Sew Easy Designer Bags & Totes

This is a great sewing craft book. Many different attractive style of purses, and not very hard to make.

I LOVE making bags and totes and have accumlated several patterns and books. What prompted me to purchase this book was the cover tote bag. Upon receipt of the book, I immediately started acquiring all the materials to make this great-looking tote. Everything was going along swell, when I got to the handles. The list of materials does not tell you what type of plastic tubing to buy, the diameter needed or where to buy it. I went to my local hardware store and bought 1/4" clear plastic tubing. The mil (thickness) of the actual tubing was almost impossible to work with (kept wanting to curl up) and it was so tough to sew through, it put the timing of my Bernina sewing machine off so badly and I have to take it to the repair shop. NOT A HAPPY CAMPER about that! The overall instructions were not all that clear, but since I am an experienced seamstress, it was relatively easy to figure out. I have not attempted other bags yet, although they really do look great. I am hoping the cover tote was just a fluke and if I make it again, will NOT use the plastic tubing!

I have about a dozen books about making purses, and this is one of my favorites. It has interesting ideas and very detailed instructions. Even someone who knows nothing about sewing could probably make most of the things in this book.