GIVEAWAY! Handmade Bags in Natural Fabrics

I've recently been sent a couple of Japanese books (in English) by the team at Tuttle Publishing. I thought I'd talk about this one first, Handmde Bags in Natural Fabrics by Emiko Tahashi. My mind is swimming with Christmas present ideas and for those of you who like to stress yourselves out at this time of the year - like I do- and make quite a few presents (including teacher presents) then I think you will definitely find something in here that would make the perfect present... or just something lovely for yourself.  I wish I'd had this book before I made most of this year's presents!!
This book contains 25 basic bag styles along with 60 simple variations, some are just simple embellishments. The book comes with fully sized patterns which I like for those that aren't simple rectangles, although of course the patterns are layed on top of each other so you do need to locate the pattern and trace it. The book though is layed out beautifully. There are clear instructions and guides on the techniques required including some simple embellishments. Often Japanese books feel a bit light on with the instructions, but there is plenty of help in this one.
I'd say that most of the bags in this book are simple to make. There are only a couple with zippers or frames, so the book would really suit a beginner or someone who is looking to have a consolidated set of simple bag patterns.
My personal favourites are the checkout bag and the eco bag which folds up into a pocket to put in your bag. A perfect teacher present if you ask me! I'm hoping to make up an eco bag over the next few days.
I have a spare copy of this book to give away just in time for Christmas.  If you'd like to win a copy just leave a comment.  The giveaway closes Monday 15 December to give me time to post it out before the holidays.  (Open to international readers :)) Are you making presents this Christmas? Do you have a go to handmade gift?



70 comments:

  1. Don't count me, but I love the triangle bag as a gift, looks very chic and only uses 1/2 m fabric... How was your trip to Melbs last week?

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  2. I've only just been thinking about making bags - this one looks promising. Please count me in.
    I'm making a dachshund print apron for my dachshund loving new sister in law. And a Christmas dress for my daughter.

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  3. If the giveaway is open internationally then I would like to enter!

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  4. Love your pineapple cullottes! So cool. Ive made Libby skirts for my daughter and my sons girlfriend, as long as they dont go out together...thats about it on the me-made front, making bags is on the 2015 list.

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  5. Count me in. You know how I love Japanese books. My present making is all done for this year, but there is always next year.

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  6. Thanks for the giveway, bags are my favorite thing to sew!

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  7. Count me in! I love japanese books. Thanks for the giveaway Kirsty!!!!!

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  8. International readers? Yippee! I am making one gift. I am making the Jalie toque (hat) pattern. It was on sale recently and it is a pdf. If it works out I will maybe make more. I have stressed myself out in the past so I try not to overdue it :)

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  9. Great giveaway. I love me a bag and am looking at making some over the Christmas break. Must check these out..

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  10. I have been making cushion covers this year for gifts. Love your culottes

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  11. I'm currently knitting a grandma cardigan for my lovely grandma (hopefully it will be done in time)! Made a few bags for friends last month, they make great gifts!

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  12. Lucky new SIL! Apologies for the hijack Kirsty - and I'd best not try for the bag book, as cute as it looks, I'm determined not to get distracted from my summer togs & pineapples ;)

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  13. I make aprons - unisex, bar-style with bib, out of home-dec, denim, twill, old tablecloths ...

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  14. Oh! What a beautiful book! I'm only making organic cotton wash cloths this Christmas. I pair them with my best friend's homemade soap -- makes a great gift!

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  15. I have had this book in my Amazon wish list since you reviewed it! Thank you for offering this during the Christmas season. I have a stash of fabric that would be wonderful for several of these bags.

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  16. Great book! I'm giving a big box of home-made cookies :)

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  17. You've just made me feel 'teacher present' guilt! I think I burnt myself out last year. Perhaps I need this book for inspiration ;-)

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  18. Lovely book! I'm working on Xmas projects right now--a few embroidered wool ornaments, a quilted tote bag, a wall quilt, and a "scoodie" for my mother, who refuses to wear a hat when it's cold. Yes, I've probably taken on too much. ;)

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  19. I love bags.
    Thanks for the giveaway !

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  20. I love these bags! I'm making socks for my dad & brother, a bag for my mom and a hoodie for the bf.

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  21. Wow! What an awesome book. I have images of great bags made with leftovers from my sewing. And they would make fabulous gifts.

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  22. Thanks for the giveaway, my hubby misplaced his wallet on a flight last Sat, luckily it was handed in to lost and found! Maybe I could make one of these bags into a man bag to help him keep his stuff from getting lost!

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  23. I'm making the usual: socks, scarves and a couple of dopp kits. Market totes would've been great gifts since plastic bags will soon not be available to even non-sewers in the next year. I would have great fun with this book. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  24. I made something different every year. This year I have doggie ties and pillowcases. Thanks for the giveaway. The book looks like something I would love. I've also shared your giveaway on my Giveaway List for sewers and quilters at wowilikethat.com. Thanks again for the great giveaway.(debbie@wowilikethat.com)

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  25. What a nice book! I am making pajama pants for my niece and nephews and haven't started them yet! Yikes!

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  26. Please include me in the draw - it looks to be a gorgeous book! Thanks for the opportunity & Happy Christmas from sunny Brisbane!

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  27. Where was this yesterday when I started my Xmas bag making frenzy??? Count me in ;)

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  28. I have made personalised scrabble and instagram coasters this year for my family and friends.

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  29. I'm with you, the folding eco bag is great. Count me in please!

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  30. Thank you for the opportunity!

    Rose in SV

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  31. Bags & shoes are forever my weakness! I'm sitting here feeding my little one-week-old boy & like the idea of something that's a bit quicker to sew than a garment, and of course anything I can stash all the baby junk in is a winner in my eyes!!

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  32. What a fabulous book. Last year I made homemade fudge for gifts. This year is the first year I haven't been embarrassed by my sewing so made notepad organisers for the kids teachers!

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  33. I need to get this book. I make a lot of grocery bags. I get bored making the same thing every year so I try to change what I make but sometimes I fall back to pincushions and book covers.

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  34. Count me in! I am very keen to start making my own eco bags / simple fabric bags instead of reusing shopping bags (plastic and ugly, or advertising!), and I want to make them for all my rellies too - I already have plenty of fabrics to choose from, so what I need now is some great patterns ;).

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  35. I am making a quilt for a gift this year but I don't really have a go-to. Sometimes I have done chocolate truffles for all my friends!

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  36. I've made some little stocking stuffers this year...key fobs and fabric covered button magnets & bookmarks. Thanks for the chance to win! jvermunt(at)shaw(dot)ca

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  37. I love making presents for christmas by myself. This year it is crochet - scars, handwarmers, hats and little toys :) I wouldn't mind getting back to sewing though *wink wink*

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  38. I am making as many gifts as I can! My go to small gift is potholders.

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  39. This is very generous of you...sewing bags is fun, quick and (usually?) simple. Who does not need an extra bag or two? Thanks for the inspiration found on your blog,

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  40. Congratulations Aussiegirl.... the book is yours. Email me your address !

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  41. Oh WOW! That's fantastic!!! Thank you so very much Kirsty. I have something of a handbag fetish so this lovely book shall be put to very good use! Thanks again! :)
    (Emailing now with address.)

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  42. Thanks so much Anne-Karine. All the best for the Christmas season x

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  43. Oh yes! I have made quite a few oven mits this year.

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  44. Bookmarks is a great idea. I will have to do that next year!

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  45. All the best with the quilt and for Christmas x

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  46. I think simple bags make great gifts and use up some remnants as well! Have a great Christmas x

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  47. Book covers! now that is one present I'd love to do as I have a lot of Liberty remnants that would be perfect.

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  48. I love the idea of notepad organisers. Do you have a pattern that you use?

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  49. You didn't need this book - your bags turned out great!!

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  50. What a lovely present idea! I must remember this for next year.

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  51. Thanks Debbie and I really like the idea of pillowcases as a present. Gorgeous.

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  52. Socks! This is always on my goals for the year to be able to make socks. Great present ideas.

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  53. Gosh how lucky it was handed in! Yes, it sounds like he might need a man bag :)

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  54. I agree, bags are a great use for all those remnants we have!

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  55. Bow ties! I love it. What a great list of present ideas.

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  56. That looks like a great hat ! I wish I'd sewn a few of those before we came on this trip!

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  57. Oh your grandma is so lucky and you are so generous!

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  58. Love this idea! Do you crochet the wash cloths or sew them?

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  59. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate - but all great gift ideas!

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  60. Yes, I used the notepad organiser pattern by DUMD. Was definetly fun but a bit time consuming, because I'm so slow! Will probably do something different next year.

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  61. Thanks! I knit them. They're great because it's sone thing everyone can use but the organic cotton makes them a little more luxurious!

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  62. Thanks Kirsty, and they were super well-received xx

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