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Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2024
Lots of bag patterns, a lot of details and explanations so its great for any level sewer and tons of pictures. Would recommend
Mason's Mom
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2024
I really like this book as a reference. It has some great, detailed steps on the basics of bag-making. However, it does NOT include the patterns to make the bags that are in the book. On page 9, it says, 'Visit me at my website: www.u-handbag.com.' That is no longer Lisa Lam's (author) website. Then, on page 16, it says, 'Full-size printable patterns can be downloaded from www.davidandcharles.com.' I went to that website, as well. Not even sure we can get them there, but it says I need to create a login -- but I don't see any way to create the login. I dug around and found what may be Lisa Lam's current website and sent an email -- We'll see if I get a response. I also checked to see if I could download a few of the patterns and PAY for them -- looks like that may not even be possible. And, I tried to find info on her YOUTUBE channel -- and couldn't. So, bottom line: I like the book for the help it gives -- but don't expect to use the patterns!
Gil Rand
Reviewed in Canada on November 21, 2023
The instructions are easy to follow and has some nice bag patterns.
SJ
Reviewed in India on October 12, 2020
I had the oppurtunity to sift through previews of this book and ,’The better bagmaker’ on Kindle.I have to say that based on reviews it was confusing to choose btw the two,as all search online ends in these two books.But on closer inspection,I found that this one is a British publication.Usually I prefer british publications,as they target a wider audience around the globe.For eg,this book gives an overview of interfacings and interlinings and you can clearly see the pictures and distinguish/recognise them in any store.However,the better bag maker has brand names.Now,I am an indian and Im sure even my mom n pop store would’nt know what I wanted if presented myself with such brand names.Moreover,Ms Lam is teaching you all the skills involved in sewing a bag,right from patterns to finishing.Its like learning the alphabets and making your own story.You are your own designer.Thats the reason I went with this book,as no matter how many years pass,the education will always remain relevant.No fear of fast dissapearing fads in bag designs.Its a simple book for simple people giving precise,clear cut and relevant information.I know there are in-numerable videos on youtube.But I wanted the gist of it ,in a book format,and I have found that in this book.I think the other book’the better bagmaker’,goes beyond simplicity and is more useful for people who are already proficient in bag sewing,but want to take their craft to a higher ,complex level.Im a stickler for zips and velcro,and im sure Im never using bonings and other kinds of plastic base for my bags,so why go in the hassle.Classic and simple is enough for me.
Christian Pezzin
Reviewed in Italy on August 19, 2014
Assolutamente da 5 stelle. il libro è fantastico, è veramente ben fatto con foto e spiegazioni. Per Amazon, la spedizione è stata veloce, come sempre.Unica cosa da notare, forse, è che il libro è in inglese, quindi attenzione se non avete dimestichezza con questa lingua. All'interno le borse sono abbastanza complesse quindi forse non adatte a chi non ha mai cucito in vita sua... ma con le spiegazioni ce la si può fare! :)
Cristina G
Reviewed in Spain on May 10, 2013
En este libro se explican muy bien las distintas técnicas para empezar a hacer bolsos, sin embargo los distintos proyectos los explica muy brevemente y en aquellos bolsos más complicados no te enteras muy bien de todos los pasos, los debería explicar más ampliamente y con más fotos. No se puede explicar la realización de un bolso complicado de 2 o 3 caras. Por lo demás muy bien, aconsejo totalmente su compra.
L. Lambert
Reviewed in France on February 4, 2012
Ce livre est LE livre que toutes les amatrices (débutantes ou confirmées) de sacs se devraient de posséder! Bien qu'écrit en anglais, chaque détail de fabrication est bien expliqué, illustré, disséqué (là, mon enthousiasme s'emballe...!). J'ai commencé à coudre des sacs en "tatonnant", décousant, recommençant, déchirant, gâchant, jetant, bref, en exploratrice. Ce livre m'aurait évité bien des erreurs et des déceptions (snif!). Il ne faut pas hésiter à se constituer un petit lexique anglais/français spécial couture (les accoutumé(e)s des livres de couture anglais acquièrent un vocabulaire extraordinaire!) au fur et à mesure de la lecture du livre (il resservira pour d'autres livres). Les patrons en taille réelle sont fournis en fin de livre. Tout est extrêmement bien expliqué dans ce livre (réaliser différents modèles de poches, de poignées etc).Il ne faut pas hésiter à aller fouiner sur internet pour dénicher les rivets, mousquetons, anneaux, poignées, fermetures magnétiques: je me suis équipée à l'étranger afin de réaliser mes sacs sans me ruiner. D'excellents conseils sont aussi donnés sur l'excellent site (l'adresse est dans le livre) de Lisa Lam (l'auteur), ainsi que des fournitures (à prix correct).
Anne Nonn
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2010
I can not agree more with all the others on this book. A pleasant surprise to say the least. Like so many, I get so tired of thinking I'm getting a book that will be worthwhile, to find just a few snippets of new info, and a lot of unnecessary fillers.This book goes way above and beyond my expectations. Lisa Lam is correct-her book is the COMPLETE creative guide to sewing your own bags. I have made a few bags in the past, with store bought patterns, and they were ok, but lacking in the area of how to make a better bag, and what fabrics and lining to use and why. Along with the importances of knowing the differences between interfacing and interlining, and when to use them and also why.This book will get your creative juices flowing and you can adapt patterns to the size you want- she shows you how easy it is to do. She goes over basic structure and reinforcement and how to achieve the look you want and goes into great detail about darts, pleats, gussets, flat bottoms and gathers, along with various options for closures.With this book, the sky is the limit on what you can create by following her very detailed topics.And what an incredible bonus to have actual pattern pieces to work from. Wow- can't believe how much information Lisa has packed into this "bible"! This book is great for the beginner along with those of us who have some sewing experience as well, and want to create custom bags.This book is a must have for those who want to think outside the box and create some very unique bags. And this arrive for me right in time to make some very nice presents for a few on my lists this year. 5 stars is not nearly enough to rate this book!
Annette
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2010
I've been a fan of Lisa Lam's for a while now, following her blog on bag making and using her on-line tutorials. I find it wonderful that she put out this book as a few years ago I sent her an email asking her for reference suggestions as her bags are amazing. She's knowledgeable, articulate, and creative with her bag making blog. The book packages her knowledge in a wonderful reference tool as well as a pattern book.Needless to say I have looked at dozens of books and usually they model the book after one bag and alter that bag in many different ways. OR the books out there on bagmaking offer several bag options but don't tell you how to modify them, how to create pockets you would on your bag, how to use different straps and closures to make the bags look professional, and the basic structure of the bag is left out. THIS book has it all.The author has written a book that can be used to help alter bag patterns in the book or create a bag from scratch using her guides. She covers the basics of the bag in terms of structure, she covers lining options, handle/strap options, closure options, pocket options, and trimmings. She has several patterns in the book and her instructions are well written, with lots of images.My only criticisms are as follows: 1) I would have liked to see at least one smaller bag than the ones in the book. For example, a small makeup/cosmetic case would have worked wonderfully with "The "Great Getaway Bag". She does have a couple of small sized bags, but I think a smaller accessory bag would have been nice to see in there. 2) As with any first edition, there are a few typos. Not enough to detract, but they are present.
SLS
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2010
Few books can justify the word "Bible" in their titles. Yet Lisa Lam's "The Bag Making Bible" is at the top of that very short list. If I were stranded on an island (you know, the one with electricity, a nearby gelato stand, broadband coverage, and oh, yeah, a full-out fabric shop), I would hope that this book would be stranded with me. As it is, here I am on the Island Of Futile Craft Attempts, wishing I had had this book last week when I was fussing with gussets and seething over zippers.Speaking of zippers, Lam's instructions for the "Flush Zip Pocket" (page 66-69) are a thing of beauty. And gussets? No problem. Each chapter steps you through the fundamental parts of every bag (Structure and Reinforcement, Linings, Closures, Handles and Straps, Pockets, Edgings and Trimmings) and is filled with truly useful real-human color photos, with adequate verbs and nouns in each instruction. I won't duplicate the praises by the other reviewers, except to say this is a 5-star book.There is one thing worth mentioning, and it says a lot about the abundant spirit with which Lam has written this book. Since we crafters need to become more familiar with copyright law, I went straight to the copyright section and was pleasantly surprised by what I read there. While factory mass production of Lam's designs and third-party sales are forbidden, "the author consents to the resale of hand stitched designs". Wow! Lisa Lam has not only written a great book here; she might also be a great person. With the price of books getting higher and higher and legalities getting tighter and tighter, this is nice to see.
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