Sew News Staff Pick - Find everything you need to create 15 stylish bags and design countless more with The Build a Bag Book & Templates. It contains easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and is stored in a handy hardback folder with two sturdy, reusable templates, making it a valuable resource that you'll come back to again and again.
-- Staff Pick * Sew News *
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 *
I always get excited when Debbie Shore brings out a new book. The 'Build A Bag' series is absolutely amazing. A brand new concept that is both original and simple, the 15 projects are stunning. The book and the reusable templates come in a folder and can be removed for easier usage. As always, the projects are beautifully presented and the instructions are simple to follow. the step by step instructions come in both a visual and written format, and with additional hints and tips they can be adapted and embellished to your own design. Each project has a coloured diagram to show what piece of template to use. For both a beginner and an advanced sewist, this is one book that will be forever loved. The bags as you would expect are amazing, and all are absolutely useful. I can imagine my friends are going to love them. They are a perfect gift idea. The only problem is knowing which to sew first!!
-- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *
From the minute I received my copy of this new book I just couldn't wait to get started. It is great that it has a hard cover and pockets to keep the templates in. Debbie takes you through the whole journey of how to make each tote bag so if you are a beginner there is plenty of help and references for you to look at if you are unsure. So far I have only made the Sew simple tote bag, but I can't wait to get started on my next project which will be the, Purse with Flap. I think that there will be a few friends that may be getting bags for their Christmas present
-- Joan Whalen
For a sewing book, this Debbie Shore book was easy to follow and understand. There are plenty of bag options the hardest bit of the book is choosing which to make first once you have your supplies in hand.
Each pattern shows which piece of template is needed and there are clear picture instructions as well.
Well done Debbie Shore I hope she brings out many more books in this type.
-- Sarita Pyke * Amazon *
This is beautifully packaged and set out well for everyone to be able to achieve the tote bags. Each bag has informative instructions and easy to follow guidelines. Debbie's tips and techniques are also a helpful addition to the book and gives you a chance to try new ideas to enhance your bags.
The Templates are wonderful for placing on your material to enable you to have the placement of stuff as you want it to be.
-- Lynne Callister
