Customer Reviews

It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, and Bowls

5 star:		(52)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the first time I've reviewed a craft book, though I have a history of buying many and never really using them. I had to write to add my recommendation for this book to those others have written.

The directions in this book are so clear and the project pictures so inspirational that I immediately went to work to make my first bowl. That was followed in the same day by another. I had a full box of fabric I considered "too ugly" to use for any quilts, but I dug into it and found it had new life as bowl material. In fact, the ugliest fabric I used looked fantastic when cut into strips and wrapped around the clothesline into the bowl's "coils." (Note: finding the clothesline in a local store is the hardest part of making these bowls. Be sure to do some comparison shopping before purchasing your clothesline. I found mine at Wal-Mart for less than a quarter of the price it was at the hardware store).

You do not need a fancy sewing machine to make these bowls. Any machine that does a zig-zag stitch will work. I decided to use my Bernina's walking foot after some experimentation, but it certainly isn't necessary to be successful.

I am already thinking about my next bowls and the great gifts they will make for birthdays and Christmas. The possibilities for embellishment are endless. I am already imagining how I can twist funky yarns or metallic floss around with the fabric to create a whole new surface texture.

Also, don't feel like you are limited to using 100 percent cotton on these bowls. On my second bowl I used a metallic-looking lame and some thin velvet strips and they were gorgeous. I plan to do some beading to really make this bowl zing. You are only limited by your imagination in making these bowls your own individual creations.

I don't consider myself an "artist." I usually need clear instructions to get a project going. But on these bowls I really felt like I created something special right from the get-go. I recommend this book and the bowls very highly.

I don't ordinarily do crafts, but I was intrigued by the beauty of the finished projects and also the fact that this is a craft that is not just using a pattern created by someone else, but it shows one how to add one's own individuality to each project. The book is well written with easy to follow instructions. I would recommend it if you're looking for a way to create something that relects you. These bowls and baskets, and purses would make cherished gifts.

If you sew then you CAN make these baskets and it is SO much fun. I made my first one yesterday using a sewing machine that is anything but fancy, on the front porch of our weekend cabin. This time my sister will get her birthday present early along with the book (inexpensive enough that I will get another)....I intend making many more - now I know what to do with all my colorful scraps. This is so much faster than real basket making and allows for more individuality I think.

I found this title intriguing the first time I saw it and it didn't disappoint. Breier's explanations and photographs are clear and the gallery is inspiring. The technique is straightforward (wrapping clothesline with fabric strips and zig-zag stitching them together) and it doesn't require a fancy sewing machine.

Once I figured out the correct stitch length and width to use, I found myself addicted to assembling the coils. I still have yet to do a bowl but my family is impressed by the look of the plates. I've shown this book to several other people and each has immediately wanted to go find clothesline and try it. Be sure to purchase clothesline ahead of time (3/16", no solid core) because you won't want to wait once the book arrives!

I received this book last week and already completed the first two projects. The directions take you step by step and are very easy to follow. This will be great for gifts! Something different and home made. You definitely DO NOT need a fancy sewing machine. I could become hooked on this very easily!!

In the 1.3 years that I've had this book, and worked on this craft, I've gotten enormous pleasure combining fabrics and colors and shaping bowls, hot pads, totes, hats and more, most of which I've given to very appreciative friends and relatives.

Susan Breier makes the process easy to undertand and follow, and the bright color photos offer many jumping-off points for individual creativity! My only caveat is that it is imperative to have a heavy-duty sewing machine and thick, sharp needles to get through the layers of fabric and clothesline smoothly. I pretty much destroyed an old Singer Futura I used at the beginning - but liked the craft so much that I bought a refurbished Bernina with a stronger motor and more durable parts, and it handles these projects, over and over, like sewing through butter.

I enjoy that the craft isn't very exacting, like quilting, since I'm not fond of meticulous cutting and sewing tasks. I get loads of compliments on my own pocketbooks and totes that I've created, and it's fun to explain to folks how they're made.

If the gal with the critical review would try the technique, she would soon figure out (if she has any imagination) that with just a little experimentation, she could create her own patterns for purses and totes. This is a fun and simple technique. Novices can produce pretty results very quickly. There are all kinds of possibilities.

I agree with most of the previous reviewers: the book illustrates things very nicely, with inspiring examples and clear directions that make it possible to quickly be creative. I've already (second basket) discovered that cutting strips on or near the bias reduces fraying to almost nothing and makes wrapping easier. I've had a great time playing with color, breaking all the rules (if there were any) with fun results. Now I'm experimenting with shapes, and with different ways to transition from one fabric strip to another, and from one cord to the next.

Some quilt shops sell very cheap but soft cording that doesn't hold it's shape very well (sometimes that's not important). Others also sell stiff but expensive cording that makes a nice firm basket. Lowe's sells some that is in between that is very affordable. Other hardware stores probably have still other types.

Experimentation is the fun of it. After working so hard on quilts to be precise, this is a refreshing change that takes little planning, preparation, or exacting method, and is a great way to use some of those fabrics that have been sitting in your stash for years. I love it.

This book has very good instructions with illustrations. Have experimented with a basket and just loved the technique. A must have for any quilter. Good way to use up fabric.

I just finished by first two projects. A small bowl and then a larger one. The instructions are very easy to follow and the more you make the more you want to make!! Now I have another way to use up my scrap material. The projects in the book are very inspiring and I'm sure I'll come up with some very unique things!

Awesome book. It gives you the step by step instructions clearly. Therefor you can follow their patterns or create your own in a very short time. It was also fun, easy, even the kids can do this.