The Perfect Handmade Bag & a GIVEAWAY!

The Perfect Handmade Bag

Author: Clare Youngs

CICO Books

September 2009

Specs: 128 pages, 200 color photos

ISBN: 9781906525811

My Review: This book was fun!  When I first received the book, I spent my time looking over all the colorful pictures and step-by-step instructions. I then marked a couple of the bags that I liked the most. After I narrowed my list down to about 6, I studied the projects and picked what I thought would be the easiest to complete.  I chose "burlap & print shopper, (pg. 58)" for my review project.  This is a great bag to take to the grocery store, the beach or to store kid's toys.  I did not have burlap for this project but used a sturdy outdoor Waverly fabric and a houndstooth print.  The book talks about recycling, so I used what I had! My one complaint with the finished product is that the seams on the inside of the bag are un-finished. Not a big deal but it would look better had the instructions included a way to finish them. There was only 5 listed instructions and 5 materials listed for this project.  I thought the instructions were simple but basic sewing skills are going to be needed. This is a picture of my "print shopper."

The book is divided into 5 chapters: purses, shoulder bags, shoppers & totes, evening bags and kid's bags.  There is also a detailed techniques and templates chapter.  The book has some great ideas for recycling materials. I especially liked the "packaging tote (pg. 62)."  The bag is made from recycled labels, stamps, postcards, paper bags, graphics from fruit crates and old tickets.  The ideas are endless!

If you love to create, sew or craft, then this book is for you.  There are 35 step-by-step projects for totes, bags and purses. Plenty to keep you busy!

From the Publishers: Give fabric a new lease of life with one of these fantastically chic recycled bags. In today's modern, environmentally conscious society, with its emphasis on reusing and avoiding plastic bags, a practical bag has become an essential part of everyday life. However, practical doesn't have to mean boring, as any of the 35 fun and functional projects in this book show. Every bag is designed to make the most of materials that are readily available and easily recyclable. Try turning a dish towel into a smart shopper to carry all your groceries in, or use an old hessian sack to make a sassy bag to take to the gym. You will soon be able to transform an old blanket or a few scraps of discarded clothing into a unique bag in no time at all. Each project comes complete with beautifully illustrated step-by-step instructions and there are designs suitable for all skill levels. You are certain to find the ideal bag for you or the perfect gift to give to friends and family.

5 out of 5 stars!


You can order The Perfect Handmade Bag by Clare Youngs from Amazon.com and you can learn more about Author Clare Youngs from her website.

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Because I love my followers SOOOOOO much, I am giving away my handmade shopper bag!  One lucky follower will be the recipient of my handmade, slaved over a hot sewing machine bag.  Winner will be picked Friday. Make sure you are a follower to qualify for my giveaways.

XOXO-