This is my first project from Bend-the-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol of Angry Chicken blog fame. I ordered my book via Amazon last week, upon its arrival I was instantly romanced by the cover photo, the Artsy Clutch. The Pleated Beauty Handbag won out when I gave some thought to what would most likely happen next in my life: a quiet summer dinner out with Greg or a trip to the library with the kids.
I just love the bag. There’s about a gazillion ways I’ll be using it this summer. I love the book too. I don’t know Amy except as a reader of her blog but the voice throughout the pages is like sitting down with an old friend who is patiently and enthusiastically sharing with you all she knows about sewing. I know a lot about sewing and enjoyed the book nonetheless. The projects are really fresh and fun, I have no desire to write my own patterns for everything I make. I also learned a new trick on making the handbag straps:
“Make the straps by ironing up 1/4″ on the top and bottom of the strips. Do the same with the contrasting strips, but turn up just a bit more.”
The instructions contain a lot of small things like that last bit of advice “just a bit more”, something you’d never see in a commercial pattern. Little tips and hints to make construction easier. Sewing for me is all about having fun and continuing to learn new things. Amy’s book is sure to be a hit with old dogs and newbies too. Now I just need to decide what’s next, the Puppet Theater or Scalloped Baby Blanket?
Very pretty bag. The outside fabric looks like it has a barkcloth texture, or maybe it’s just the printed “texture”? Thanks for the review about the book. I was wondering if it would be useful for people who already know how to sew. Now that you’ve answered that question I’ll have to give it a go!
I love the bag and the fabric. The pleats makes it unique and different from all the other bag patterns out there.
such beautiful fabrics! love the combinations of texture and color.
i have been reading amy’s book as well and adore it! i love her conversational tone and all those wonderful tips! can’t wait to finish up my current projects and make something for myself from her book.
Your bag is beautiful! I love the colors. I just got her book last week and am excited to try a few things. It was refreshing to know that I knew quite a few of the tips she gave just because I still feel like a beginner. But then there was plenty that I didn’t know about, so it’s a great book for me.
Your bag is very pretty! I keep hearing about this book…I Just might have to check it out!
Sucha wonderful bag, and WHERE did you get that fabrc? I am very jealous and must run out to pick up a copy of the book now.
A comment on the fabric: The bark cloth is a vintage find from ebay, several years ago when you could buy two curtain panels for $20. I don’t buy much from ebay anymore because of the prices. The pleats were a Japanese cotton I found at Esther’s and the inside is an Alexander Henry pattern I found at Jo-Ann’s. I also buy my 100% cotton linen at Jo-Anns that I used on the handles.
We must be tapping into the same wavelength this week, Kathy: I’m waiting on some fabric I ordered to make the Pleated Beauty Bag, because I *needed* new fabric of course, and next on the list? The Puppet Theater. :0) There are so many fun choices, though. Love the way your bag turned out!
Kathy, your bag turned out very pretty! I think I might “need” to get the book even though I was trying not to buy one more book right now. LOL!
As always I love the fabrics you chose.
The contrast fabric inside the pleats is Genius!!
I LOVE this bag and I’m so happy that you also find the book a goodie for non-beginners.
Love your new bag!! And I say make the clutch and a wonderful summer dinner with your hubby will follow! [He read this blog, right?]
Aha! I’m going to have to try that one myself! What a gorgeous bag!
Just gorgeous!
Very nice! … I’m going to have to get that book, too!
Very lovely bag! I have this book on my wishlist and am thinking I may need to get it soon, all the reviews are making me wish I had it:)
Love your bag and by all the comments I’ve read in blogworld and flickr, I will have to be my next bag too. I love the size and love the way you can add that little contrast piece. I’ve got so many things to make from her book. The tote bag was my first of many many more.
Fabulous bag!
omgoodness, you are so good with fabrics! That combo is to die for!!
I don’t sew, but I am highly impressed with the bag, and I wish I could sew! Your choice of fabric is wonderful! They’re so beautiful! I want that bag! hehehe