Handmade Embroidered Purses: Using Free Machine Embroidery

Summer 08

This book is a companion to Handmade Embroidered Bags published in 2005, since reprinted. They are both must have books with beautiful photographs and full of original and exciting ideas for decoration and embellishments. The requirements lists and instructions for stitching and construction are clearly set out and very helpful for the less experienced machine embroiderer. So get sorting through those stashes of materials and make that purse for your favourite granddaughter - with an extra one for yourself!

Renie Marsh, Penzance

Sept 07

Equipped with only a swing needle sewing machine, some threads and scraps of fabric you too can make a whole selection of wardrobe-extending purses. It's a lot of fun, and easier than you think...

Taking inspiration from the world around you and freeing up your inner child enough to experiment are essentials for this way of working. As long as you have a sewing machine with a swing needle and capable of either dropping or covering the feed dogs you can do this - perhaps it is a pity that a state-of-the-art machine with a formidable array of add-on feet is shown though! If designing for yourself is too daunting then this is not the book for you, but if you are the type who keeps books of scribbled ideas and scrapbooks full of inspiring pictures then you will have a ball. Learn how to do freestyle machine embroidery, and off you go to make bags made of strips of fabric, ribbons sewn together, decorated with buttons, fusible fibers, pleats or fancy stitches. The book does capture the essence of this way of working and comes up with some lovely purses that are great fun to make. You will need to be able to do things like putting in zips and making up the bags so maybe this is not for the novice stitcher, but not a lot of needlework know-how is required. Aimed at quite a range of abilities, this is a fun book that got me wanting to create.

Issue 50

Jenny has once again excelled herself and produced a brilliant book full of wonderful purses that you will just love to have amongst your own bag collection, or that would make beautifuo hand made gifts for some special friends. All the techniques are explained in full, showing you how to make bags with a real personal touch. The instructions are clear and accompanied by step-by-step photographs, leaving you with every confidence that you too can make all of the projects and more. If you've enjoyed this project from the book then you are going to love seeing the rest!

Dec 07

This super book provides a great introduction to quilting and free machine embroidery techniques while making some lovely purses in the process. Six basic designs are included for dainty evening bags that are large enough to carry a few essentials whilst displaying some creative needlework. Variations throughout provide further inspiration for decorative stitching and embellishment. This is a great 'learning' book as each design incorporates a number of techniques including stippling, couching, beading and applique. There are exercises on free machine stitching to help the reader practise their skills and a very useful section on making original fabrics using simple techniques such as weaving and bondable fibres. Close up photographs and clear instructions make this an easy guide to use and it is good starting point for those who would like to develop their sewing skills into more creative areas.

Dec 07/Jan 08

This book has success written all over it - success for you! If you have ever thought about making a purse, Jenny has taken the guesswork out of it. She has provided lists of materials and embellishments; ideas for making your own fabrics; beautiful, bright photographs; clear, easy-to-follow instructions; and so much more.

Simple shapes become great purses using quilting and free-motion embroidery. With all of her inspiring ideas, designs, and know-how, you can't miss.

Winter 2007

As the title suggests, this book is intended for embroiderers. However, there are designs for making six purses, which could easily be made using silk fabric and silk ribbons. The book is beautifully illustrated with lots of photos and step by step instructions for making the purses. All the materials needed for each purse are listed and the instructions are easy to follow. There are also plenty of ideas for embellishing your fabrics, should you need any ideas. If you want to make something out of silk, other than scarves, this should give you some good ideas.

Vera Dreyfuss