November 2014
As soon as you pick up this book you are going to feel that it's been well thought-out. On the inside of the book all the patterns are held inside a folder. The ring binder held pages means that you can easily keep the book open at the page you are working on. Helen takes the simple tote design and mixes and matches it with different techniques and design to create multitudes of guises. As you can see there are easy to understand pictures as well as instructions. The book even gives beginners the beginning section with different items that you'll be able to try making. There are so many looks and designs in this book that there is something for every occasion and use. As a new sewer I especially like the tips in each section. I also love the fact that quite a few of the patterns come in varying sizes. I love how the patterns go from a basic tote upwards.
You can create so many useful as beautiful things I love the fact that not only can you make them for yourself, they would also make fantastic gifts for Christmas or all year round. To see more visit: http://www.crochetaddictuk.com/2014/11/30-totes-bags-to-sew-book-review.html
* Crochet Addict UK *
December 2014
This spiral-bound, lay-flat book contains full size patterns for a range of bags for all possible occasions. Techniques and materials are discussed in the first chapters, followed by thirty projects with full step by step instructions. Each bag is suitable for a sewing novice to complete with ease, whilst the more experienced could 'customise' their own versions. The only difficulty would be choosing which bag to make first! This is a good value-for-money addition to the bag-maker's bookshelf
* East Kent Embroiderer's Guild *
December 2014
This lie-flat book comes with 30 designs with full-sized pattern instructions and variations too. Choose from a wide variety of styles from simple projects for beginners to more complicated designs. Useful designs include shopping totes, car caddy, organiser, changing bag, slouch bag, handbags and more. To me a tote is a typical shopping bag, so not quite clear on why it is the word used for all bags in this book. Easy to follow instructions and clear photos. Great book.
* Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *
May 2015
With 30 Totes & Bags to Sew, you too can stitch and customise your very own beautiful collection of tote bags. The tote design consists of a simple rectangular bag with two handles, but with a little imagination and the right techniques, these bags become wonderfully versatile accessories. If you've never stitched before, the first chapter is a good starting point to give you all the basic sewing techniques to start thinking about bags in the later chapters. The projects have not been graded by difficulty as the author believes that with a little patience all of the projects within
the book should be achievable. The more advanced sewer still has the opportunity to challenge their sewing skills by borrowing techniques from one project to use in another to create their very own designs. With sprinklings of sewing wisdom throughout the book such as 'measure twice, cut
once', gorgeous full colour images and pattern sheets already included, this book has bags full of inspiration to get you sewing for days!
* SEWING WORLD *
Bag Special 2015
We like this book so much we've featured one of the bag projects in this very issue. It includes 30 contemporary and fun designs for adults and children, with a wide variety of style and designs; you're bound to find something that takes your fancy. We all know how simple and effective tote bags can be, but Helen Angharad Henley mixes things up in fine style, using a variety of techniques to create her designs, including patchwork and applique, yes, but also stencilling and kanzashi. All of the techniques needed are explained carefully and concisely, and the projects not only look great but are also accessible and fun to construct. The designs beg to be realised, and whether you're after a fun bag for a child, something practical to sling your car keys and purse in, or something classy to cut a dash with on an evening out, you're well catered for with this sublime collection.
* Popular Patchwork *
