The Bag Boutique

Book excerpt: Sew a range of 20 beautiful, colorful bags, from totes and backpacks to clutches and shoulder bags. Add a gorgeous finishing touch to any outfit! This mouthwateringly colorful book contains 20 beautiful bags to sew from popular designer Debbie von Grabler-Crozier. It includes a huge variety of different styles and sizes, from totes and bucket bags to backpacks, clutches and shoulder bags, and Debbie makes each one easy. The book contains a complete guide to all the techniques needed, shown using easy-to-follow step-by-step photography; also included is a section on creating beautiful finishing touches, including embroidery, applique, crocheted flowers, beaded charms and labelling. All the templates required are included on a handy pull-out sheet. "Author von Grabler-Crozier provides clear instructions for crafting deceptively simple bags so even beginners will be inserting pockets and zippers like a pro. The author of a craft blog, Pretty Things, she has assembled patterns for 20 bags made out of many pieces, which is perfect for using scraps or fat quarters, while also opening up infinite options for color and pattern mixing, even though she includes the specific fabrics she used for each bag so that crafters can, if they wish, follow her vibrant examples. In addition to a list of supplies and tools needed to create each bag and its accompanying embellishments, von Crozier- Grabler includes directions for inserting a zipper or tackling free-motion embroidery. All of her instructions are precise and specific, making the assembly of a multipocketed, zippered diaper bag with a removable strap totally doable. And there are also patterns for simpler bags. Other projects include a wristlet, several totes, purses, a backpack, and a weekender bag. Large, copyable patterns and templates are included, ensuring that this is a colorful addition to any craft collection". -- Booklist January 1 2018 issue