo the elastic band on the cover - where you can also find a useful imperial/metric ruler - and discover how inside...
On the inside of the front cover is a pocket containing two reusable plastic templates. With these you can make all fifteen bags in the book with not as much sewing know-how as you might think. The book opens by explaining how to use the templates before discussing fabric options and listing what you need to get started. This book would appeal to most levels of expertise but is particularly useful for anybody of improver level. That is, somebody who knows the very basics of sewing but would appreciate the glossary of terms and helpful section on techniques such as making fabric flowers, zipped pockets and straps. Each project has a large photograph of the finished item plus a list of what you need, section on how to use the templates and a good number of steps with photographs. All measurements are in imperial and metric and use is made of the attractive hardware options available now such as metal fasteners, handles, D-rings etc which lift a bag out of the homemade category and into the handmade one. Choose from handbags, purses and clutches with a variety of shaped flaps, pocket options and fancy details to cover all the occasions you can think of. Many make use of scraps left over from other projects, ideal for the greener crafter as well as anybody who hoards fabric and/or wants to make a bag to match an outfit they have made. This is a lovely book for the keeper shelf and my favorite to date from this talented author.
-- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *
New from Debbie Shore - the first book in her brand new Build a Bag series. Create 15 stunning occasion bag designs using just two reusable, templates (included with the book). The two easy-to-use templates are durable, reusable, wipe-clean and perfect for fussy cutting, plus simple to position with no need to pin. Debbie also gives clear advice on how to adapt and create your own unique designs.
-- Craft Business * The Collection 2018 *
Yet another excellent book from Debbie Shore. The instructions are easy to follow and there is a corresponding photograph for each step. The templates are fab too, sturdy and you can mix and match to make a multitude of bag variations. The book takes you through fabric and interfacing choices, what hardware to use, with an explanation of different techniques and a glossary of terms, this book is suitable for everyone, from the beginner who has never made a bag to those of us who have made several and want to expand our range. Highly recommended.
-- Jayne Barraclough * Amazon *
Yet again Debbie scores with a book with easy to follow instructions and endless variations. Useful hardback folder covering the soft back book, containing great templates, with simple instructions. This book is one of several Debbie Shore books I own and it doesn't disappoint. Beautifully illustrated and well laid out. The book is useful for beginners, as well as the more accomplished sewer.
-- Chris Catlow * Amazon *
Well Debbie Shore never fails to deliver, this time she has even surpassed herself and previous publications. A book to delight the senses from the cover and throughout. So well thought out and executed and takes you through every step you need to produce a fabulous bag.
-- Cathy Latimer * Amazon *
