Sew What! Bags: 18 Pattern-Free Projects You Can Customize to Fit Your Needs

As the plastic bag is increasingly banished from stores, the cloth bag is stepping up to save the day. Whether toting groceries, books, baby supplies, gardening tools, or a wallet and some electronic gadgets, eco-conscious crafters will find a bag design to fit their needs in Sew What! Bags. The focus is on simple, pattern-free sewing that requires no previous experience — just an inventive spirit, some fun fabric, and a basic sewing machine.

Author Lexie Barnes is a nationally known brand in the bag world, noted for contemporary designs that combine practical detail with stellar functionality. Her unique approach to bag design — starting with the need and then customizing the bag to fit it perfectly — is inspiring and freeing. She encourages crafters to jumpstart their creativity with "warm-up projects" that will carry just a single object, from a pair of eyeglasses to a pack of tissues.

The 18 core projects in Sew What! Bags show how to use bold, contemporary fabrics to make totes, drawstring sacks, messenger bags, organizers, satchels, and purses in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Every project is shown in a full-color photo accompanied by step-by-step, illustrated instructions. Many more variations in size, fabric combinations, and styling features are also pictured to show just a few of the dozens of possibilities for customizing each project.

Crafters of all levels are sure to be carried away by Lexie Barnes's inspired approach to creating the bag of your dreams.

Share your projects at www.sewwhatbags.com

Praise for the book:
"Spot on tips for hemming, choosing fabric and breaking out of the pattern mold help ensure this book is a crafter's delight." - Bookpage, August 2009

Price: $16.95

»» More Info / User Reviews / Buy From Amazon.com

Adventurer Pocket Book Bag Color: Black, Customize: Yes

2290+ BLK Color: Black, Customize: Yes Shown in SaddlePiel Adventurer features a collection of full-grain leather expandable backpacks, gym bags, duffels, camera bags, sports bags, and the deluxe golf bag, each beautifully tailored with YKK zippers, brass hardware, and detachable/adjustable shoulder straps to withstand the rigors associated with one's determination to stay healthy and enjoy life. Whether playing a round of golf, scaling the bluffs, or just relaxing at your local park, Piel Adventurer was designed for you. All Piel orders received by 3:00pm EST usually ship out the same day! Features: -Available in Black, Chocolate and Saddle -Pocket book bag with zip pocket and cell phone pocket in front -Lap pocket on the back for a wallet or passport -Three-way zip opening compartment for credit cards, pens, and CDs -One main compartment for a camera and more -Overall dimensions: 3'' H x 9'' W x 5.5'' D Please note, all monogrammed items cannot be returned Leather Care For cleaning and conditioning of leather, Piel recommends the use of Lexol Leather Cleaner and Lexol Leather Conditioner.

Price: $65.00

»» More Info / User Reviews / Buy From Amazon.com

Rules of Golf Book Color: Black, Customize: Yes

2239+ BLK Color: Black, Customize: Yes Shown in Saddle Know the rules, and keep them close with Piel's Rules of Golf Book, a case which contains the current edition of that famous book, with an inside cover that gives you room for storing business cards. From home to the golf course, from amateur to professional, Piel Golf produces the highest quality of leather bags in the market. These valuable pouches, shoe bags, putter covers and golf bags make the perfect gift for your tournaments or awards. In addition, we can emboss or embroider your logo on any of our beautiful leather pieces. All Piel orders received by 3:00pm EST usually ship out the same day! Features: -Available in Black, Chocolate and Saddle -Includes the current edition of the Rules of Golf Book -Inside cover includes business and credit card compartments -Overall dimensions: 7'' H x 4.25'' L Please note, all monogrammed items cannot be returned Leather Care For cleaning and conditioning of leather, Piel recommends the use of Lexol Leather Cleaner and Lexol Leather Conditioner.

Price: $23.60

»» More Info / User Reviews / Buy From Amazon.com

Funky Chunky Crocheted Accessories: More Than 60 Ways to Make & Customize Hats, Bags, Scarves, Mittens, and Slippers

Transform five basic patterns into hip fashion accessories with this mix-and-match approach to crochet! Add beads to bags, fringe to scarves, cuffs to mittens—crocheters can choose their favorite personal touches.

• Discover 60 ways to personalize a range of projects—hundreds of photos will inspire crocheters of all skill levels

• Create a one-of-a-kind look with trims, buttons, pom-poms, appliqués, ruffles, and much more

• Follow step-by-step chapters on edgings and trimmings, fastenings and handles, beading, and other techniques

Price: $24.95

»» More Info / User Reviews / Buy From Amazon.com