It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, and Bowls

I found this title intriguing the first time I saw it and it didn't disappoint. Breier's explanations and photographs are clear and the gallery is inspiring. The technique is straightforward (wrapping clothesline with fabric strips and zig-zag stitching them together) and it doesn't require a fancy sewing machine. Once I figured out the correct stitch length and width to use, I found myself addicted to assembling the coils. I still have yet to do a bowl but my family is impressed by the look of the plates. I've shown this book to several other people and each has immediately wanted to go find clothesline and try it. Be sure to purchase clothesline ahead of time (3/16", no solid core) because you won't want to wait once the book arrives!

This is the first time I've reviewed a craft book, though I have a history of buying many and never really using them. I had to write to add my recommendation for this book to those others have written. The directions in this book are so clear and the project pictures so inspirational that I immediately went to work to make my first bowl. That was followed in the same day by another. I had a full box of fabric I considered "too ugly" to use for any quilts, but I dug into it and found it had new life as bowl material. In fact, the ugliest fabric I used looked fantastic when cut into strips and wrapped around the clothesline into the bowl's "coils." (Note: finding the clothesline in a local store is the hardest part of making these bowls. Be sure to do some comparison shopping before purchasing your clothesline. I found mine at Wal-Mart for less than a quarter of the price it was at the hardware store). You do not need a fancy sewing machine to make these bowls. Any machine that does a zig-zag stitch will work. I decided to use my Bernina's walking foot after some experimentation, but it certainly isn't necessary to be successful. I am already thinking about my next bowls and the great gifts they will make for birthdays and Christmas. The possibilities for embellishment are endless. I am already imagining how I can twist funky yarns or metallic floss around with the fabric to create a whole new surface texture. Also, don't feel like you are limited to using 100 percent cotton on these bowls. On my second bowl I used a metallic-looking lame and some thin velvet strips and they were gorgeous. I plan to do some beading to really make this bowl zing. You are only limited by your imagination in making these bowls your own individual creations. I don't consider myself an "artist." I usually need clear instructions to get a project going. But on these bowls I really felt like I created something special right from the get-go. I recommend this book and the bowls very highly.

If you sew then you CAN make these baskets and it is SO much fun. I made my first one yesterday using a sewing machine that is anything but fancy, on the front porch of our weekend cabin. This time my sister will get her birthday present early along with the book (inexpensive enough that I will get another)....I intend making many more - now I know what to do with all my colorful scraps. This is so much faster than real basket making and allows for more individuality I think.

I have made fabric wrapped baskets and sewn them by hand, like rug braiding, in the past but doing them on the machine is awesome. My first one was the oval basket using 2 fat quarters. The bottom is red and stitched in black and the upper area and handles are green, to mimic watermelon. From the left over green I made two mug coasters. I bought a box of tea and placed that in the basket with the coasters and included 2 mugs and gave the whole thing as a gift. The recipient loved them and the basket sits on the counter with her tea bags at the ready. Now I know what to do with all those odd "why did I buy that fat quarter" and any outdated fabrics. What a great way to use up old stash. This is fast becoming my favorite book. I am making the large purse now and want to attempt the covered baskets next. They sure are addicting!

I don't ordinarily do crafts, but I was intrigued by the beauty of the finished projects and also the fact that this is a craft that is not just using a pattern created by someone else, but it shows one how to add one's own individuality to each project. The book is well written with easy to follow instructions. I would recommend it if you're looking for a way to create something that relects you. These bowls and baskets, and purses would make cherished gifts.