Highlighting the extraordinary influence Japanese craft has imparted on the world of fiber arts, this brilliantly illustrated manual showcases the stylish sensibilities of eastern expertise in creating gorgeously sophisticated handbags. Revealing a balanced selection of cleverly constructed handbags, exclusive pull-out pattern templates, intricate details and instructions, and simple sewing techniques, sewers are shown how to create distinct and fashionable works of functional art, such as a wool tweed travel bag, a stylish denim bag with grommet and zipper details, a roomy tote with contrast lining and inside pockets, a handy laptop bag, a wool messenger bag with flower detail, and a soft luggage tote. With several concepts offering matching companion projects—such as change purses, drawstring bags, and wristlets—and accessible advice and information, this lively guide will inspire sewers of all experience levels.
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Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Every bag in Koshizen’s repertoire is truly a joy to behold—and to give. Surprises abound, beginning with the unusual (and usually) brilliantly colored linings juxtaposed against a conservative exterior to the elegant shapes of each model. Her color gallery opens the book; each bag—presented in twosomes, like a tote and zippered clutch or laptop bag and circle pochette—is photographed in a variety of perspectives: inside out, sideways, upside down, all to show different details. Directions follow, first in words with occasional diagrams, then visually in template forms for assembly purposes. At the end, resources give crafters clues where to find Japanese-type fabrics; full-size patterns provide readers the practical wherewithal to craft any of these beauties. --Barbara Jacobs
Review
"Every bag in Koshizen's repertoire is truly a joy to behold. Surprises abound, beginning with the unusual (and usually) brilliantly colored linings juxtaposed against a conservative exterior to the elegant shapes of each model." —Booklist
"Full of beautiful photography, step-by-step directions, easy-to-follow line drawings and (you know how much I love this) full-size paper patterns." —
CanadianLiving.com
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
106 of 106 people found the following review helpful
By T. Bitrick
Format:Paperback
This book is not for the beginner sewer or someone who just wants a quick bag that can be made in under two hours time or under $10. This is a 'how-to' on building a bag that can last for a very long time.
Most of the fabrics were bought during the author's trips around the world. But that does not mean you can not find equivalent materials where ever you live. The 'Sidecar Messenger Bag' calls for basic flannel with a rayon lining. If you can not find a suitable rayon fabric, a sturdy quilting cotton that catches your eye can be easily substituted.
Patterns for bags one through three, six through eight and bag ten are included. The two patterns not included are basic squares with detailed schematics. A semi-experienced sewer should have little difficulty following the schematics and a newer sewer can build their skills.
While the hardware can be a bit difficult to find in person, they are easily found online, with resources given on the last page. But if you are near a town or city with big-box craft stores, most will carry the hardware, including straps, grommets, metal feet and the grommeted web strap handles for the 'Urban Travel Trunk'. You may have to look in more than one section of the store, but even in my small town, there are three places to buy nearly all materials and hardware.
One thing to consider when making these bags is price. For example, the 'Small Purse' featured with 'Winter Tweed Boston Bag' could easily cost over $35 to create. But nearly $12-14 of this would be tools that can be used over and over again. The final cost of the bag could cost anywhere between $20-$25. Try finding a bag of higher quality materials for that price in a boutique.
This is a good book for those who are ready to 'build' a bag.
Most of the fabrics were bought during the author's trips around the world. But that does not mean you can not find equivalent materials where ever you live. The 'Sidecar Messenger Bag' calls for basic flannel with a rayon lining. If you can not find a suitable rayon fabric, a sturdy quilting cotton that catches your eye can be easily substituted.
Patterns for bags one through three, six through eight and bag ten are included. The two patterns not included are basic squares with detailed schematics. A semi-experienced sewer should have little difficulty following the schematics and a newer sewer can build their skills.
While the hardware can be a bit difficult to find in person, they are easily found online, with resources given on the last page. But if you are near a town or city with big-box craft stores, most will carry the hardware, including straps, grommets, metal feet and the grommeted web strap handles for the 'Urban Travel Trunk'. You may have to look in more than one section of the store, but even in my small town, there are three places to buy nearly all materials and hardware.
One thing to consider when making these bags is price. For example, the 'Small Purse' featured with 'Winter Tweed Boston Bag' could easily cost over $35 to create. But nearly $12-14 of this would be tools that can be used over and over again. The final cost of the bag could cost anywhere between $20-$25. Try finding a bag of higher quality materials for that price in a boutique.
This is a good book for those who are ready to 'build' a bag.
42 of 42 people found the following review helpful
By swzende
Format:Paperback
I was drawn to this book because of the bag on the cover. I wasn't sure about it but once I saw it I liked just about every bag in the book. I do agree that it can become a little pricey but remember the book says that these are boutique bags. You should also know that the book is translated from Japanese so the instructions are not crystal clear but you can figure it out.One last thing, the author uses alot of fabrics and supplies that were purchased from overseas but you can find equivalents here in the states and she gives resources in the back of the book.I am an experienced sewer and I love the challenges of this book. This book may not be good for a less experienced sewer.
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful
By ANelson
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I got this book last week and was not disappointed. I found the bags to be very attractive and the instructions are pretty good. In fact, this being a book that was translated, I was impressed to find the directions so clear. Yes, there are some missing patterns but they are for pieces that are squares or rectnagles and the measurements are given. I agree that finding the hardware might be difficult or expensive but I think some can be replaced with other hardware.
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I absolutely love this book, and all of the projects inside. The bags are gorgeous and well made, not like the Quick'n'Easy patterns that have become common. They aren't cheap, with all their hardware and classy fabrics, but the end product is well worth the effort and expense. I've made two of the bags so far (the very useful granny bag on the cover, and the tweed purse), and plan to make most of the rest.
The instructions are not very detailed, and although the techniques are fairly simple, I would not recommend this to someone with little sewing experience. Much of the instructions are explained through line drawings instead of text (the text of the book is *very* sparse), and these drawings seem to assume that you know the basics of how a bag goes together. The introduction walks you through this, briefly, and it is sufficient for someone who has experience with sewing.
The instructions are not very detailed, and although the techniques are fairly simple, I would not recommend this to someone with little sewing experience. Much of the instructions are explained through line drawings instead of text (the text of the book is *very* sparse), and these drawings seem to assume that you know the basics of how a bag goes together. The introduction walks you through this, briefly, and it is sufficient for someone who has experience with sewing.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By BJ1400
Format:Paperback
This is the first review I have ever written. But, I've read a lot of books about making bags & this may just be my favorite one. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is the title says it's for 20 bags & it's not really. It's really 10 bags & 10 accessories to go with them. But, even though it's only 10 bags, they are 10 completely different & distinct patterns. The title of the book say "boutique bags", but really the bags are nice, basic bags such as: totes, laptop bag, travel bag, messenger bag, etc. The author does give some basic instructions, but this book is not for beginners. I like the fabrics that are used for the purses, and I love the excellent instructions and lots of illustrations. If you like to make bags, this book is definitely worth the money.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By K. Platt
Format:Paperback
I love the Japanese style, so this is a favourite book for me. The bags are contemporary with some designs and ideas I have not seen elsewhere. If you did not know, you would not immediately think Japanese, there is no sashiko, Japanese fabrics or style in much evidence, yet this is a classic book. Some patterns are included, the other bags are made by measurement alone. You might need to read the instructions more than once. Highly finished techniques for the dedicated bag maker.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Apparently I am a bit late to the party for Yuka Koshizen's "Carry Me" collection of boutique-style bags. I nearly overlooked this little gem because of so many other bag books out there. But this one appealed to me for several reasons:
1) It is a Japanese translation, and I am always thrilled to have the chance to be exposed to eastern craft books
2) The wide range of fabrics uses: Tweed, denim, linen, flannel, even Kimono silks
3) The pleasing array of unstructured and structured bags
One bag in particular (the #06 Business Class Laptop Bag) turned this book into a must-have for me. Its exterior is made smoothly elegant and sleekly chic by a humble patchwork reminiscent of basket weaving. While basic in construction, it is by no means basic in impact.
Although not a beginner-book on bags, this book should still appeal to all levels of bag makers. You will appreciate how simple details like rivets and studs, a single perfect pleat, or a tweed-covered button can add big style. Ample pattern illustrations, while rather small, provide sufficient information for each bag. You can learn how seemingly unstructured bags have their own unique architecture. From bag lining to zipper-pulls, every detail can make your own bag extraordinary.
Also, Ms. Koshizen supplies very helpful "About The Fabric" notes for each project, so even novice sewers can begin to appreciate clever applications for different types of fabric. The #01 Winter Tweed Boston Bag made me think of recycling material from some old winter coats I have in the attic.
The author writes that "Meeting a fabric is fate". It is a treat to have her book show us how the perfect fabric can speak a universal language to a crafter.... Read more ›
1) It is a Japanese translation, and I am always thrilled to have the chance to be exposed to eastern craft books
2) The wide range of fabrics uses: Tweed, denim, linen, flannel, even Kimono silks
3) The pleasing array of unstructured and structured bags
One bag in particular (the #06 Business Class Laptop Bag) turned this book into a must-have for me. Its exterior is made smoothly elegant and sleekly chic by a humble patchwork reminiscent of basket weaving. While basic in construction, it is by no means basic in impact.
Although not a beginner-book on bags, this book should still appeal to all levels of bag makers. You will appreciate how simple details like rivets and studs, a single perfect pleat, or a tweed-covered button can add big style. Ample pattern illustrations, while rather small, provide sufficient information for each bag. You can learn how seemingly unstructured bags have their own unique architecture. From bag lining to zipper-pulls, every detail can make your own bag extraordinary.
Also, Ms. Koshizen supplies very helpful "About The Fabric" notes for each project, so even novice sewers can begin to appreciate clever applications for different types of fabric. The #01 Winter Tweed Boston Bag made me think of recycling material from some old winter coats I have in the attic.
The author writes that "Meeting a fabric is fate". It is a treat to have her book show us how the perfect fabric can speak a universal language to a crafter.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Carry Me bag
It looked like I could use this book because of the cover, then I realized it was too complicated for me. I'll stick to purse/bag patterns for now. Cost me $10 to return.
Published 22 days ago by jayne
2.0 out of 5 stars
unappealing
If I'd had a chance to look at this book in person, I never would have bought it. The bags are totally unappealing to me and quite ordinary. Read more
Published 1 month ago by GravelGertie
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good ideas
Good ideas but would have like more patterns instead of just measurements. Haven't started my project yet. We'll see how is turns out.
Published 2 months ago by RobynB
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bags
These are unique designer bags. There is not a pattern for each bag, but the instructions look simple enough to follow. I would not recommend this for a beginner. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Joy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excited...Love it
I wasn't sure what this book entailed but when I received it I glanced through....needless to say I was very excited to see full instructions and details on how to construct these... Read more
Published 3 months ago by RS
2.0 out of 5 stars
Meh
It's not very inviting or tries to simplify in any way. Opened it once and that's it. Maybe in the future.
Published 3 months ago by L. Karni
3.0 out of 5 stars
Adequate sewing book
Being a weaver of material, I was looking forward to some interesting patterns to use with my "one-of-a-kind" fabric. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Sue G
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quite a variety of bags
I have been sewing for over 40 years and did find some of the directions a bit confusing but I do realize that they have been translated. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Renee A. Parker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspired!
I opened this book and immediately started drooling! I never knew a handmade item could look so artful and professionally made. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Norman Bander
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice!
This book arrived sooner than I expected, which was great. Now I can start experimenting...even comes with patterns, can't beat that!
Published 6 months ago by K. Torres
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