Welcome Back
A while ago my late Mother’s sewing machine blew up, I invested in a new one and wanted to start making bags. After a search on dear old Amazon, I discovered and quickly purchased the book I will be reviewing today;
Sew What! Bags
Title: Sew What! Bags
18 Pattern free Projects you can cusomize to fit your needs
Author: Lexie Barnes
Publisher: Storey Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60342-092-1
Reason for Buying
Having just bought the new sewing machine, I was all excited and knew that I wanted to make bags but with no previous experience, I needed a book that would take me from day one absolute basics.
Content
Chapter 1; How to Use this book
Chapter 2; Sewing Basics
Chapter 3; Warm Up Projects
- Eyeglasses Case
- Tissue Pouch
- Grocery Bag Tube
- Map Sack
- Zippered Wristlet
Chapter 4: Totes
- Tiny Tote
- Reversible Tote
- Tool Tote
Chapter 5: Drawstring Sacks
- Ditty Bag
- Back Pack
- Sling Sack
Chapter 6: Messenger Bags
- Personal Purse
- DJ Bag
- City Satchel
Chapter 7: Organizers
- Tool Apron
- Artist’s Roll
- Tool Holster
- Caddy
Pros
The biggest advantage of this book for me, is that it assumes no prior knowledge! The early sections of the book explain about choosing fabrics, tools and accessories needed to start sewing. There are diagrams to show you how to achieve the various techniques mentioned. Each project has a supplies list, so you know what you need to get. I like how there are no patterns, patterns freak me out, no idea what all the symbols on them mean. This book teaches you how to make your ownd designs to your own requirements. Complete freedom 
From this I did indeed make my own pattern, with notes to help me out as I make the bag up It gives you a great sence of achievement. Projects start simple and get progressively more complex later in the book, so it will be something you will still use later on.
The book is spiral bound so it will lie flat next to you as you work, if you wish to refer to it as you go along.
Cons
I really can’t find any downsides to this book, there is something for all levels.
Would I buy it Again/recommend it to friends?
YES!
Summing Up
If you are just starting out with sewing and want to learn through projects, then this book is perfect. The sections at the beginning are so helpful with advice on all the techniques mentioned in the book. It takes you from simple to more complex projects, so it is a book that will still be valuable once you are more confident.
What I like most is the fact that although the projects are well explained, as you progress you feel that you could alter things here and there and customise each project. If you learn a technique in an earlier section, you could add that element in a later design. I do like books like this, that really explain things well, but give you room to add your own ideas too.
A must have book for anyone interested in making bags, much less intimidating than other books around.
Links
www.amazon.co.uk
www.amazon.com
Lexie Barnes Author’s Blog
Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon
Billie
Read Full Post »
) 
