Customer Reviews

Bags with Style

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is a book devoted to making handbags - and it comes with a pocket of full size tissue patterns for every bag in the book - there are 7 different bag shapes and 29 total designs. It's a good value for the patterns alone - no tracing from the book required.

Handbags are trendy acessories and they change quite a bit from season to season. A big benefit of this book is that the copyright is 2004 - the styles and shapes are current. Several of the bags are also finished with those currently popular bamboo and plastic handles and there is a source list in the back of the book.

Overall, the designs are on the funky side - but sophistication is pretty easy to accomplish with the clear instructions. My favorite design is the feathered bag on the cover - very Holly Golightly!

Another good aspect of this book is that the author spends a good deal of time talking about hardware and interior construction - very important in making a bag that looks truly refined and not homemade. She gives you lots of good advice on interfacing, padding, and basic structure. She also has instructions for adding a zippered compartment inside a bag - a very nice touch.

This book is devoted strictly to handbags and all the different materials and styles for making them. It is very thorough. Included is a pocket on the back page with patterns for each handbag. There is so much information for a person who has not sewn bags. The styles are so creative and the instructions are thorough and easy to follow. Your imagination will soar. You will be using these presentations to create your own bag styles-
I have started making bags for others just because they were so enthusiastic about the ones I made myself.

I own four other books on handbags and a number of patterns, and this book has the
best, most inspirational set of ideas and instructions. Most helpful are the
detailed descriptions of various sewing and construction techniques. If you've
never made a handbag, this book is a grand place to start. I hope this author
writes about making large totes.

I don't know who the folks are who've posted the lavish comments about this book, but at the risk of being witchy I have to wonder if they actually used the patterns and instructions in this book.

So far, I've made three of the purses -- and in EVERY SINGLE LIST OF INSTRUCTIONS so far there have been important steps that have been completely omitted. Additionally, the instructions are often poorly worded, incomplete, or completely confusing. In more than one case, the instruction was so obtuse I had to keep re-reading it over and over waiting for it to make sense.

For the the last purse I made from this book, the instructions were missing three critical steps -- it didn't take all that long to correct the omissions, but sheesh, did someone even bother to do any QA on the instructions?

I have the good fortune to have an aunt who helped me through the poor instructions. If you're a beginner or have limited experience and don't have an Aunt Judy to help you out, then save your money and skip this book altogether.

As far as the designs being wonderful and modern, blah blah blah. They're okay. I bought the book for two patterns in particular, but would never carry 75% of the others.

Overall -- yuck. Glad I got the book on sale.

Stephanie Kimura's "Bags with Style" is by far the most inspiring book out of all those I own on making purses and bags. The beauty of the book is not just in its lavish photographs, but also in its commonsense approach. Paper patterns are supplied; diagrams and instructions are clear and understandable. Kimura creates stunning bags of original design, but keeps the assembly very simple: only one bag has a zip, and none uses a metal purse clasp. (Often hard to find.) Some novelty closures using fabic give great effect.

The book is well set out - into four "chapters' that have a number of sub-headings. Chapter 1 covers materials; chapter 2,sewing and assembly techniques; chapter 3 embellishments, closures and speciality handles; chapter 4, the numerous projects themselves. The day bags are very smart and professional-looking, with some evening purses almost exotic. (The photo on the cover is not typical of the ones inside.)

Choice of fabric is obviously of paramount importance in creating a stunning purse or bag. Kimura shows how to use cotton batik, silk, linen, tapestry, velvet, faux fur, leather and ultrasuede to incredible effect using some innovative embellishments. All easily adapted to your own ideas. A gallery and list of resources is at the back.

This book gets 5++ from me for inspiration and layout. Great for both beginners and experienced sewers.

I purchased both "Bags With Style" and "Bags and Accessories With Style". I just have to say that the titles are an understatement. They should have been entitled "Bags of Elegance and Sumptuous Opulence", or something along those lines. I knew just by looking at the covers of these books that Ms. Kimura was an incredibly talented woman. However, I did not expect to find each and every page exploding with such gorgeous and innovative pieces. I found myself reading (and re-reading) each book cover to cover. I then proceeded to methodically go through the resource list in the back of each book, while online, to determine just what I needed to get to work, creating my own "bags with style"! I look forward to future publications by Ms. Kimura with great anticipation. Thank you Stephanie for sharing your creativity and extensive knowledge! I'll never look at a purse the same way again.

Bravo!

I am sure this book will prove to be one of my favorites! The bags are great - unique while still mainting their functionality. Patterns are included, which is a real plus. The directions are clear and concise with additional photos when needed. I usually modify designs for my own taste and i found all of these to be easily adaptable. Hats off to Ms. Kimura for putting together such a great collection of bags for beginner and advanced alike!

This is a great book for the handbag enthusiast. The designs are sophisticated and elegant. Highly recommended.

I agree that some of the styles are lovely but so far out of the three bags I have made from this book, two have contained serious errors in the patterns and instructions. Why weren't these carefully checked before the book went to print? I am annoyed that I have wasted time and fabric trying to make these bags.

I have used this book many times to make over 2 dozen bags. I have had so many compliments and requests for me to make bags for others. It has been great fun. I only use the basic design of the bags however, and embelish to my own taste. I do not use any of the suggested fabrics or embelishments in the book. The basic shape and design of the bags are great for me because I do embroidery work on the large blank space the bags offer. I use mostly faux suede for my bags and they come out beautifully. I do agree some of the designs as they are represented in the book are not to my taste, but the instructions are great.