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Art & Craft, DIY ideas and Tutorials – Craftbuds
Art & Craft, DIY ideas and Tutorials – Craftbuds
  • About Us
  • Needlecraft
    • Crochet
    • Knitting
    • Quilting
    • Sewing
    • Embroidery
  • Cricut
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Book Review: Big-City Bags + Giveaway!

  • Lindsay
  • Posted: October 28, 2013 - Updated at: January 9, 2022
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Today, I’m thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for my friend Sara Lawson’s new book, Big City Bags: Sew Handbags with Style, Sass and Sophistication (Martingale). The book features 12 patterns for designer-style purses from everyday bags to a diaper tote, and sturdy luggage to a laptop case with an extra protective sleeve for your computer.

Not only is Sara a talented designer who has released dozens of her gorgeous purse patterns for free at her blog Sew Sweetness, but she is a wonderful example of what we are all about at Craft Buds.

Not that long ago, Sara had just discovered the online sewing community and written her very first bag pattern. In 2012, she wrote a total of 26 bag patterns in just 10 months! As you can see, Sara has worked incredibly hard to get her creative business off the ground, and she’s done it all as a wife, and a mom to two little ones.

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That’s Sara pictured above with her “Bee Sweet Bag” from the book. Not only did Sara make all of her book projects in a very short time, but when she found out she’d be traveling to Washington state for the photo shoot, she also made several new outfits! I honestly don’t know how she does it all, but Sara has built her patterns business from the ground up, all the while taking time for others and staying true to the generous and loving person that she just is!

The book really celebrates handmade as a lifestyle; Sara claims she hasn’t used any store-bought purses in years. And with Sara as a teacher, you’ll feel confident that you can tackle any sewing project, no matter the difficulty level.

My first positive experience sewing a dress, in fact, was during a sew along hosted on Sara’s blog! Since then, I’ve had many compliments on my everyday purse and diaper bag, which I made using two more of Sara’s bag patterns.

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Back to the projects in the book! Each of the bag patterns, like the “Fireside Bowl Bag” pictured above, comes with full-color illustrations and detailed instructions. You can copy pattern pieces (or print if you have an e-book) from the pages in the book, which are labeled and easy to understand. The beginning of the book covers everything you need to know about interfacing (including how you can get by with what you have in your stash), and detailed instructions for using metal clasps, rings, zippers, purse feet and making adjustable straps.

Want to know what one of the bags would look like in a different fabric or colorway? The book displays variations of each pattern, many of which were sewn by Sara’s pattern testers, located around the world. And because they were tested by experts, you can be sure that you won’t end up with too-little fabric or a zipper that doesn’t quite fit.

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The gorgeous “Wonderland Bag” (pictured above) is first on my list of projects to make. It features leather handles, which I’ve never tried, and exterior piping for a professional finish. I adore the rounded shape (similar to a soft-sided mailbox, with plenty of room for your belongings) and sturdy sides.

If you enjoy a sewing challenge and have already made some basic totes and zipper pouches, Big-City Bags has all of the tools to help you graduate to the next level. And as Sara says, don’t feel like you have to stick to the patterns as written. “Nothing makes me more excited than when a reader sends me an e-mail saying, ‘I made your bag pattern and I love it! I changed the flap a bit and added a longer strap, and it’s just perfect for me!'” she writes.

All photos from Big-City Bags by Sara Lawson, Martingale, 2013; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved.

SewSweetness_BigCityBags_Banner

Giveaway!

Would you like to win an e-book of Big-City Bags? Martingale is generously providing one Craft Buds reader with a digital copy of Sara’s book!

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this blog post telling us one sewing technique that you’d like to branch out and try! (Zippers? Purse straps? Advanced bags in general?)

Giveaway is open worldwide, and we’ll choose a random winner one week from the date of this post. Good luck!

Congrats to #66, Amy C.!

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  • bags
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Lindsay

Hi, I’m Lindsay Conner, an author, modern quilter, editor, and founder of the Lindsay Sews blog. I’m a Baby Lock ambassador and Stash Books author who loves writing modern sewing and quilt patterns for beginners and weekend sewists! I live in Indianapolis, Indiana with my husband, son, and two loveable cats, Murph and Chloe. I’ve been crafting for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I saved my dollar bills for trips with my mom to Jo-Ann Fabrics, where I’d find new floss for friendship bracelets or mini cross-stitch kits. Because my mom has always shared my love for crafting, she bought me my first sewing machine, a Hello Kitty Janome.

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116 comments
  1. Lizzie says:
    October 28, 2013 at 7:35 am

    I love these bags and I love Sara’s work! So much has happened in the last year! (I think Sara’s next project might be a book on quilty dresses, hint hint, but maybe she doesn’t want to give it all away 😉 I would like to branch out to advanced bags, including straps and special closures. I’d love to make myself a fabulous camera bag some day.

  2. Stacy says:
    October 28, 2013 at 7:56 am

    Some day I’d love to try sewing a couture Chanel jacket – I’m pretty sure there’s a whole slew of new techniques to try with that!

  3. Wendy Ramos says:
    October 28, 2013 at 8:04 am

    Sara’s bags are awesome – thanks for a chance to win her book. I’d like to try a more sophisticated bag, with professional looking hardware.

  4. Dyan says:
    October 28, 2013 at 8:08 am

    I think I learn a new technique in every pattern that I buy. Whether its zippers, pockets, or not showing any raw seams. I think you could sew for 30 years and still learn something new. Thats what I love about sewing…its always an adventure.

  5. lesley says:
    October 28, 2013 at 8:10 am

    i am new to sewing (and intimidated) so ANY type i can learn is a huge help!

  6. Jane Ritz says:
    October 28, 2013 at 8:20 am

    I just made my first purse 3 weeks ago. I need to learn how to put zippers in purses and add the finishing touches that make them look great. I want to make a couple for Christmas gifts. I’d love to have this help. Thanks for the opportunity.

  7. Júlia says:
    October 28, 2013 at 8:21 am

    Wow, this book seems great!
    Maybe pockets, zippers…how to sew them withou so much errors 🙂

  8. Joyce says:
    October 28, 2013 at 8:46 am

    I think Sara is just adorable. I love bags and she has such a variety that anyone can find their bag. The book looks just wonderful and I need to tackle one of her more advanced projects myself!

  9. Sarah Norman says:
    October 28, 2013 at 9:02 am

    I would like to learn how to do the recessed zips on bags. I can do the usual pouch type zips, but like the look of the recessed ones that allow the top of the bag to be wider.

  10. Robin (not ever sewing) says:
    October 28, 2013 at 9:23 am

    Piping!

  11. wendy says:
    October 28, 2013 at 9:37 am

    tough question as I’ve made a lot of bags – including testing one of Sara’s. I’d like to do a top zip closure on a bag, not like a pouch, but on a kind of gusset. I’m sure there’s a term for that but i can’t think what it is.

  12. Teresa Linscott says:
    October 28, 2013 at 9:47 am

    I would really like to better my binding and piping skills. That piping is tricky!!

  13. Jeanne says:
    October 28, 2013 at 10:34 am

    I too could use some brush up on piping, have never been very good at it.

  14. Judy Hudgins says:
    October 28, 2013 at 10:37 am

    I would love to become more proficient with bags and do some more advanced ones.

  15. Jess Z says:
    October 28, 2013 at 11:05 am

    I’d love to learn to finish garments and accessories with professional looking hand stitches like the blind hem and such.

  16. Rachel says:
    October 28, 2013 at 11:09 am

    I would like to learn more about hardware on bags like rivets, eyelets, and grommets. I’d also like to try corded fabric handles.

  17. Tabitha Klucking says:
    October 28, 2013 at 11:45 am

    I’d really like to try flat fell seams. I can’t believe I haven’t yet, but they look like a really nice finish.

  18. Rachel says:
    October 28, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    I would like to branch out into sewing more bags and pouches.

  19. Krista says:
    October 28, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    Piping!

  20. Jill says:
    October 28, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    I think I would like to branch out and try working with Leather/faux leather.

  21. Norma says:
    October 28, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    I’ve sewn many bags an d I love it. I’ve learned techniques from each bag I make. I will love to have time to experiment more and there’s always something new to learn.

  22. Gill says:
    October 28, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    I’d love to learn how to do piping!

  23. Tonia Jeffery says:
    October 28, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    I’d love to learn how to draft and resize patterns.

  24. Veronica says:
    October 28, 2013 at 1:44 pm

    I want Sara’s book so badly! I want to make an advanced bag with neat pockets and extras. I’m on her tester email list, but I’ve never been able to offer to help out since she always requires such quick turnaround and I’m usually busy working on another deadline. I hope to be able to test for her one day though, but in the mean time, I’d love to have her book and make a new bag or two in my leisure time!

  25. Lauren D. says:
    October 28, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    I’d love to start working with leather, period. I don’t have the needle for it though. I know that much! Nor the heavy duty machine!

  26. Terry Druga says:
    October 28, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I love sewing bags and have learned something new on almost every bag I’ve made. I’ve sewn several of Sara’s bags already and used purse feet and a zippered gusset for the first time. Love learning! Thanks for the giveaway.

  27. Jenny says:
    October 28, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    I think I refer to her legendary interfacing post once a month at least. To answer your question, I will say strap hardware. I’ve never made anything with hardware, and I think it will make for a much more professional bag. I don’t have a pattern in mind, but I do look forward to trying it one of these days. Thanks!!

  28. odessa says:
    October 28, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    I want to get better with piping and zippers

  29. Jen R says:
    October 28, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    I’d love to learn how to make more advanced bags with great details – I’ve done tons of reversible totes and a few zippered pouches… this book looks great!

  30. Judy says:
    October 28, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    I’ve made quite a few bags, but there’s always something new to learn isn’t there? Any new pattern is a challenge and that is what I enjoy about that next pattern/idea !!

  31. Darcie says:
    October 28, 2013 at 4:16 pm

    How great! I’ve done purse sewing, but not as much recently. And I have not tried any of Sara’s patterns before. I think I need to do a purse with piping next. Not that I’m not already confident I could do it, I usually just pick styles I don’t have to hassle with. But piping does add such a nice design touch!

  32. Heidi says:
    October 28, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    I’d love to try premade handles and framed pouches 🙂

  33. Karen Carroll says:
    October 28, 2013 at 4:48 pm

    I would like to learn everything

  34. Rosemary says:
    October 28, 2013 at 5:42 pm

    I have always wanted to work with leather and would love to try sewing a leather handbag.

  35. Celtic Thistle Stitches says:
    October 28, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    I have sewn lots of bags including a couple of Sara’s so can vouch for how good her patterns are. I have never tried to make my own clothes though and would really love to learn all the smart dressmaking techniques that would enable me to turn out professional looking clothes!

  36. sarah schraw says:
    October 28, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    I’m a quilt girl so bags are pretty scary. 🙂 But if I win this book I promise to try!

  37. Ann says:
    October 28, 2013 at 7:40 pm

    I would like to try piping to add that extra finished look.

  38. Jayne says:
    October 28, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    I would love to be confident making any bag! I have the perfect fabric that is screaming ‘bag’ and I’m afraid to do it! Love this post! So inspiring!

  39. Diane says:
    October 28, 2013 at 10:06 pm

    I would like to try using more bag hardware as well as leather handles.

  40. Gina says:
    October 28, 2013 at 10:43 pm

    I’d like to try to attach leather handles and/or straps.

  41. Abbe Coury says:
    October 28, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    I’d love to try using leather handles and other bag hardware.

  42. Sharon says:
    October 29, 2013 at 2:01 am

    Greetings! I would love to learn tips for zippers. But I really like the wonderland purse and how do you get the handles on that purse and last how do you do the lining and inside pockets for a purse. Just learning to do small little bags. This would be a great help to learn more. Thank sew much!

  43. hafza says:
    October 29, 2013 at 5:58 am

    I would love to learn to sew handle straps and how to put the piping at the bag!

  44. Mhairi says:
    October 29, 2013 at 6:02 am

    I am thrilled that Sara’s book is so popular. I love her bag patterns and the way in which she writes them. I have made a few of her bags and have never been afraid to try something she suggests in her patterns because she describes the technique so well.
    I would love to try shirring. My daughter wants a dress with shirring but I have never done it. (Sara – a bag with shirring???)

  45. Diana says:
    October 29, 2013 at 6:19 am

    I would like to be more proficient at making bags ..

    Love your blog and thank you for putting it out there for us in Cyberland !

  46. Lisa Marie says:
    October 29, 2013 at 6:27 am

    I’ve only made basic bags and would love to learn about advanced bag making — Sara’s book looks like it would be just what I need!

  47. Sandy N says:
    October 29, 2013 at 6:30 am

    I want to move beyond making simple bags. I want to make ones that have zippers and the cute little feet on the bottom. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  48. Kathy H says:
    October 29, 2013 at 6:46 am

    I’ll be honest and say that I’ve never attempted a bag. I’ve made simple totes with fabric handles, but something about the pockets and zippers and handles is intimidating! It would feel like quite an accomplishment to create a read handbag!! Be blessed… and thanks for the opportunity to win this great book!

  49. Vera says:
    October 29, 2013 at 6:48 am

    I would like to try piping. I actually received some supplies today so I’m on my way. Thx.

  50. tisha says:
    October 29, 2013 at 6:57 am

    Zippers are my enemy. I tried to add one to a bag and it was an epic failure. Maybe next time.

  51. Patti S says:
    October 29, 2013 at 7:04 am

    I’d love to try to combine my quilting knowledge into wearable arts. I think that Sara’s bag book like a great place to start. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

  52. Janet says:
    October 29, 2013 at 7:20 am

    Love these bags. Would love to try working with leather handles!

  53. Michele says:
    October 29, 2013 at 7:42 am

    Oh I’ve been waiting for this book to come out. I have yet to make any purse/bag but I really, really want to. I’m so tired of store bought ones and the idea that I could choose fabrics that I like is a huge plus. Thanks for the chance to win.

  54. Stephanie says:
    October 29, 2013 at 7:43 am

    I love to sew bags and there is always something to learn! I think piping has always stumped me its never that neat and some o the bag hardware like rivets etc. thanks for the chance to win x

  55. Darcy says:
    October 29, 2013 at 7:48 am

    Sara seems so talented and hard working – so nice to see her success! I need to get better at zippers and try leather handles at some point 🙂 Thanks for the fun giveaway!

  56. Nati says:
    October 29, 2013 at 8:32 am

    Would love to learn all those tricky zipper techniques!

  57. Steph Zerbe says:
    October 29, 2013 at 8:35 am

    Big City Bags here I come. I started sewing over a year ago and I love a challenge. I’ve made a few weekender bags that call for piping but I always skip that part. I love the look of piping and want to learn the technique. Is it fail- proof? Is it hard to get close to where I need to be without sewing it into the bag? I guess I should just go for it with a small project. Get my feet wet, already! What a great giveaway!

  58. Fran says:
    October 29, 2013 at 8:40 am

    I’d really like to sew my own piping, I love the great finished look that piping gives to bags & pillows. Thanks for the chance to win this fantastic book.

  59. Nesta says:
    October 29, 2013 at 8:43 am

    I love Sara’s work and the bags in this book are beautiful. I really like the photo with her modeling, it makes the bag even more special! I would like to improve on zippers and try a frame purse, too!

  60. Kelly Smith says:
    October 29, 2013 at 9:15 am

    Gorgeous bags! My sticking point is zippers. I’ve made some nice bags but without a zipper they’re a disaster when they topple over in my car!

  61. Meredith says:
    October 29, 2013 at 9:17 am

    I want to learn how to add pipping really well. I’m too nervous to try it, but I love the accent it creates on bags, so I think I’ll break down soon and give it a go. Thanks for hosting this awesome give away!

  62. Lori Smanski says:
    October 29, 2013 at 9:26 am

    I get email from sarahs blog and I love watching and learning from her. Her bags are the best. I will make myself one of her bags in January. I have never made a purse or such so I am really looking forward to it. Thanks for a chance to win such a great book.

  63. Hannah says:
    October 29, 2013 at 9:37 am

    I would love to be able to do advanced sewing. I love Sarah’s bags & have had the privilege of working with her (a little) through my business & she is sew sweet. ; )
    My Mom is a very advanced sewer so I know that if needed she would help me sew a couple bags if I win this book. Thanks for the opportunity!

  64. Manuela says:
    October 29, 2013 at 9:53 am

    Oh, my, what a wonderfull book – I want to sew all of the bags…. I did some bags in past and I want to expand my skills. Thank you for the opportunity to win this ebook.

  65. Heather C says:
    October 29, 2013 at 10:51 am

    I’d like to try adding piping to a bag. The bags I’ve made have been pretty straightforward… I’d love to add that extra detail!

  66. Gayle says:
    October 29, 2013 at 11:35 am

    I love to make bags, and I’ve made several, but I’ve always skipped any piping options. I need to tackle piping soon!

  67. Anita says:
    October 29, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    I would really like to try using those professional looking handles on a bag, I think the cool hardware really kicks the bags up a notch. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

  68. Jen Beatty says:
    October 29, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    I want to learn to make more complicated bags/purses. I’m already a fan of Sara’s and have taken 1 class with her and taking another one in November, then in early 2015 she’s coming to my guild!! Thanks for the giveaway!

  69. Elizabeth Johnson says:
    October 29, 2013 at 2:03 pm

    I would love to learn piping on bags and attaching leather handles. The bags in this book are beautiful!

  70. missmoozie says:
    October 29, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    What beautiful bags! I have only made zippered pouches but would love to make one of the lovely bags. Would love to learn how to put zippers in better, lining and all the fancy details. Thank you for a great giveaway!

    missmoozie(at)gmail(dot)com

  71. Jodi says:
    October 29, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    I can’t wait for this book to come out. I am a relative newbie to bag making, so I can’t wait for the interfacing tips. The other things I would like to learn is piping and magnetic snaps. Thanks for the giveaway and the review.

  72. Jess M says:
    October 29, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    I would like to try a more advanced bag, great giveaway!!

  73. Jessica says:
    October 29, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    OH I just love these bags!! I wish I had time to make them all because I truly loves bags that much, my kids call me the bag lady!! One thing I have never added to a bag is a zipper because I’m fearful, it just looks so hard. I always add snaps which I like but I think it’s time to face my fear of zippers and just go for it!!
    Thanks for the chance, Jessica
    [email protected]

  74. Ramona M. says:
    October 29, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    I want to learn how to do all the special finishing techniques, like leather straps, metal closures, etc.

  75. Vicky says:
    October 29, 2013 at 5:31 pm

    I love that she has bags with piping. I’d love to try those!

  76. Diane says:
    October 29, 2013 at 6:40 pm

    I love making bags…would love to branch out to more advanced bags and possibly make my own patterns. Love Sara’s bags!!

  77. Carol says:
    October 29, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    Looks like a great book. It’s definitely piping for me too. I can never get it to look professional!

  78. Rachelle - Warming Crafts says:
    October 29, 2013 at 6:56 pm

    I’d like to try bags that are a bit more difficult than tote bags and drawstring bags which is mostly what I’ve made up till now.

  79. Sheryl W says:
    October 29, 2013 at 7:35 pm

    I’m drawn to the classic, professional look of Sara’s bags and would love to try my hand at making one.

  80. Dianna Wilson says:
    October 29, 2013 at 8:24 pm

    I’d love to get better with making bag handles.

  81. Melissa says:
    October 29, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    I want to try out purse handles – the fancy leather kind.

  82. Natalie webb says:
    October 29, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    Buttonholes are defo something I want to tackle, they just seem so intimidating, I’ve just got a straight stitch old machine so no fancy button will just do it for me.lol

  83. Colleen says:
    October 29, 2013 at 10:36 pm

    I’ve made basic totes and installed zippers in a variety of clothing, but never in a bag. I’d like to learn that.

  84. KT says:
    October 29, 2013 at 11:11 pm

    I really want to try FMQ. I think it is so pretty and I have only mastered straight lines so far.

  85. Terri S says:
    October 30, 2013 at 2:46 am

    I would like to become more proficient with handles and hardware for bags.

  86. Myrto says:
    October 30, 2013 at 9:29 am

    I have made quite a few bags but have never tried to put piping or leather handles, that’s what I would like to try.

  87. [email protected] says:
    October 30, 2013 at 10:54 am

    I would like to try a framed purse.

  88. laurel says:
    October 30, 2013 at 10:56 am

    Bags don’t scare me in the least, I love making them! The only thing I’ve never done is handsewing leather accents on… so I suppose that would be my thing to work on.

  89. Trish F says:
    October 30, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    I’ve never attempted to make a bag but I have some great ideas on upcycling some from old sweaters and jeans, so I would need help with it all, zippers, straps, etc. Thanks for a great giveaway!

  90. Jennifer Pierce says:
    October 30, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    I really need to work on my zipper technique, I have never done purses with them yet.

  91. Kathy E. says:
    October 30, 2013 at 4:53 pm

    I’d like to learn how to do shirring on baby items. It looks so sweet and delicate…something I’d love to do!

  92. Amy C says:
    October 30, 2013 at 6:37 pm

    I’d like to learn and experiment with adding leather to a handbag – wither in corner trim or handles. I may need a better sewing machine though! I can’t wait to see this book in person – looks fab!

  93. darlene macdonald says:
    October 30, 2013 at 7:46 pm

    I’m not very successful with bias binding or piping sewing but I persevere and keep trying. Getting my sewing machine cleaned & serviced I hope will help. (sounds like a good excuse) Thanks for the giveaway and Sara’s bags rock!!! :0)

  94. Ali M says:
    October 30, 2013 at 11:04 pm

    I did the amy butler weekender bag sewalong and have weak straps…which was very obvious this weekend when I was carrying around 30 pounds in it, so I’d love to be able to make strong straps!

  95. jackienj says:
    October 31, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    congrats to Sara, I have one of her patterns and it’s great.

  96. Mara says:
    October 31, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    I would love to win this book, I love her patterns and I want to learn more about how to use hardware in the bags I make.

  97. Karen J says:
    October 31, 2013 at 10:25 pm

    I have never sewn a bag but would like to make one that looks totally professional. I think this book could help me do that.

  98. Terry says:
    November 1, 2013 at 7:22 am

    I would LOVE to win this book! I’ve made pouches and wristlets, but nothing with inside pockets or compartments, and nothing with ‘real structure’. I love Sara and have followed her wonderful bag making for a while now. Pick me!

  99. Claire says:
    November 1, 2013 at 9:35 am

    I’m quite new to sewing and have never made anything outside of class, so that would probably be my first step!

  100. prsd4tim2 says:
    November 1, 2013 at 10:19 am

    I’ve been something of a bag making fool lately, and I would love to have some new designs to inspire me. I’d like to try the leather corners and trim on bags. I’ve never sewn with leather before, but they add such a beautiful finished touch. Thanks for the chance.

  101. shirley tener says:
    November 1, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    FMQ

  102. Mama Lusco says:
    November 1, 2013 at 4:59 pm

    I’d love to work more with piping and try sewing pleather. Can’t wait to get this book!

  103. Ellen M. says:
    November 1, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    I’d like to try working with more advanced bag hardware. Something beyond zippers, to make the bag look more professional. Can’t wait to see this book! Many thanks!

  104. Krista says:
    November 1, 2013 at 6:56 pm

    I would love to learn to sew with leather and make a great looking and functional leather bag! Thanks for the giveaway!

  105. Carmen says:
    November 2, 2013 at 5:00 pm

    Pleats and tucks

  106. Lisa in Port Hope says:
    November 2, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    I’d love to try to make a more structured bag and use purse feet, most of what I have made has been simpler totes.

  107. Katherine Ryan says:
    November 3, 2013 at 1:45 am

    Advanced bags in general, I’d say, but I can certainly use more practice with zippers! 🙂

  108. Casandra says:
    November 3, 2013 at 6:28 am

    I’d love to try more complex bags. I usually make really easy tote bag types, nothing to fancy. I’d love to branch out and learn new skills!

  109. Julie says:
    November 3, 2013 at 8:08 am

    Buttonholes and zippers!

  110. Carrie Z says:
    November 3, 2013 at 9:03 am

    Purse straps are a challange you me… not a lot of places to get premade, and when I try my self they always turn out wonky!! LOL Would love to see more on purse straps!!!

  111. Vicki says:
    November 3, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    I have sewn clothes and curtains, pillows, quilts and blankets, toys and sock monkeys, costumes and cat beds, but I have never sewn a purse. I am ready. It is time.
    Vicki

    P.S. I learned about Sari Bari from your post earlier this year and make two quilts for the auction happening right now. One is being raffled and the other auctioned. Thank your for your post and thanks for the promotion. It was an incredibly rewarding experience for me.

  112. Jodie says:
    November 3, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    I’d like to make some more advanced bags with proper handles and hardware to make them look really good 🙂

  113. Holly says:
    November 3, 2013 at 7:46 pm

    I would like to try leather handles. And D rings.

    Sara’s directions are the best. I have made two of her bags, and since I am self taught I appreciate her complete directions.

    Holly

  114. Flake says:
    November 4, 2013 at 5:27 am

    I woult really like to sew the “Miss Independent Bag” with thes straps an binding.Thanls for the chance.

  115. Anita says:
    November 7, 2013 at 10:27 am

    Purse straps and zippered pockets are a challenge, and I would also like to make my bags look more ‘professional’.

  116. Lisa E says:
    November 8, 2013 at 11:45 am

    I would love to learn to do piping on a bag. It gives such a finished look.

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