Anna M. Mazur

I'm a beginner sewer (more of a wannabe sewer than an actual sewer) and so I requested this book to read and review from netgalley because the word "workshop" led me to believe that this would be a book on learning how to design and sew the perfect bag. I knew there'd be a variety of projects for all skill levels, but still thought it would be suitable for a beginner sewer.

It's not.

The projects use materials such as leather, and involve way too much work and too many steps, for this beginner sewer. The bags, for the most part, are not my style - they are more professional than my life calls for. Yes, choice of materials can dress a bag up and down, but that only changes things so much, and a dressy bag made in a more casual material is just going to look stupid.… (més)

I received a copy of this e-book for the purpose of review.

I have always wanted to make my own handbag. I am picky about my handbags to say the least and this handbook is a wealth of information, tips and sound advice. I am a novice at the machine but that is the nice thing about this book. You don't have to be great at sewing to start.

The very first thing I noticed was the breakdown of chapters:
-Chapter 1 goes through bag anatomy, shapes, soft sided versus hard sided, sewing leather versus cloth, painting leather edges and the essential supplies needed to sew a handbag. She has been very thorough in covering everything needed. She has also given advice from her own experiences.
-Chapter 2 the author moves into sewing techniques, basics, seams, leather, straps, linings, pockets and zippers.
-Chapter 3 is for beginners. The author shows how someone with minimal sewing skill can make a bag and she gives several examples and patterns to follow. She also gives directions and tips on inserting a security pouch and different shapes and silhouettes of handbag. With each bag she gives a tools and materials list and additional templates list. She does this with each bag mentioned throughout this handbook.
-Chapter 4 is for those with intermediate sewing skills. The author walks through 5 handbags with patterns and tips.
-Chapter 5 is for those with advanced sewing skills. The author walks through 4 handbags with patterns and tips.
In the back of the book you can find patterns, resources for further help and where to find items mentioned in the book, metric equivalents, and the index.

If ever there was a comprehensive handbooks written to start the novice all the way up to the skilled in handbag making I would say this is it. The author seems to have compiled all of the necessary information and used her own skill and background in handbag making to walk the student through from beginning to completion. She gives the necessary information to make many different kind of handbags and parts included in handbags, adds some examples with pictures but also gives the information keeping in mind that you may want to take bits and pieces and make your own design.

My one downside that could be easily remedied on my part would be I would like to have both an e-book copy and a paper copy. The paper copy for reference and the e-copy to be able to print off patterns and such.
I fully recommend this handbook to anyone interested in making their own handbag or to make one for someone else. I plan on giving it a try very soon.… (més)

While there are many sewing books about handbags, purses, and tote bags, what distinguishes this title is how it conceptually deconstructs various bag types and shapes at the start so that sewists can better envision and imagine their own designs upon reading the book. Designs are high-end and artistic, steering far clear from cutesy or homemade. Advice for sewing leather, creating straps, and using high-end materials convert the reader from crafter to craftsperson as the projects move from beginner to intermediate to advanced. Back matter includes patterns and index. Recommended. (190)… (més)