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?
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?
ReplyDeleteI've only just been thinking about making bags - this one looks promising. Please count me in.
ReplyDeleteI'm making a dachshund print apron for my dachshund loving new sister in law. And a Christmas dress for my daughter.
If the giveaway is open internationally then I would like to enter!
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteCount me in. You know how I love Japanese books. My present making is all done for this year, but there is always next year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveway, bags are my favorite thing to sew!
ReplyDeleteCount me in! I love japanese books. Thanks for the giveaway Kirsty!!!!!
ReplyDeleteInternational 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 :)
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway. I love me a bag and am looking at making some over the Christmas break. Must check these out..
ReplyDeleteI have been making cushion covers this year for gifts. Love your culottes
ReplyDeleteI'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!
ReplyDeleteLucky 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 ;)
ReplyDeleteI make aprons - unisex, bar-style with bib, out of home-dec, denim, twill, old tablecloths ...
ReplyDeleteOh! 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteGreat book! I'm giving a big box of home-made cookies :)
ReplyDeleteYou've just made me feel 'teacher present' guilt! I think I burnt myself out last year. Perhaps I need this book for inspiration ;-)
ReplyDeleteLovely 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. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love bags.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway !
I love these bags! I'm making socks for my dad & brother, a bag for my mom and a hoodie for the bf.
ReplyDeleteWow! What an awesome book. I have images of great bags made with leftovers from my sewing. And they would make fabulous gifts.
ReplyDeleteThanks 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!
ReplyDeleteI'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!
ReplyDeleteI 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)
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice book! I am making pajama pants for my niece and nephews and haven't started them yet! Yikes!
ReplyDeletePlease include me in the draw - it looks to be a gorgeous book! Thanks for the opportunity & Happy Christmas from sunny Brisbane!
ReplyDeleteWhere was this yesterday when I started my Xmas bag making frenzy??? Count me in ;)
ReplyDeleteI have made personalised scrabble and instagram coasters this year for my family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, the folding eco bag is great. Count me in please!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteRose in SV
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!!
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteCount 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 ;).
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI'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
ReplyDeleteI 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*
ReplyDeleteI am making as many gifts as I can! My go to small gift is potholders.
ReplyDeleteThis 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,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Aussiegirl.... the book is yours. Email me your address !
ReplyDeleteOh 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! :)
ReplyDelete(Emailing now with address.)
Thanks so much Anne-Karine. All the best for the Christmas season x
ReplyDeleteOh yes! I have made quite a few oven mits this year.
ReplyDeleteCrocheted presents are the best.
ReplyDeleteBookmarks is a great idea. I will have to do that next year!
ReplyDeleteAll the best with the quilt and for Christmas x
ReplyDeleteI think simple bags make great gifts and use up some remnants as well! Have a great Christmas x
ReplyDeleteBook covers! now that is one present I'd love to do as I have a lot of Liberty remnants that would be perfect.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of notepad organisers. Do you have a pattern that you use?
ReplyDeleteBags and shoes are mine too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab idea!
ReplyDeleteYou didn't need this book - your bags turned out great!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely present idea! I must remember this for next year.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie and I really like the idea of pillowcases as a present. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSocks! This is always on my goals for the year to be able to make socks. Great present ideas.
ReplyDeleteGosh how lucky it was handed in! Yes, it sounds like he might need a man bag :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, bags are a great use for all those remnants we have!
ReplyDeleteBow ties! I love it. What a great list of present ideas.
ReplyDeleteLots of lucky people in your household!
ReplyDeleteThose libby skirts are a fab present!
ReplyDeleteSo true - there is always next year!!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a great hat ! I wish I'd sewn a few of those before we came on this trip!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteOh your grandma is so lucky and you are so generous!
ReplyDeleteAprons is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea! Do you crochet the wash cloths or sew them?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a lot on your plate - but all great gift ideas!
ReplyDeleteYes, 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I knit them. They're great because it's sone thing everyone can use but the organic cotton makes them a little more luxurious!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kirsty, and they were super well-received xx
ReplyDelete