Customer Reviews

Mary Mulari's Accessories with Style

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

 

 

At first,I was skeptical about the quality of this book because the other books I had read on sewing accessories didn't meet my expectations.

But, this book is the real deal! It has beautiful color photos and illustrations that show you step by step how to make some of the cutest accessories I have ever seen.

The projects included are 11 totes and purses, 4 scarves and belts, 5 wraps to wear, 10 golf, garden, and spa accessories,6 jewerly bags and holders, and 5 projects decorating ready-made accessories.

The book also includes resource pages and smart sewing techinques.

The best part about the book is that it comes with full-size patterns so you can get started right away. You don't have to do any enlarging or crazy measuring. That's what annoyed me about the other accessory books I had read in the past.

Mary Mulari really knows her stuff.

Truly a wonderful book. Beautifully photographed, this book is a treasure trove of ideas for creating innovative (and easy to make) "comfort" gifts - practical gifts you'd sew for special friends. My favorites include a nice, big bag made from window screen, a unique purse in the shape of a Japanese fan, a generously sized cowl poncho, and a multiple-use travel and television shawl (with deep pockets to store supplies or simply keep hands warm). I was especially thrilled to find full-size patterns in a pocket attached inside of the book. Each project is fully detailed and easy to understand, with many drawings that clearly explain the accompanying text. My Christmas gift-making is underway!

I got this book because I plan to be travelling in the fall, and I wanted some ideas for things to make my travels easier. I love the "poncho which folds up in its own pocket" idea, as well as a warm wrap that would be just what I need for staying comfy on the plane, some slippers that would be perfect for travel, ideas for adding pockets to ready-made clothes, a "purse/necklace" great for carrying a credit card and room key, ideas for simple scarfs which will stretch my travel wardrobe, ... well, you get the idea. (I also orderd by the same author a book on Travel Accessories to sew, but that hasn't arrived yet. If it's anything like this one, I'm sure I'll be pleased!)

If you're looking for some "neat little things" to make for yourself and for others, start here. Can't go wrong. I've made so many coin key pouches I can't count them. I give them away all the time, and it only takes a small amount of fabric, a short zipper, a small bit of ribbon and a "split" key ring (sold as "split rings.) Wonderful also is the Ultrasuede belt pouch, which I made out of a nice striped denim when I couldn't find Ultrasuede. A little bit of accomodation for the different fabric, but it's wonderful for shopping, a quick trip somewhere, or when you are traveling. And that's just for starters. . .

Full size patterns. Need i say more? But i will anyway.

The accesories and bags are done in a more matronly style than i like, but i used my own funky fabrics, etc. and was VERY pleased with the ease i which the projects were completed and the adaptability of each project to my particular vision.

And, full size patterns. With handbag patterns selling at [price] and up, i saved a ton with this book. Good for the beginner or those looking for instant (or as instant as this gets) gratification. Clear and concise instructions.

I sew and sell on eBay and wanted to expand my knowledge so I could make purses and totes but had no clue as to construction. I am so happy I got this book.
Besides the patterns in the back of the book, the most valuable part of the book to me was showing how to install zippers the easy way, and how to pre-sew "anything pockets". Now I can draw up my own patterns and embellish them with detachable coin purses, zippered pockets any where I want, and I've got many more projects to "study" and learn from. The "how to" sketches in the book were easy to follow. This year I can make christmas gifts everyone will like! Fantastic book!

Wow, the previous reviewer who said it was lame and laughable was 100% correct. The projects are just jaw droppingly stupid, outdated and ugly. The materials used on the example projects are mauves and other 80's looking upholstery fabrics and colors. One bag looks exactly as if you were to sew a copy of a brown lunch sack and hang it on your back. The checkbook cover's pen holder isn't even sewn on straight, and speaking of the pics, wow bad photography. The bags blend into the backgrounds, the backgrounds are unattractive.. etc...
There are some models in the book, all of them old grannies, and I am sure they are all sweet women. I have nothing against senior citizens, but maybe the fact that, that is who this book is FOR, should be mentioned in the description. Do you really want to make a bib for yourself to wear while you eat in your car... a bib made by sewing a high-necked piece of fabric to an entire bath towel? Do you like velcro alot? Lots of velcro in this book.

I tried to like it, I tried to decide to keep this book and ignore the fabrics, photos, weird shapes from an 80's country crafting mindset, and make things look fresh by adding my own touches, but there really is no saving these sad projects. I am returning this book. It's too bad, because having the actual patterns included sounded wonderful.

P.S.
The big secret outside/visible zipper trick is no good. If you leave the edges of the "zipper hole" raw as instructed, the fabric will fray, threads will get into, and jam your zipper.
Do not be fooled by the glowing reviews. This nice lady has written lots of books and has a following - that's great. Just don't believe the hype.

Again Mary Mulari has made sewing fun!! Great projects for friends and family. Useful items... things that everyone could use. Good pictures and directions. Quick and easy bag, ponchos and more. This book is a must if you have kids or teens that sew.

This is a good book, however, one should keep in mind that one can only use so many accessories presented. I gave this three stars as I thought it was overpriced considering that any one person would only use a few of the ideas & instructions presented. It does come with patterns for the projects, which is very nice. I was inerested in handbag ideas and I thought, for some reason, it would have more handbag illustrations. I am trying to keep in mind that any one book will be reaching many people and for every design I am not inerested in, many others would be interested.

Some reviewers say these projects are dated. I'll agree. They are NOT the latest fashion. But the techniques and the ideas are great jumping off points. I actually bought the book for the poncho to understand another project I was interested in. Well, this book gave me the instructions to jimmy that project. I love the little necklace pouch on the front. I thought there might be duplication with another of her books _Made to Travel_, there is very little (other than techniques). If you can "see" past the dated fabrics and fashions and look to the techniques and forms, then this is a definite book you'll want in your sewing library. (Make sure your used copy comes with the paper patterns.)