Handmade Embroidered Bags

No. 67, Feb 05

Handbags are very much the hot accessory of the moment and more than ever, embroidered bags are seen as the ideal way to create a new and unique design as no two handmade bags are ever quite the same. Teacher and embroiderer, Jenny Rolfe, has put together a super collection of bags to make in a variety of shapes and sizes and featuring techniques which require varying levels of skill so that even the beginner will find something suitable here. The format is step-by-step with clear, informative text and photography at each stage of the bag's development. There are tips too on how to change the look of a project or enhance it with additional embellishments and there are plenty of inexpensive materials used so that your designer bag need not cost a fortune. Even if you only plan to work one bag, this inexpensive book will make it worth your while.

Feb 05

Fancy bags have possibly never been so in fashion as they are at the moment, and if you want a fancy one for every occasion making your own is a cheaper and enjoyable option. In here you will find some scrumptious techniques for having fun with fabric, thread and a sewing machine that will culminate in a number of ornate and unusual bags for various purposes.

This is basically a book on making bags and decorating them with free machine embroidery. If you haven't done this sort of thing before there is a helpful section at the beginning that goes through the basics, and has a series of exercises to enable practice of the vermicelli stitch and others. It doesn't say in so many words that a Bernina will be best for this purpose, but drops some broad hints - I wish I had had a book like this when I bought my own machine (which is another brand and totally unsuitable)! This is one of those books that enable one to produce something that looks truly impressive without too much advanced knowledge; it has some of the best step-by-step projects I have seen anywhere. Follow the easy stages with their large photographs and, provided you have some experience with sewing machines items fine enough to impress anybody with ought to be the happy outcome. Use up those small pieces of cloth from larger projects, make your own cords (no marudai needed) and have fun with embellishments. My only moan is that the projects only cover a small range of different types of bags. The inevitable evening bags, bag for storing knitting or other work and tote bags whets the appetite for further - but work through a few projects and maybe you will have enough expertise to come up with further ideas. This book certainly gives the reader a good enough grounding. Top marks for truly user-friendly instructions.

March 05

This is a really good book for those starting to machine embroider as the simple techniques give pleasing results. The short sections on design, on how to put together simple colour schemes and on machine embroidery are clear and concise. Most of the techniques involve bonding fabric to felt and using simple mahcine embroidery techniques. Instructions are then given for five bags. The diagrams and photographs are very large so you can easily see what's happening and what you're aiming for. I like the fact that further examples are shown to give beginners ideas for extending the techniques.

Mar 05

Fancy bags have possibly never been so in fashion as they are at the moment, and if you want a fancy one for every occasion, making your own is a cheaper and enjoyable option. In here you will find some scrumptious techniques for having fun with fabric, thread and a sewing machine that will culminate in a number of ornate and unusual bags for various purposes.

This is basically a book on making bags and decorating them with free machine embroidery. If you haven't done this sort of thing before there is a helpful section at the beginning that goes through the basics, and has a series of exercises to enable practice of the vermicelli stitch and others. It doesn't say in so many words that a Bernina will be best for this purpose, but drops some broad hints - I wish I had had a book like this when I bought my own machine (which is another brand and totally unsuitable)! This is one of those books that enable one to produce something that looks truly impressive without too much advanced knowledge; it has some of the best step-by-step projects I have seen anywhere. Follow the easy stages with their large photographs and, provided you have some experience with sewing machines, items fine enough to impress anybody with ought to be the happy outcome. Use up those small pieces of cloth from larger projects, make your own cords (no marudai needed) and have fun with embellishments. My only moan is that the projects only cover a small range of different types of bags. The inevitable evening bags, bags for storing knitting or other work and tote bags whets the appetite for further - but work through a few projects and maybe you will have enough expertise to come up with further ideas. This book certainly gives the reader a good enough grounding. Top marks for truly user-friendly instructions.

Jun 05

This delightful book will show readers how to make a great range of beautifully shaped and embellished handbags. Five basic bag shapes are included and Jenny provides clear step-by-step instructions along with close up photographs to guide the reader through the construction process from start to finish. The techniques used are taken from quilting and free motion embroidery and require just a basic sewing machine, darning foot, decorative threads and fabric. The book is very well laid out and even a beginner could confidently tackle these projects. The results are exquisite, highly colourful and range from a dainty petal shape to curved and boxy styles. Jenny includes lots of ideas for further embellishment including tassels, handmade cords, beads and shisha mirrors. This is altogether a great book for those who enjoy the more creative aspects of sewing.

Jul 05

A textile artist with an interest in quilting, Jenny Rolfe is one of the UK's most popular teachers. Her enthusiasm for textiles and her flair for design shines through in this book. Advice is given on materials, tools, embellishment ideas, design sources and basic techniques, plus how to make your own decorative cords and simple tassels - all clearly explained and well illustrated. The projects range from small and exquisite to large and useful - all very decorative. There are five patterns each offering plenty of scope for individual interpretation. If you are interested in extending your needlework skills to include free motion machine stitching and embroidery using exotic fabrics, there is planty of advice and encouragement to be found in the pages of this book.l

Issue 61, Summer 05

Having many books on my shelf about stitch and fabrics I thought this might be a simple repetition of these. I was pleasantly surprised by the clarity of the descriptions and pictures. The patterns are simple but effective. The decoration is lively and colourful. The instructions are in clear language and follow a step-by-step process, with a photograph of each stage of the making process. It would be difficult to go wrong. The bags have unusual handles and were of a variety of shapes and sizes. From the detailed description of the construction of the five bags it would be possible to go on to design yur own fabrics and bags. Stitchers of all skill levels will be inspired by the ideas in this book.

Oct/Nov 05

...is a 'must-have' book for anyone who loves sewing AND bags. There are six different designs to make, shown in a variety of colours and each with a variety of handmade handles. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Each stitching technique used is shown in colour photographs, from free machining through making your own fabric, to making cords. The bags shown are so lovely you'll want to make them all, and you should be able to do just that with this easy to follow book.