meetmeatmikes has a great roundup of tutorials and patterns for making purses and wallets.
Some of my faves:
whipup’s Wallet-Sized Fold-Up Re-Usable Shopping Bag
ric rac’s pencil case tutorial
U-handbag’s clip purse [above pic]
summer wallet
a tutorial for making a pleated placemat purse, from heather at dollar store crafts.
Sew What! Bags: 18 Pattern-Free Projects You Can Customize to Fit Your Needs
Spiral bound sewing books are becoming increasingly popular – and with good reason – they sit so nicely while you are using them. This sweet bag making book is not only spiral bound but small enough to tuck into your sew-on-the go bag.
I like how this book is organised too – the first section is called ‘warm up projects’ to ease you into sewing bags – the projects in this section are small and quick – such as an eyeglasses case, diaper case, sandwhich bag, lip balm lanyard – all using the same basic technique with just a few small adjustments to size! Tissue pouch is super cute and then some zippered projects are gently introduced – wristlet and coin purse. Then onto Totes, drawstring sacks (I love the backpack), messenger bags (bit more difficult) – love the london map guide – made with map fabric – not sure where this fabric is from – maybe a print on demand design? but it is really cool. Section on organisers covers wide ground – from tool apron, artist roll, kitchen caddy to gardening tool holster (ready to dead-head roses in a single shot).
Great book – with some really useful project basics without the need for patterns – get a sneak preview with this sample project here.
pretty penny shows us how to make this adorable paper bag style lunch bag from sturdy cotton fabric. [via craft gossip]
row 1
1. small black messenger bag
2. glory vines bag pleated bag
row 2
4. hip shack
5. gadget pouch
row 3
7. rabbit purse
8. postbag
Bags That Rock: Knitting on the Road with Kelley Deal
This book is by Kelley Deal from Indie rock band the Breeders. And is lots of fun. The patterns are mostly simple and basic variations of others you might have seen around. There are some novel variations and quite cool bits of equipment she has recycled for bag handles. The best part of this book is for indie rock music fans, there are lots of on the road anecdotes and stories and interviews.
The projects are pretty fun, not all are ‘rock n roll’ in style, but there is plenty of that as well as some more toned down options. There is some fun graffiti embroidery patterns, a fantastic turtle-neck sweater bag, lots of felted bags and straight knitted bags, some crochet and some fancy stitches but not much. The uniqueness of these bags comes from the straps that are utilised – there is a woven jute strap, vintage scarves, recycled leather belts, grapevine branches, guitar strings and i-cord, drum sticks and electric cords and cables.
Instructions are pretty standard, no extra diagrams or illustrations though to help out, just lots of colourful photos. Easy knitting, fun projects, entertaining reading.
small
drawstring bag
zippered pouch
water bottle carrier
round bag
recycled lingerie bag
quilted wallet
knot bag
hipslinger
wristlet clutch
purse frames
drawstring bag
lingerie bag
purse pouch
pinch pouch [pictured]
snack bag
lunch bag
dante’s purse
medium
crochet beach bag
woven magazine bag
yoyo bag
skirty bag [pictured]
easy bag
laptop sleeve
crochet plastic bag bag
fold up reusable shopping bag
dishtowel toy bag
seamless crochet purse
crochet denim rag bag
pencil roll and art bag
shoulder bag
recycled sweater bag
recycled book bag
wasp bag
eco bag
large
baby tote
nest tote
knitted market bag
hobo bag
felted bag
felted satchel
french market bag
market tote
trash bag messenger bag
hobo bag
oil cloth messenger bag
post office bag tutorial
plastic bag knitting
habu bag
knit market bag
mama backpack
charlie bag [pictured]
tote bag
tote bag 101
jordy bag
felt tote
Simply Sublime Bags: 30 No-Sew, Low-Sew Projects
The key thing to notice with this book is the subtitle – no-sew and low-sew, with this in mind and if you are after something different then give some of these projects a go. Many of the project and perhaps the whole book is perfect for teens who want to make something a bit unique, use recycled materials and give their project a personal touch. The instructions are good – with basic shapes and patterns for bags included – good illustrations and nice colour photos.
Best project – for me I really liked the pillow cover hobo bag – simple basic sewing skills required and you get to use up all those bright retro pillow cases you have been hoarding. Grooviest project – the ‘wonder bag’ a plastic makeup case made from heavy clear plastic used to cover couches or outdoor picnic tables. – its made by ironing the seams together and adding a fun decal to decorate. Weirdest bag – Envelope bag made from a silver bubble mailing envelope (but still pretty cool). Ugliest project – none of the projects are really ugly – but the placemat purse – just didn’t do it for me – but then – with a different placemat… Fun and funky book for teens or those just young at heart.
