Book Review + Giveaway: Sew What! Bags


Sew What! Bags cover

Sew What! Bags: 18 Pattern-Free Projects You Can Customize to Fit Your Needs is an older release from Storey Publishing. In the book, author Lexie Barnes teaches how to make a variety of bags, totes, and containers. Because the projects only require straight-line sewing and don’t require patterns, her technique is ideal for newbie sewists.

Sew What Bags chapter

The book is broken down into sewing basics including tools, understanding fabric, and getting to know your sewing machine. Color illustrations teach the reader how to sew straps, simple linings, and pockets.

Sew What Tote Bags

In the Warm-up Projects chapter, Barnes teaches readers to sew some of life’s simplest “bags,” like an eyeglass case, tissue pouch, and grocery bag tube. Her technique allows readers to measure their own belongings and create a custom-size bag to fit.

She also explains how the many projects are related to each other. For instance, once you’ve learned to sew the eyeglass case, you’ve essentially learned how to sew the five projects below: a diaper case, knitting wristlet, sandwich bag, business card case, and lip balm lanyard. Since all the projects use the same basic construction, they can be customized with an extra strap, drawstring, or flap to serve different purposes. Barnes empowers sewing through teaching basic techniques, so they aren’t limited to sewing with patterns already written.

Sew What Simple Bags

Beyond the beginner projects, this book covers totes, drawstring sacks, and messenger bags. Within each section are illustrated steps for several styles of bags in set sizes. But the reader is not limited to one style, because each project details how you can customize the bag with zippers, flaps, velcro, pockets, or a new size to fit your needs!

Sew What Messenger Bags

The final chapter dives into organizers like a tool apron or wall caddy, with neat-and-tidy pockets for kitchenware or even art supplies. Though advanced projects may initially scare away beginners, the book offers a progression of skills for the modern sewist. By the end, you, too could be customizing your bags and maybe even writing some patterns of your own.

I adore this book, from the variety of projects to the modern fabrics featured. I also love the streamlined look of the 18 projects. Without all the frills and fuss, it’s easy to learn the very basic of bag making from this book, and grow in your confidence as a sewist.

Giveaway!

Giveaway now closed. Congrats to #138, Julie!

Would you like to win a copy this book?

  1. Enter to win by leaving a comment on this post about your favorite type of bag.
  2. For an extra entry, “Like” Storey Publishing on Facebook and leave a second comment.

Giveaway open to U.S. residents only. Good luck! Giveaway ends Monday, Feb. 6.

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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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161 comments

  1. My favorite type of bag is giant, slouchy and possibly faux leather! I’ve made a lot of quilting cotton bags, which I totally love, but I would like to make some out of faux leather because all of my favorite RTW ones are…we’ll see!

  3. Right now I’m all about the diaper bag! LOL. But I’ve always been a small bag girl. Hope someday I can carry a small bag again!

  8. I love a large bag filled with pockets. I’m still on a search for a fashionable one.

    rebekahricker (at) yahoo (dot) com

  9. i love big bags that can fit all my stuff. currently in search of the perfect bag pattern because i need a new one

  11. I love any and all type of bags…..always on the lookout for something new. And I’ve recently picked back up my sewing, so I’d love to win this to help me get started!

  12. I love across the body bags…they don’t hurt your shoulders and are easier to carry!!

  13. I’m a fan of the messenger bag…it can hold all the junk I seem to carry around, and the flap nicely hides it all from public view. 😉

  14. What is it about cute bags that makes us want to have more, more, more? I especially like large tote bags that can hold a bunch of stuff.

  16. I like a messenger bag style with enough room for a small knitting project inside. I wear it cross-body and can knit while the kids hit the playground! And, for the record, I have and absolutely love Lexie Barnes’ circular knitting needle case!

  17. I love the bags and have just started sewing since I am now retired. I would love to make some bags for myself and as gifts. What a wonderful way to say I love you to my friends and family with a handmade bag as a special gift…..

  18. I just “liked” Storey Publishing on Facebook. I had no idea they were in North Adams! I went to college in the next town over.

  19. I love a good shoulder bag, long straps,lots of compartments:) I made the Amy Butler Blossom bag which I really like except that the dividers aren’t attached to the bottom inside so things tend to wander around in there!

  23. Looks like a fun book to get back into sewing! My favorite bag (not sure what the correct name is) is a bag/tote my mom made me. It can be closed if not full into a trapezoid shape, reversible two patterns, Pockets on inside and out and has a button/hoop closure on opposite sides, which forms the trapezoid when closed or is an open tote otherwise. Nice big size for throw crafts in, a change of clothes or packing up the kids toys for a trip!

  25. I would love a book of bags! A tote would be my next project, needing one of those to carry all my quilt supplies! Thanks for a giveaway!

  32. I really want more practice making bags, so this would be a perfect prize for me! Thanks for the chance to win!

  33. I love tote bags with lots of pockets, zippers, and compartments! I would probably share this book with my mom and sis as we all love to sew all kinds of fun things.

  34. My favorite bags are probably totes because they’re just so useful. But I love the look of messenger bags (or explorer bags for kids).

  35. I like a bag that adjusts from a shoulder bag to a crossbody. Bags are my favorite thing to make, and this looks like a great book. Thanks for the review!

  37. oh what a lovely giveaway – keeping my fingers crossed – i love a messenger bag because you can use it everywhere and for everything. big enough to fit alot in it but not too big & bulky. use for travel, trips to library, to the kids school, out to dinner – see??? everywhere! yum!

  38. i am so not a sewer, but i LOVE bags so this book sounds like it would be a perfect fit for me!

  39. I am a tote bag junkie! One of my goals this year is to make a couple bags a week and this book would entice my daughter to work with me. Thank you for the great giveaway!

  40. I really enjoy making bags and would love to win this book. I’m always looking for more ideas. I love making wristlets and clutches but I also love having big bags with lots of pockets. Thanks for the chance to win!

  43. I would so love to win this book! That little sandwich bag is adorable and I would love to make one for my daughter’s lunchbox.

  45. My favorite type of bag is a hobo or sling style. I love cross-body bags that are huge and can fit diapers 🙂

  46. My fave bags are messenger and hobo style. I love being able to stick everything I need for the day in just one bag.

  47. I love all types of bags, from little tiny zipper pouches to big ol’ “stuff-em-full-giant bags”!

  49. I love the market bag style of tote bags. And then of course totes with lots of pockets! Thanks for the giveaway!
    twelve30 (at) gmail (dot) com

  52. Open top totes with long straps and boxy bottoms – ones I can fill with smaller pouches and wallets and such to keep organized, but that I don’t have to fuss with to get into each time…

  55. A nice roomy tote bag that does not look like a tote bag! It needs to be larger than an average purse, it may hold my purse, and also accomodate coupons, and file folders, and then anything else that the men in my life want me to carry for them.

  58. I already have this book and I love it! I have made a few bags using this book and they are just fabulous.
    If I’d win this book, I’d give it to a very very good friend of mine as a gift 🙂

  59. I really like tote bags, my husband says I have a problem because I feel you can never have too many.

  63. I love crossbody bags the most — normal shoulder bags are adorable, but they fall off my shoulder. I end up walking around lopsided to keep them on!

  66. I love big bags with LOTS of pockets – and handles that aren’t too long – I’m short!!

  67. I guess my favorite style is a medium to large sized, plain, no pockets, tote bag. I like to organize my items into zip pouches, then chuck everything into the big ‘ol tote. Thanks!

  70. My favorite is slouchy tote – so it doesn’t look too square but can hold a bunch o’ stuff! Thanks so much for the chance – the book looks terrific. 🙂

    lwghosts at yahoo dot com

  74. I love all kinds of bags. Bigger bags are what I like most. Maybe a messenger bag perhaps.

  77. I just decided tonight that I need to make a workout bag because the 12 duffel bags in my closet just aren’t what I need. Then this showed up in my Google Reader. I think it’s meant to be!

  84. I love tote bags! I just made four for Christmas. Might be fun to broaden my repertoire :).

  85. I’m definitely a Messenger Bag type of gal. I like to be hands free, over the shoulder just doesn’t cut it. It has to be across the body.

  86. I prefer a shoulder bag with a long strap so I can hang it across my body. Thanks for the chance to win.

  89. I am a big fan of the tote bag…. the bigger the better. I love to change them us so that they fit the season or reason for using them. I don’t think you can get too much of a good thing! Be blessed!

  92. My favorite bag is the simple tote bag – they are so versatile and I never seem to have enough around. Thanks for the chance to win!

  93. I would love to win this book! I particularly like the idea that she shows you the connection between different styles. I love messenger bags and can’t wait to see what she does with them!

  94. I love to make purses with lots of pockets! It’s always good to stay organized!

    Thanks for hosting this give away!

  96. This is perfect! I’m working with several young ladies (new brides, new moms) at church to teach them sewing and this would be so perfect for them!!
    Thank you for this opportunity!

  97. I love big bags with pockets. I have several bags that I keep projects I am working on organized for my crochet, knitting, and quilt blocks.

  100. Tote bags are my favorite to make for the residents of the nursing we give to! Thanks!

  101. How cute. My favorite types of bags are tote bags. I’d love to win that book…I don’t have facebook, so here’s my one chance!!! =)

  102. I would LOVE to win this book! I love bags and have gotten my granddaughters and daughters addicted to them too. It would be so fun to make some new bags for all of us!

  108. Fave kinds of bags are the cloth totes that are handmade. It’s fun and it feels creative and I get so many compliments on them.

  109. I Liked them on Facebook and kind of got stuck there for awhile. Lots of good stuff to read about.

  110. i’ve always loved messenger bags, but giant totes hold all of the crap i drag around with me!

    thanks so much for the chance to win, it’s great to see a review of an older book!

  111. I love the messenger bag, but the giant totes are absolutely super. Love them all! Great giveaway. Thanks!

  115. My favorite kind of bag is a crossbody/organizer hands down! (or should I say, “hands FREE?”!)

  116. I like the bag in the picture with the flowers stuck in it–an over the shoulder tote bag for shopping.

  117. I love big bags with long straps. With 4 kids, I need a lot of room to carry their junk, and the long strap is a must to keep my hands free.

  125. I love tote bags – any size shape and color, but especially those that I can use when shopping! Hooray for not using plastic bags! 🙂

  129. aloha!! Just got my sewing machine fixed so I can make some tote bags this has been something I have been wanting to do with my daughter so we can raise money to go to Israel this summer! This book would be perfect to help us!

  133. I LOVE tote bags. I have one for every errand, library bag, coupon bag, binder bag, and so on and so on…

  137. I really like zippered bags that I can keep my cross stitch projects in. Thanks for offering such a great giveaway.

  139. My favorite bag is a tote bag filled with the toys of my grandchildren when they come to visit me!

  140. My favourite bag has a metal frame opening and looks like a “Mary Poppins” carpet bag – it has almost as much room inside as well!

  142. My favourite bag is large with lots of pockets & different sections & with two straps – one shoulder strap & one for wearing across the body. Thanks for a great review, I’d love to sew these bags.

  143. I like big bags with lots of big pockets. I carry a lot of stuff around with me so the bigger the better (within reason). These bags look so wonderful. They would be great gifts to sew up for friends and family.

  147. My favorite bags are very big, with shoulder straps and zippers. I don’t like it when my “stuff” can fall out.

  149. my favorite type of bag right now is anything bright & fun, BUT that can be wiped clean not washed 7 dried…I’m too busy to wait

  150. Messenger bags are on my to-make list. The sprial binding on this book is a big plus. Thanks for the chance.

  151. I love ’em all!! I am a bag junkie, and love to make small bags for all the little ‘necessaries’. I also love totes, especially something that has compartments…I love being able to look in my tote or purse and see everything in there. I also love the reusable sandwich bags. Thank you for the giveaway!

  152. I love tiny bags to hold all the little stuff in my purse like my iPod, phone, tissues, etc. Makes it easier to find what I want.

  153. I love all kinds of bags too…but, I especially like to have a long strap so I can wear my bag across my body. This leave my hands free for shopping, working, etc.

    Have a wonderful weekend. ~Natalie

  156. Oooh, looks like a good one! My favorite type of bag is an over-the-shoulder bag — gotta have the hands free!

  157. Just “liked” Storey Publishing — I’ve always been a fan of their books!

  160. Tote bags are my favorite because they are so functional! Thanks for the giveaway – looks like a great resource!

  161. I love all kinds of bags – so it would depend on the purpose – so I’d say homemade bags are my favorite!

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