Sew Serendipity Bags: Fresh and Pretty Projects to Sew and Love [Hardcover]

Kay Whitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 2011

Kay Whitt loves designing bags, and you're going to love sewing them!

Take Your Pick of Styles
With full instructions for twelve bags—and with a few clever variations thrown in—there are plenty of designs to choose from! Pick a handbag that is sweet, sleek or funky. Or check out some of the other great designs: a flirty little backpack, the perfect lunch bag, convenient shopping bags and handy task-oriented bags (whether that task involves a laptop, gym clothes or diapers). Each design is easy to adapt to your style.

Hone Your Skills
Check out the technique section, which includes step-by-step photos, to freshen up your skills and learn about a few new notions, too. Next, move on to the projects to put your know-how in motion.

• Flip to the Simple Bags for something quick and fun to sew. And even though these bags are easy to make, the end results are clever and cute.
• Step it up in the Intermediate Bags section, with bags that play up your style. Learn a few new skills, try out a few new tools and make yourself a bag you can really show off.
• The Challenging Bags section takes you to the level of bag maven. The bags' construction may be complex, but the instructions are not. Sew it together step by step, and find yourself with a truly professional, beautifully constructed bag.

The bags in this book are truly extraordinary—and with Kay's instruction, they are oh-so-easy to make.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A regular exhibitor at spring and fall Quilt Markets as Serendipity Studio, Kay Whitt has been designing and selling patterns for the past 10 years. Her bestselling Sew Serendipity was published by Krause Publications in July 2010. She lives in Grand Prairie, TX. Visit her website at www.sewserendipity.com and her blog at sewserendipity.blogspot.com.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; Spi edition (October 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1440214158
• ISBN-13: 978-1440214158
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #197,721 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes, you should buy this book! October 15, 2011

By S. R. macdonald

Format:Hardcover

I love this book...it fulfills all of my basic sewing book requirements and goes well beyond.
It contains projects I want to make..in fact, I want them all!
The book has clear instructions AND clear diagrams for completing the projects. There is a diagram in the intro dealing with making adjustable straps that made me say, "Thank you!" when I saw it!
Beyond the Introduction are sections titled, "Simple Bags" (4, with multiple variation ideas/directions), "Intermediate Bags" (5 bags with many variations), and "Challenging Bags" (3 -- convertible backpack, multiple-tasker bag, and a great laptop messenger bag.)

The photographs are bright, colorful, and inspiring.

The first bag I want to make is the Lunch Bucket Tote. As I make it I will appreciate the spiral binding that allows the book to lie open as I consult it while working.

With this book in your possession you really will be inspired and empowered to create some new cherished bags!

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice, but could be better November 8, 2011

By Fabiana

Format:Hardcover

Firstly, I was very happy with Kay's first book, Sew Serendipity. I really appreciated the projects, and how thoughtful and thorough she was in explaining and drawing all instructions. It's definitely my favorite project-based sewing book.

I just received Sew Serendipity bags and felt a bit uncomfortable perusing it. You still get a lot of projects, explanations and illustrations detailing them. However, there are very few pictures of the finished bags.

A bag is not a garment. If you see one or two pictures of a skirt or a blouse, you will get a very good idea of what they are all about.

The same is not true for a bag. You want to see the front, yes, but I'd also like to see what it looks like inside, how the divisions are, how it looks from the side... It's difficult for me to cut fabric to prepare something I'm not exactly sure what will look like in the end.

I still recommend getting the book. Kay's designs are great, and she's amazing at explaining how to do it. However, it would be great if a next edition could have more pictures.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Kay Whitt did it again!! October 6, 2011

By Crafting For Fun

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is like "WOW". Kay Whitt makes it so easy to create your own bags/purses. She has many photos on the techniques and then has hand drawn pitures at most the steps for the project. I have made one, the Tulip bag, and it was very easy to complete by following the steps. I am half way done with the purse on the cover. She uses very unique techniques to create the ruffles. (At least to me). If you follow her directions you will have a complete project finished to a professional standard. Your friends and family will not believe how crafty you can be! Be careful showing them, you may be required to create one for your friends and family!! I know I had to!Sew Serendipity Bags: Fresh and Pretty Projects to Sew and LoveYou may find yourself buying more patterns from her because she writes the directions so concise and complete! Everyone will think you are a master seamstress, not just an average crafter.