A Bag for All Reasons - by Lisa Lam

About the Book

Detachable patterns are in back of book.

Book Synopsis

From the author of the bestselling The Bag Making Bible comes an outstanding collection of 12 inspiring bags for you to make at home.

Lisa Lam of U-Handbag.com brings you a stunning collection of sewing patterns to make your own bags. The book features 12 brand new bag designs with full photographic instructions for how to make a bag with truly professional results. The book features full-size patterns on three separate pull-out sheets so that you can get started right away - no photocopying or enlarging required.

The book opens with Lisa's in-depth advice on all the aspects needed to get started, from the tools and equipment you need, to understanding and interpreting patterns, to choosing, preparing and cutting fabrics. A comprehensive Techniques section explains some core bag-making techniques such as how to insert a zip pocket, how to use magnetic snap closures, how to sew bag straps and handles including adjustable straps, and how to bind edges and use piping for a truly professional finish. There is also guidance on how to insert a lining to your bag. All the techniques are fully explained with easy to follow photographs, so you'll be creating professional, practical and great-looking bags before you know it!

The 12 projects that follow range in complexity. If you're new to sewing and bag making there are beginner bag projects such as the Compact Groceries Tote, All-Sorted Laundry Bag and Access-All-Areas Pouch to get you started before progressing to the more fully featured bags such as the Too-Cool-for-School Satchel and the 3-in-1 Convertible Backpack. You can make your own iPad case, sew a child's backpack, create a pretty purse using a metal purse frame, make your own tri-fold wallet, make a baby changing bag with matching changing mat, sew your own bicycle panniers, and sew a vanity case for your beauty essentials. The bags all have style and substance and are designed with real-life practical uses in mind.

Within each project Lisa gives her hints and tips for success, along with advice on how you can customize the patterns to create your own version of the design. The book is presented in a spiral bound format, making it lay flat so you can follow the instructions with ease while sewing.

"This information-rich book will elevate your sewing know-how with versatile techniques and inspiring suggestions for making these bags your own." --Amy Butler

Review Quotes

"Thank you Lisa for bringing such lovely style to our bag making world!" --Amy Butler

"A must have for beginners and experienced bag-makers alike." --Anna Stassen, UK Handmade

"Lisa is the first lady of handmade bag patterns." --Perri Lewis, craft journalist and author

"It is an excellent resource for all your bag and purse making needs." --Kathreen Ricketson: whipup.net and author

"This information-rich book will elevate your sewing know-how with versatile techniques and inspiring suggestions for making these bags your own." --Amy Butler, fabric designer

"Lisa does a great job of explaining each step." --Twin Fibers

"[A Bag for All Reasons] is beautifully made...love that it's spiral bound allowing the book to lay flat!" --Jessica at Funky Finds blog

"Lisa's instructions are well written and in a way that feel like she's talking to me one-on-one giving me personal instruction." --Monica at Happy Zombie

"The range of bags is perfect for everyday or special occasions" --Sew Mama Sew

"I really like this book...pull-out patterns: awesome...lays flat when you're working: awesome...all the projects in the book (there are 12) are all really cute and functional and not too intimidating." --Kira at Oops, I Craft My Pants

"[Lisa is] chock-full of bag sewing tips." --Judy at This Creative Journey

"The Bag Making Bible and A Bag for All Reasons...are full of information on everything you'll ever need to know to make any kind of bag." --Heather from Olive & Ollie

"I am the biggest fangirl of Lisa and credit her for my bag-making fearlessness." --Jodi of Sew Fearless

About the Author

Lisa Lam is a London College of Fashion graduate and the founder and owner of U-Handbag.com - an online store specializing in bag-making supplies. She is a prolific bag designer and regular contributor to craft magazines. Lisa's blog is followed by thousands of crafters who admire both her passion and the quality of her bag-making advice, and you can also find her on Facebook, Twitter (@uhandbag) and Flickr. Lisa lives in Brighton, UK.