Patchwork Quiled Bags -- Crafty Weekends Review & Link Party

 Disclosure: Tuttle Publishing gave me a copy of this book free of charge for this review. All opinions in my review are my own and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation. 

I have to admit I have a bit of a bag fetish. I love them. Although I am not someone who changes my purse all the time. I still love looking at different bags and have a bit of a collection of them. Today I am sharing with you Patchwork Quilted Bags: Totes, Purses & Accessories by Reiko Washizawa which is being released on August 30th. 

This book has many beautiful bags and accessories to make. I love several of them. Many bring patchwork and quilting styles together to make new stylish items. It includes everything from pouches, purses and totes to lesson bags and travel bags.

I fell in love with the Strawberry Pouch and started making one for my strawberry-loving daughter. However I have not finished it.

I discovered rather quickly this book is not for the beginning quilter. Luckily I am not one. The patchwork instructions are rather sparse as are the details of cutting much of the patchwork throughout the book. For the Strawberry Pouch no size of rhombus or rhombus pattern was given. I decided to go back to my English paper piecing book that I reviewed a few weeks ago to use the pattern there. Of course that meant hand sewing and I haven't gotten very far. I also do not have the best collection of red fabrics. 

There are a few I thought Hazel could help me make like this Mini Yo-Yo Pouch. Wouldn't it make the cutest pencil case for back to school? Yo-yo's are easy enough for me to show Hazel how to sew them. We could make the pouch together or buy a premade canvas one. I also think she could help me make the Clutch since it involves weaving ribbons.

Since I am at my mother's I decided not to try these with her yet. Although Hazel was trying to go through my mother's fabrics to start making yo-yo's. We convinced her to try some other crafts instead.

I also love the Card Case with Accordion Pocket. I am probably going to try to make one for myself, but decided not to attempt it at my mother's and trying to figure out her newest machine. Plus she couldn't find all of her supplies I would need. 

 The book even has a pattern for one of the foldable shopping bags that are all the rage. I may give this one a try as well. Overall I love the designs in the book. The instructions and set up are not as clear as I would like and I find the patterns a bit lacking. Most of the patterns are for the shape or the applique on the backs and do not work for the patchwork. I find the instructions confusing in spots and also do not like how you have to turn to find the instructions for each bag in the back of the book rather than with its picture. Overall if you are an experienced quilter and sewer who loves new bag ideas this book is for you.

Thank you to everyone who shared with us at last party!! It was full of creations and inspiring ideas!! Below are some features from the party, but this is just a small sample of great ideas shared! This week the features are in three groups: back to school crafts (we're still a few weeks away but I know some are starting or already started), fabric crafts and everything else. 

Also remember for your child-oriented crafts, activities, lessons, etc. Sharing Saturday is going on!! For any cultural related posts (diversity and/or multicultural as well) be sure to share at the month long Creative Kids Creative Blog Hop. 

Back-to-School Craft Features

1) From The Real Thing with the Coake Family: Back to School: Free Printable First Day of School Signs
 
2) From Oh My! Creative: First Day of School Photo Printable

3) From Growing Up Gabel: Personalized DIY Pencil Case

Fabric Craft Features

 

1) From The Real Thing with the Coake Family: Easy to Make Gingham and Pom Pom Decorative Pillow

2) From Flamingo Toes: Sweet Pineapple Zipper Pouch

3) From Nap-Time Creations: Fabric and Nature Suncatcher

Other Craft Features

 

1) From Kandy Kreations: Olympic Sport Ring Cupcake Toppers
 
2) From Living La Vida Holoka: DIY Nautical Magnetic Picture Frame

3) From Simply {Darr}ling: Wooden World Map for a Travel Themed Nursery

4) From Productive & Pretty: DIY Ikea Wall Diaper Organizer

5) From Sparkle: DIY Sparkly Autumn Leaf Wreath 

Thank you to everyone who shared the last week!! I hope you will share again!! If you are featured here, please feel free to grab a featured button to display proudly on your blog. I would love the help spreading the word about Crafty Weekends!!

Featured Button Code:

<a href="http://craftymomsshare.blogspot.com/search/label/Crafty%20Weekends" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 0df409eb-5a67-4fc5-86e1-6f3637481035_zpstsg7u5n9.png" border="0" src="http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g424/cpericola/0df409eb-5a67-4fc5-86e1-6f3637481035_zpstsg7u5n9.png" /></a>

 Please share family friendly crafts here. Just crafts and/or patterns--no recipes, lessons, etc. You can share craft product reviews as well. By linking up here you are giving me permission to share your links and to pin your links. Please follow my Crafty Weekends Feature Pinterest Board to see all the features from these fun link parties!

An InLinkz Link-up