The Best of Threads: Handbags hits newstands June 3. You can also download this special issue onto your tablet.
THE NEW THREADS SPECIAL ISSUE IS OUT!
The latest Threads special issue, The Best of Threads: Handbags, is out and you can win a free copy! It’s full of great articles and 27 projects for all skill levels, and includes free patterns inside. You can also preview the issue here.
WE ASKED OUR CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS…
We asked our contributing authors to answer this question: “Why do you sew handbags?” Cheryl Kuczek, author of “Fold-Over Bag” and “Lace & Lamé Carryall” in this issue, responded that she likes to make bags that are lovely to look at but have the strength to hold up to abuse. Gilbert Muniz, author of “6-Pocket Clutch,” says that there is a certain level of joy in being able to create a bag to fit any kind of object imaginable. Lastly, Anna Mazur, author of “Retro Links,” “Pass the Envelope,” and “Expandable Organizer,” explains how she creates handbags because they are an expression of who she is, and she especially enjoys the design process.
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
Answer the same question our contributing authors did: Why do you sew handbags? Or, if you haven’t yet tried to sew a handbag, answer this question: Why would you like to start sewing handbags? If you post an answer to either question, you will be entered to win a free copy of this issue! There will be FIVE lucky winners. The deadline for comments is June 13, 2014, at 11:59 pm EST, and the winners will be announced during the week of June 16. Good Luck!
I would like to start making handbags so I can have more variety of styles to choose from.
I love making bags. When I made a lot of quilts I never knew what to do with them because I had too many but with bags I can be creative and make something small and useful. If I do not want to keep my creations there is always a friend or family member keen to have them!
Bags have such variety in style & use so that each can have its own individualization. They can be easy enough to use as a basic teaching sewing projects. Learn to sew straight line, turn fabric, & line, add zipper & pockets if wanted. Or they can be challenging with many pockets, multiple fabrics, etc.
I'd like to make bags because of the ability to create something one of a kind in materials and combinations that I'm not able to find elsewhere.
Handbags are so much fun to sew and give as presents. Thanks!
Using vintage, antique, and repurposed materials is a passion for me. Handbags are the perfect project to showcase delicate and beautiful smaller pieces, trims, and embellishments.
I love to make my own purses. It gives me the option to put the pockets I need/want in the places I want them.
I dont make bags yet but I would love to start and this magazine looks like it has some gorgeous projects!
I have been invited to two very elegant events, and don´t have clutches to wear!!! so now that Im sewing a lot i want to make them!!! and when I see the prices of clutches i freak out!!!
Love making Handbags and Totes because I really like carrying a one of a kind :-) and they are easy to gift too! Thank You!
I love to make one of a kind totes and bags. Sometimes, I embellish with embroidery sometimes I done. I love to give them to people I love.
Making handbags is so FASHIONABLE!!! :)
A matching handbag or tote always get attention! I love the creativity.
I love to make bags because you can customize them. When you make your own you have a one of a kind.
I love handbags! I make them because it's usually a quick project that doesn't consume a lot of resources, and the end product is so fun and useful. I love recycling old materials when making handbags. I have given several as gifts. I would love to win the handbag issue from Threads.
When you make your own bag, it always has exactly what you need in terms of pockets, loops and handles/straps.
I like reusing fabric from thrift stores, and purses are a fun way to get some use out of smaller pieces!
I make purses because I am to cheap to buy what I can sew, and they are lighter to carry .
I've made simple purses, and bifold wallets. I just love making something from a simple piece of fabric. The possibilities are endless. Makes me feel so creative and proud when I sew up something that people ohhh & ahhh over ;)
I started making totes February 2014, so I'm still a beginner. I have made totes for a few friends and family. The last ones I made, I donated to auction off for my niece's charity event. One of the bags sold for $150.00!! I want to continue to learn more!
Why not? Handbags are the perfect fashion accessory and I would love to be able to create unique, stylish bags with my own creative spin!
I like to make bags that are the size and shape that I want, and that have the compartments that I want such as zippered pockets.
I learned a while ago how to draft my own handbag designs, and have found them to be amazingly creative and the options limitless. It's exciting creating something that only you've come up with, while creating something practical and useful. Just last week I created a cupcake bag for a friend who adores making cupcakes, it has a quilted and hand beaded outer material to make it look like icing. It's fun to play with the different elements of a theme and get it just so.
I would love to start sewing handbags. I think the advantage of doing so is that they are one of a kind and can be done in custom colors and fabrics. They would be dressed up, dressed down, and reflect the personality and colors of the recipient. After sewing more clothes, I plan to make some, and this magazine would come in handy.
Handbags are a creative outlet for me. Plus they are almost always one of a kind!
I love making handbags. I always get all the features I want in one bag!
I sew handbags to get the style & functionality that I like!
I love using up my batik stash and customizing my handbags to the way I want them, plus one-of-a-kind items is always a plus.
I can never find bags that organize my stuff well, are beautifully stylish and unique, plus will hold up for the long haul. All that and not pay a fortune! That's why I make my own!
You can't buy happiness, but you can sew bags ... that's pretty close :-)
I would love to start sewing handbags...I can never find anything that seems to be just right (at a just right price!).
Frilly embroidered pouches, useful zippered purses, fancy pencil cases, elegant beaded clutches, practical totes, everyday elegance with "faux" leather handbags, huge carry-all waterproof bags for the beach ... the scope is endless. The inside can be beautifully lined and tailored for every need with key ring, phone pocket, zipped pockets, matching removable pouches for small items ... just whatever suits the use and the user. Fastenings can be buttons, ties, zips, magnetic press studs, flaps, hooks ... so much choice. I love making bags because of all these endless possibilities and have made them for years - never the same one twice! They also make much appreciated gifts. I'm always on the lookout for fresh ideas and techniques so the new Threads book is good news
I have made several bags and would love to make more. I have custom made them to accommodate my needs.
I make bags because not only are they practical but they provide and outlet for creativity. Design, color, texture and functionality united! Doesn't get better than that!
Would love to try my hand at making my own handbags , not really satisfied with what I buy.
I've sewn bags before but never a handbag. I really want to try though. Especially since I need to replace my current purse.
I would love to have your newest issue about making handbags. I would like to start sewing a handbag, or even more than one, for myself. I means a whole new challenge in my sewing career.
I have sewed tote bags in the past. Now that I'm retired, am slowly getting back into sewing, and like the idea of being able to customize the configuration of handbags to suit different needs.
I have a unique style & can never find a store bought bag that has the features I want and expressing my unique style & taste.
would love to win this issue. dying to try to make a handbag.
Oh there is something about a bag that is different from everyone else's! It would be made just for me and my style!
You can never have enough handbags - what better way to add to the collection!
Why you would like to start sewing handbags?
I would like a small diaper bag. These don't seem to exist!
I would love to make bags to match the outfits that I am sewing! Thanks for the opportunity.
I'd like to start making handbags because I never find one I really like -- need to make my own so that they'll be just what I want, colour, features, everything!
I like to sew handbags because then I can totally customize them to my taste & specific needs. They also make great gifts! People I have gifted love getting my bags bc they know no one else will have it & that it shows all the love that went into it!
I've been thinking a lot about making hadbags lately. I'm very attracted to trying it. I'm very picky about them and could make exactly what I want that way.
I would love to try the bags in this issue to learn new techniques and then use those to design my own bags... :)
I love to make handbags to match some of the suits or jackets I make.
hand bags are like shoes you cant have enough I love sewing handbags and totes I would love more.
I sew handbags so they can have the features that I want in the colors I want.
I love to create handbags because they really show your personality and they are seen everyday by everyone you meet.
I have never made a handbag but I have been wanting to. There is such an open ended land of possibilities with fabric choices and styles. I bought an adorable cupcake fabric 6 months ago to make one, I just haven't gathered enough information on how to do it yet.
I love making bags because then they can perfectly fit my unique style and specific needs for the moment. Plus, then I can have as many fancy bags as I want for a mere fraction of the cost of designer! :-)
When I started handbag design, I took a class. My instructor on a skype session told me that his goal was to "teach me how to design a bag to carry my dreams in." That was two year ago and I am still at it. I love the look on a person's face when they know that they have a one of a kind, custom made to measure bag. The more I learn the better it gets.
I would love to start sewing handbags so that I could have one to better match more of my clothes. To be able to sew them would also let me give better, more personalized gifts.
It's a quick rush. I can dig into my stash of crazy supplies and in no time I have a great little gift, charity auction item or treat for myself. Problem is, I just can't STOP!
I would like to begin to sew a handbag. The magazine would be an education on how to do it for me. I've been wanting a bag that I can fit MY stuff and still look good. I have some ultra-suede to work with in creating a bag.
I love making handbags because they can be a quick and easy project or something much more challenging. I also get to try lots of new techniques.
I sew handbags because they always fit!
I want to sew personalized bags
I'm just starting to learn how to make handbags. I love to have unique bags and totes that show my personality and use fabrics - usually novelty prints - that will never be seen in anyone else's bags. I want to make quality bags that will last - both for friends and for sale.
I would like to create a handbag uniquely suited to my needs.
I love sewing Handbags because I can create one of Items which have furthered my creativity and sewing skills
I want to make handbags so I have to perfect pocket for each of my various things that are always in my purse...from my old school "stupid" phone to my various sharpies and other things most people don't often carry.
Even though I almost never carry any sort of handbag I find myself sewing some! Currently have a pair of gorgeous handles waiting for the right bag and some fabric that needs just the right style....new ideas are needed!
I've got some fabulous vintage upholstery fabric that would make wonderful purses. Some pieces are less than a yard but could pair nicely with other pieces. I'd like to get good information and fun patterns before I cut into this wonderful fabric
I sew handbags to try to have exactly what I want in and out of a handbag....as well as have one that is unlike any other! It's an ongoing process so there is always another handbag to be made!
The design possibilities intrigue me.
I love to sew and create and love the challenge to make one of a kind its
I am intrigued with the process. I love sewing and think it would be a great challenge.
Handbags are one of my favorite things to make because you can use such interesting and different textiles that you usually wouldn't use with making clothes. Also, embellishing can go to a whole other level!
The mix of fabrics and utility of the project entice me into creating bags.