05 November 2013

Big City Bags: Review and Giveaway!

I was over-the-moon excited when I was chosen to pattern test a bag pattern from Sara Lawson's new book, Big City Bags: Sew Handbags with Style, Sass and Sophistication (Martingale).


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

 If you have ever googled bag patterns online, you've probably stumbled upon one or two of Sara's amazing bags...
Photo used courtesy of sewsweetness.com

Photo used courtesy of sewsweetness.com
Photo used courtesy of sewsweetness.com




You can order Sara's book TODAY!  And really, you should.  Each of the 12 bags in this book are incredible.  Unique and different styles that you haven't seen before.  New techniques, and lots of detailed, easy to follow pictures with clear instructions for each bag.
Photo from Big-City Bags by Sara Lawson, Martingale, 2013; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved.
The book begins with some fabulous information about interfacing.  Sara is detailed in her explanations about which interfacings she uses in these bags from the book, and really describes why and how each works, the amount of stability it will provide, and how it will affect your bag.
Photo from Big-City Bags by Sara Lawson, Martingale, 2013; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All rights reserved.
Then she explains bag making techniques like zippers, pockets, magnetic snaps, purse feet, rings, locks, handles... you name it, it's in there.  

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

I had the opportunity to make the Miss Independent bag.  



This is a large, awesome bag with leather handles  I had never used leather handles before, and I have to admit, I was a bit nervous.  I was unsure how they would look, since they are hand-sewn onto the outside of the bag.  But Sara's instructions were fail-proof.  Easy to understand and follow, with great diagrams/pictures.  I was so proud of myself.


It has some great outer pockets with magnetic snaps, and a nice zippered interior pocket.  Sara gives two methods of doing this interior pocket.  Options.  This is what we like.






I loved making this bag!  There were a few thick parts that took lots of concentration and slow sewing, but with Sara's tips and tricks, it was totally do-able.  (No needles were broken while sewing this bag!)





So, do you want to win an e-book of Big-City Bags? Martingale has offered one of you the chance to win a digital copy of Sara’s book!

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this blog post telling me your favorite bag pattern you've ever made.

Giveaway is open worldwide, and I’ll choose a random winner on Friday, 22 November, 2013. Good luck!

5 comments:

Beverly said...

Your bag is really cute. Great job on the leather handles. I think I would be too intimidated.

Other than generic totes, the only bag pattern I've ever made is the Buttercup Bag from Made-by-Rae. I made it for my daughter.

Shelly Jack said...

I LOVE making bags! All kinds. My favorite bags to make are tote bags. Amy Butlers market bag is a favorite of mine because it's so versatile. You can really switch it up, embellish and make it your own. Recently I took a Craftsy class, Design a Your Own Handbag, and now I'm obsessed with the recessed zipper bag! Would love to try one of Sara's!

Unknown said...

I started making bags three years. The first one was the Buttercup. I now enjoy sewing some more challenging designs, like StudioKat designs.

Jennie P. said...

This book looks so colorful and inspiring. I love the bags! I have never made a bag from a pattern before, but I have made bags and totes from my own designs. Nothing special, very generic bags. So this book would come in handy! I'd love to give the patterns a go. Thanks for the chance.

SueSmilesAlot said...

I've made trick or treat bags before from old t-shirts, but I've been scared to try real handbag patterns. maybe this will be my lucky day!