Customer Reviews

The Perfect Bag: 101 Stylish Looks from Simple Patterns

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

 

 

I ordered this book because of it's great reviews and that it has actual patterns. I was a bit disappointed..the substance just wasn't there...it's just the same bag over and over again with different fabrics. I ordered "Making Vintage Bags" along with this book and didn't expect to keep "Vintage" but the book was so clear and concise with it's instructions and different styles that I kept "Vintage" and sent The Perfect Bag back.

This is an excellent book. The instructions are impressive and include detailed material lists, patterns, tips, hardware types, many ideas for zippers, purse sizes, and alterations. It has a gallery of purses made by the authors friends and is beautifully illustrated also. The intructions for these purses, are by far, the best I have encountered. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to make a purse or even the experience purse maker. The purses are inspiring.

I was very excited to get this book but after going through it very disappointed. Like another reviewer I was expecting more in the way of different bags. I guess when you read the title of the book it tells you "101 stylish looks from simple patterns". The Canadian Amazon website doesn't give a description of the book, the American one does to it's credit so I guess I should have researched the book more.

What the book gives you is one simple pattern (in four sizes) and then tips and instructions on constructing the purse and that's where my main complaint about the book lies. I'm a visual learner and was expecting (as a beginner) to be guided each step of the way. I'm used to using commerical patterns such as Simplicity or McCall's where at a glance you can tell what the next step is by looking at the pictures/drawngs.

In all honesty I haven't yet tried to make a bag using this book so I guess this review is a first impressions one. I have a feeling that the only way to understand this book is to actually sit down and work through it page by page.

I didn't like the layout it wasn't intuitive for me. Flipping through the book for the first time I honestly thought that although a pattern had been included, the instructions for making the bag weren't - only ideas and tips. Those photos that were given of the construction process in my opinion where hampered by the choice of fabrics used. Most of the fabrics were too bright and busy so it made it hard for the eye to follow the seam lines.

Is this a bad book, no. Would I recommend it to a friend, sorry no. Would it be good for someone with a lot of sewing experience, probably yes.

I thought this book was very helpful. It gave me other ideas as to how I could use these patterns to enhance or decorate my project. I truly enjoyed the book.

You can probably make more than 101 stylish bags using only these few pattern pieces. Sewers know that you get more for your money by using the same pattern multiple times. And you get better at something the more times you do it. So this book repeats the same few bags in many ways. You're limited only by your imagination.

Readers who expect step by step instructions may be disappointed, but if you've made one bag from any of Linda McGehee's patterns or other books, you should have no trouble breezing through the steps. And of course anyone who has seen Linda's demonstrations will love this book!

Linda's from Louisiana and she likes bright colors. Biege people, beware, the bags are bright and colorful. Lots of embroidery and glitz on things... the brighter the better.

Almost anything you need to make a nice bag can be purchased from the sources listed in this book, or from Linda's Web Site, [...] With this book, your stash and a little imagination you can have a purse wardrobe to die for.

The instructions and patterns for the perfect bag are excellent.
However I was disappointed not to find any instructions as to how to make the fabric flowers shown on the bag on the front cover.
I felt that this was misleading to the customer when buying online

Ordered this book because of the "Rave reviews". I was sad to find this book did not inspire. Did find many of the tips helpful in other projects, so not a total loss.

Not only are patterns included but the author has showed step by step with simple language and photos of what she is describing. I appreciate all the tips and hints she lists in the book.

McGehee is a very talented woman with some very clever ideas. Love the book.

This book has a great selection of bags with great tips on making them. I love the book; well worth the money