If you are the winner, you'll win all of this!
THE BAG LADY GIVEAWAY
Threads magazine is giving away four great books. Three of them give instructions to make many different bag and tote styles, and the fourth provides a comprehensive history of bag making.
WHAT’S INSIDE THE BAG?
The first book is Handbags: The Making of a Museum by Judith Clark (Yale, 2012). The book features an incredible variety handbags dating from 16th century to present day. It includes the history of the handbag, its designs, and how they have been made, used, and worn throughout the ages.
The next two books are part of the same series–Threads Selects– Easy-to-Sew Handbags (The Taunton Press, 2012) and Easy-to-Sew Tote Bags (The Taunton Press, 2012). In Easy-to-Sew Handbags, you will learn to create a variety of different bags such as wristlets, clutches, evening bags, purses, and more. In Easy-to-Sew Tote Bags, you will learn to create a multi-purpose tote bag, a messenger bag, and more. Both books contain step-by-step instructions that are quick and easy to follow. You’ll be able to create your own unique bag design customized to your preferences.
The last book is Bags: the Modern Classics by Sue Kim (C&T Publishing, 2011). This pattern book includes 19 different and unique bag projects to make more than 75 different bags. You’ll find patterns for clutches, hobos, satchels, and more. This book also includes easy construction tips to make your creative process easier.
THE BAG
The floral, quilted tote bag that is included in this giveaway is a Stephanie Dawn design. It features a toggle button closure that gives you quick access to the three interior pockets. It also has two large front pockets to neatly organize all your belongings. With its soft, quilted body, you can carry it around all day in comfort and style filled with the giveaway books.
ENTER TO WIN!
Describe for us what kind of bag you would like to make for yourself. Leave your answer in the comments below and you will have a chance to win this bagful of books! The deadline for your comments is Friday, November 8, 2013, and the winner will be chosen the week of the November 16. The winner will receive an email announcement as well. Good luck!
I want to make a messenger bag with lots of pockets.
I really want to make an array of wristlets for my niece who is in college. The girls like to use them when they go to events and they also fit in a book bag.
I would like to make evening clutches for myself and my grandaughters.
I need to make a Market Bag for all those wonderful things I buy at the Farmers Market.
Well, I have made lots of bags. I would probably make a large tote. But maybe more tech cozies.
I would LOVE to win the handbag books and tote to start making bags for myself, my teenage daughter and her friends. I sew but have never tried to make bags/totes before. I see so many cute styles in the stores and magazines, but would love a chance to design these accessories myself; a chance to choose my own fabrics, colors, etc. This would be a wonderful prize!!!
Right now I would like to sew a diaper bag for my daughter. My first grandchild is due early next year.
I've made a few and they're fun. I'd like to have new ideas.
I love bags and have made many of them. Right now I'm trying to design the perfect travel bag--enough pockets, convertible from back to shoulder, lightweight but structured, and cute and sophisticated to round it out. It might be a fantasy! ;)
I would love to make a big trendy but sophisticated work bag!
I love the make grommet bags and want to make a hobo bag.
I need a tote!
I would like ago make a purse inset and the outside shells.something like the Miche purses. The purse insets of various types would be so convenient. I have made various purses and have torn old favorites apart to make clones of those. Fabric is the variable, so they all look different.
I would like ago make a purse inset and the outside shells.something like the Miche purses. The purse insets of various types would be so convenient. I have made various purses and have torn old favorites apart to make clones of those. Fabric is the variable, so they all look different.
OOPS, I didn't mean to send this twice!
I would love to make a tote bag to carry my groceries in when I walk home from the market!
The bag I an *trying* to design now is for the back of a wheelchair with big and small compartments to organize everything in order to reduce having to dig around in it for what you are looking for.
Hoping to make it look cool rather than just plain functional, and to easily attach and detach from the handles and hang without rubbing on the wheels or knocking the persons knees who is pushing the wheelchair.
So many parameters!
The bag I an *trying* to design now is for the back of a wheelchair with big and small compartments to organize everything in order to reduce having to dig around in it for what you are looking for.
Hoping to make it look cool rather than just plain functional, and to easily attach and detach from the handles and hang without rubbing on the wheels or knocking the persons knees who is pushing the wheelchair.
So many parameters!
I am still working so I would like to make myself a handbag that can cross over from work to an evening out if necessary.
I have a bag in mind, I just need to get it started!! I found a brown/black/red plaid (think Burberry-ish) jumper in a thrift shop and deconstructed it. The purse will be similar to a tote bag, but not as large. I want the sides to collapse in, when it's not so full, and it has to have an easy access pocket on the outside for my cell phone, keys and sunglasses.
I want to design a wallet that looks like a clutch. The last one I made was not what I was hoping for so I need to try again.
As usual, the bag I currently have in mind is to tote things back and forth to work. Whether it has a cross-body strap, a shoulder strap or just handles, I prefer something with a lot more flair than just a canvas bag or plastic grocery sack.
I would love to make a laptop bag for work.
I would make a small messenger bag that can be carried across the body with no bulk so my hands are free when fabric shopping .
I love any kind of quilted bags!
I would make a bag with convenient pockets and a shoulder strap that I can sling over my body.
I'd make a modified hobo with lots of pockets and good structure so it's not floppy
Medium size bags are my 'cup of tea'! I would love to make an updated leather bag/purse, with studs, rhinstones, and embroidery on the outside. With lots of pockets on the inside
I'm very picky about bags, it has to be at least big enough to hold a hardcover book, my on-the-go knitting or crochet project, a bottle of water, and in winter a pair of dry shoes. It also needs pockets or attachments for keys, wallet, cell phone, etc. To hold all this it also needs good,sturdy strap(s). After shopping around, making my own bag seems like the best idea!
I work in wedding industry & cannot find beautiful bags, purses, or clutches that are elegant & light weighted to carry on your special day. I want to create beautiful bags not only for weddings, but other occasions too.
I wanti to start a handbag business. there are many handbags I want to sew for me right now.
I love creating new bags, but unfortunately I haven't made one for myself yet! They have all been as gifts. I would love to make myself a unique functional bag for work with a matching pocketbook/clutch to grab & go if I only need my keys, phone, etc.
I like to make quilted bags with lots of pockets to hold my essentials. I am in need of a new shoulder bag know that the weather is changing. Thanks for the chance to win!!
I've never made a bag before, but I can't wait to learn how! I LOVE bags!
I have a stash of upholstery fabric samples and think they could make awesome handbags!
How about a big bag that can be a crossbody and a backpack, with lots of pockets and zippers so stuff does not fall out? It will have lots of bright color and great texture.
The bag I would make would be the perfect size to carry all that I need. I'd like to have easy access to certain items and security for others. I'd probably use some of my home dec remnants to have a more substantial bag.
I need to make two totes (small and large) with lots of pockets.
Thanks for the giveaway!
If I could dream a perfect bag, it would be lightweight yet sturdy. As beautiful as leather with fantastic wearability. The outside would have just enough gold to show classy, not flashy. Inside are pockets--lots of them. And a perfectly fitting organizer. The lining is fun yet unfrazzled. Not too big, a little on the small to medium size so as to not overwhelm my shortness. As beautiful as a birkin (sp?) but moderate in cost. Yea! That's my bag.
would love to make a multicompartment hobo bag for myself. quilting it would be so much fun. Love compartments in purses.
I love a satchel. Not too big (I don't want to carry luggage!) and not too small, I need the essentials in there. Would love to able to sew up a personalized bag for myself. I'd like to make a messenger bag or a hobo for my daughter as well. Thanks for the awesome contest.
I would make a tote of all totes, that will hold all my treasures as I travel thru life.. to work, or on a flight to fun and it should have lots of nooks and cranny's for additional treasures!!
A Mary Poppins Style Carpet Bag in a medium size for my everyday work tote...:) Handbags: The Making of a Museum by Judith Clark...really caught my eye! Thanks for offering the opportunity!
I'd like to make a hobo bag. I'd also like to create a custom bag, with an organized place for everything that I carry. I'd like for it to also have quick change covers for variety.
A big ole weekender bag - I have plenty of handbags, I need something bigger to put some of my projects in.
I have lots of fabric I can make me some purses. Love to make purses, just need good patterns.
I have lots of fabric I can make me some purses. Love to make purses, just need good patterns.
I would like to make various sized tote bags just for every day use, but would love to make clutch purses.
I would love to win this! I have more purses than most women have shoes! ha ha! I just made myself a couple of purses and this pattern looks even better than the ones I made!
Bags to carry knitting or crochet projects that are always in the making, or larger bags to hold quilting projects when headed to retreat!
I like making bags and right now I need a sturdy, cute one to tote my work stuff to and from. Pick Me!!
Love bags with lots of compartments so my things don't get lost in the bottom.
First, a lunch bag that holds two thermos, a liter water bottle, tea mug, and lunch!
Second, a classy and professional "purse" that holds a couple of magazines, paper pad, writing utensils, and the standard purse things (kleenex, hand lotion, wallet....)
Third, bags for friends!
I would like to have a bag that Alice would be proud to carry in Wonderland!
I love to make bags to match my jackets. I like a bag with lots of pockets, especially some on the outside to carry my cell phone and keys, and large enough to hold the big fat wallet that I carry with all my sewing information.
I like a bag with a zippered middle section (inside) and lots of pockets inside and out!
I love making bags! My next one is a slouchy-ish short tote with a boxed bottom, zippered inside, key pocket outside, a few inner pockets, all decorated in sumptuous trims, velvets and with a few skeleton key accents. It looks awesome in my mind :)
I would like to make a big bag out of waxed canvass with lots of pocket to take my supplies to fashion school in.
I'm desperate for a self-made satchel!
I have some beautiful fabric with geisha faces and I want to make a purse from it. I want lots of pockets to stay organized.
I would make a tote especially designed with a removable washable lining and with pockets to hold all my sketching materials.
Of course, winning this prize of all the bag patterns would also solve many Christmas gift problems - and help to 'bust the stash' situation too!
I have several hobbies so would find these books really useful to adapt several bags for each of my interests. Of course I sew - this being my favourite hobby so a bag with various pockets incorporated to hold all the necessary bits and pieces would be ideal. I also make jewellery from beads, so a different type of bag would be useful to hold, not only a selection of beads but also pattern/s, tools, findings, threads and a bead mat. Another hobby is painting so a larger bag to hold my 'block' with pockets for paints, water carrier, brushes, etc. As you can see, the publications and additional items would have a welcome home with me.
I have several pieces of laminated cloth and bright orange faux fur that I'm planning to incorporate into a fun and furry carry-on bag.
I would like to make several bags that can be unisex, my son has just started a non-profit camp and I had been thinking about making some bags and backpacks for the volunteers/mentors of the camp. They will have educational materials etc. to carry from day to day and something like a satchel would be a good idea, with lots of inside pockets as well. If I were to win I would love to gift the quilted bag to my son's personal mentor, she is so awesome!
I like bags that are really light when they're empty so when I stuff them with things I'm not keeling over under the weight. I've made a few simple bags already from commercial patterns that I stumbled upon, and I made a few improvised small purses that I like to call "the concert pouch" for exactly that, concert going. What do you need? A bit of cash, an ID card, your phone and keys.. I make them either with cotton canvas or wool. I really like to make bags (and sell them on Etsy), I want to further develop my know-how and techniques.
I would like to make a versatile everyday purse that would have organizational pockets for all my stuff. My purses seem to be bottomless pits or black holes...finding what I need is challenging.
Thanks
I could really use a bag with a pocket for everything, made of some highly patterned/camo fabric that won't show dirt and that would allow me to throw it in the washer. Any time spent digging for my keys or cell phone or library card or... while holding a squirmy toddler and trying to keep a very bouncy 5 year old out of trouble, is too much time.
A thick strap or straps that don't dig into my shoulder would be nice. A spot for a water bottle on the outside (condensation would make everything wet if it were inside). A chain or rope should attach to my keys so I couldn't possibly lose them. No zip - they break or get stuff stuck in them, it should have a magnetic snap thing to close/open really easily, but not come open when I don't want it to.
Good luck everybody!
A carryon bag that is lightweight with the right number and placement of pockets for a long plane flight. Maybe in a herringbone tweed...
I want to enter because this is an area that I am weak in and would like to improve my skill in making all kinds of bags. I do love to sew and I know the books would add to the knowledge and skill and I know not only me but those around me would also benefit. Sincerely Sew Rocky68
I have lots of bags, but I also have lots of different needs. I hope to find one perfect bag, to make in lots of different fabrics.
I need to make a bag with little pockets and places for all the little items I carry. They all tend to fall to the bottom of the two large pockets of the one I have, now.
I costume for a Bellydance troupe and we always need CUTE bellydance themed bags. So I would be making bags out of unique fabrics with a bellydance flair!
I would like to make a nice big weekend bag.
Thank you for this fun opportunity to jump in on trying to win :-)
I would like a handbag that has two different sections on the inside with small compartments for different sized items in both sections. I would also like to have three pockets on the outside with zippers across the top that would be a perfect fit for the following items: One for my keys, one for my cell phone and a skinny pocket to slip my reading glasses into for easy access. It's so much easier to access the things you need the most from the outside of the bag without worrying about it falling out or not being the right size for these three items.
If I successfully make this type of bag, then I'm sure I will have friends who would like me to make them one as gifts :-) Or, who knows, I may just have to make a few to sell if enough people really like mine!
I'm sure all the free books in the give away will benefit me greatly by giving me how to's and more ideas!
I remember making my first shoulder bag in high school from Simplicity pattern #9553. Imagine my delight in seeing that pattern shown on page 76 of the June/July Threads article on the revamp of Ann Brodsky's SewBaby studio. Over the years I have searched for a pattern for the 'ultimate' bag - functional yet stylish & maybe a little quirky. The books offered in this giveaway would definitely bring me closer to my goal :)
I like to make purses that have a lot of pockets to organize my things and I like one that zips to keep all my things inside if the bag tips over. The next bag I want to make would have summer animals embroidered on it.
I teach sewing, so I like to be using custom made projects all the time. One of the best ways to inspire new sewers is to show up using a great project that really gets them hooked. Any kind of handbag or tote is a fantastic item to learn from with pockets, piping, trim, zippers, toggles, pleated corners, the list goes on.
I have been making my own bags for years now. Sometimes it is to show off a new embroidery pattern or quilt block. I always add certain features I like such as eye glass or cell phone pockets. For work I made large carry all type bags to store my purse, lunch bag & water bottles with hooks to attach my key rings to the inside so I don't loose them. Another favorite of mine is a small bag that attaches to my waste with a belt to carry my phone & glasses when I take my dog out for a walk. I've also made gardening bags for friends but the most requested bags my friends ask for always start with them handing me an old pair of jeans and a favorite color lining request. I was just thinking about my need to replace my current purse that is wearing out and was checking out this site to get inspiration for it, when I saw this article.
I would like to make a zippered tote bag with pockets inside and out but that also has some sort of decorations outside wether is embroidery or something made with ribbons.
I would make a bag that can be worn cross-body and hands free. I would like it large enough to carry a few personal items and my e-reader.
I would need lots of pockets for organization. I would also want maybe a couple key clips, to keep my keys at hand. Long enough straps for over your shoulder & heavy coat. I think a crossbody strap as well for convenience. I like having lots of pockets. Maybe a chevron print! Love Chevron. I also really like Stephanie Dawn & Vera Bradley.
I love to make totes, but I think I would be looking for that perfect purse/handbag. I am always on the lookout for that pattern that looks like the bag is what I need. Lots of pockets, zippers, comfortable to wear, etc. What an awesome opportunity to win some great items. I love Stephanie Dawn bags-Made in the USA!
I would make a bag that leaves my hands free , either a back pack or a cross body bag.
I would make a bag that can be worn cross-body and hands free. I would like it large enough to carry a few personal items and my e-reader.
A bag with lots of pockets.
I would make a beautiful bag with a lot of pockets, so that I can bring my projects with me, and still have room for my personal possessions.
I would make a wonderful bag to carry my projects with me, and it would have enough room for my personal possessions.
I love making bags! My favorite thing to do is use things I already have. Sometimes I troll the goodwills looking for clothes that I can repurpose :-). Nothing gives me more satisfaction than making something from nothing! I am a true bargain shopper-it's the thrill of the deal :-)
I like bags with personality & indivuality. Taking ideas from creative people helps me continue my quest for that perfect bag. I'd like a backpack or cross body style to have hands free to express myself.
A messenger bag out of old jeans, mens business casual pants. Or leather from an unloved sectional sofa.
I love to make bags with lots of room for my things, usually a shoulder bag.I love to make them colourful, eye catching and different,I have made lots of bags for others, tote bags and supermarket bags are a must. Hoping to work with offcuts of leather soon and using furnishing fabric is great, I want to make messenger and backpacks, clutches and purses in the future. Not to mention I love exploring how a bag comes together in the making, What can I say! I just love making bags.
After years of being a bag-lady with a large collection of bags that never quite work, I decided custom bags are the only solution. I'm taking classes at Amblard Leather Atelier and learning old-world French hand-sewn leather making techniques. My goal is bespoke bags, made of fine leather, lined in leather or fabric. With custom pockets for the hi-tech toys I have to have handy. smart phone? tablet or kindle? quick to find, easy to store cord holders? Where to put that spare charger ? Where to put the shopping bags? My big bucket bags are full of stuff I can never find. I would love these books help me design and make the bag of my dreams.
I'm going for a Mary Poppins carpet bag as I always have to carry two bags to work with, probably, more stuff than I need but that I might want. These books would be a wonderful addition to my library.
I like to make my own handbags because I can make then lightweight. I love leather handbags, but some are too heavy even when they are empty. I am looking for new ideas that will fit into my lifestyle.
For myself, I would make an organizational bag that would keep all my electronics safe and have a place for everything. Oh, and it would have to be unique with lots of color. For my daughter a large hobo bag that holds everything.
I need a bag for a tablet and the other items I need to carry as I travel and work everyday. Then I want to make purses, bags, totes to sell for extra income.
For myself I love making a bag that not only functional but beautiful as well. Something that will hold my Kindle, cell phone, notebook, address book and be secure.
I'd liked to make a bag that expresses my own unique style by making the fabric to make the bag. Then, I'd add compartments and pockets that would make everything in the bag easily accessible, maybe a way to light up the interior!
I want an all purpose handbag for daily use
I want to make bags that combine all the great bag making ideas in one bag, i.e. light colored inside so it's easy to see everything. Pockets and dividers with zips for security, clips for key rings, places for phone, pens, wallet,glasses, pills, shopping bags, tissues, makeup, comb and everything else I may want to carry so that I can find things quickly. Once that's all organized I like to finish it all in a colorful, textural, individual materials, fasteners and straps and a style that suits my personal taste or that of whoever I'm making the bag for.
I have made a couple of handbags as gifts and I love the creativity of it all. I'd love to make a fabulous clutch that is so tantalizing that everyone will ask where did you buy that. I also don't want it to have a "home made" look. I would love to include fabulous closures and inside compartments. Most of all .....I want to have fun while I make it!
I would like to make a bag that fits my giant cell phone and a few credit cards. I have a difficult time finding this item because my phone is bigger than most phones so it never fits into any of the cute little bags.
I would love to start making different bags for family and friends. What better way to start then these wonderful books.
It's hard to find a selection of leather handbags out there and have always thought of making a tote style one from repurposing a leather coat.
A gold and silver beaded envelope clutch.
I want to design and sew several small lightweight cross-body bags for casual and dressy occasions. The bags must have at least three compartments: easy to access but secure money section, iphone pocket, separate zipped compartment. Retail bags always seem to be lacking. I want them to have style as well!
I'd like to sew a bag that is as cute as it is tough and functional for concealed handgun carry. All o the bags currently on the market for concealed carry are so reminiscent of a horse saddle that they're an eye sore, and heavy as well. Heaviness that isn't welcome since normal purse contents combined with the weight of a handgun are already plenty heavy.
The handbag I want to make is a leather bag with a retro vibe, like the one Kenneth King showed some months back. It is my DREAM PURSE! Maybe these books will help me figure out how!
I would love to make a bag that fits me somehow everyone I've owned is not quite right, It would be strong, sturdy, and stylish. A combination of classic and trendy in either a fabric or leather, or both.
I find it difficult to purchase a purse that will fit my needs, so prefer to make my own. These books would give me more options for creating my perfect purse.
I would have to make a crafty bag from denim to take to the grocery store. LOTS of them!!!! LOL Love love love denim.
The bags look really great! I have no bag patterns and would love to win it. I really need some great bags and totes.
I want a large tote bag with pockets and handles long enough to use as a shoulder bag
I would make the outside of the bag in ostrich leather a warm color and the inside would be a very beautiful floral pattern possibly silk. The inside should have at least 2 large zippered pockets. The bag would be at least 18" high and 20" in length and 10" in depth and have shoulder length matching leather straps. The top of the bag would have a hidden zipper closure.
I love making purses/handbags/totes and would love to try some new designs. I've mostly designed them myself, but it would be refreshing to have a tried and true pattern to use to avoid some of the pitfalls and hopefully learn some new construction techniques.
I would love to make an over the shoulder bag w/out zipper closure but with closure that would stay closed. Fabric bag that I could make several variations to switch out to match/blend with my outfits. Just enough pockets to deal with cell phone, lipsticks, pens, work photo id and loose items.
I would like to make a beaded bag in a contemporary style.
I would love to have a bag that has some outside hidden pockets, zips up at the top, has at least 6 pockets inside, all different sizes, large enough to fit a laptop if needed, some of my sewing books, and also some fabric!
A simple clutch with a bow OR a do it all bag to carry birding supplies - bird themed of course.