August 2016



Everyone loves bags and in this book, patchwork designer, Janet Goddard brings you brilliant styles for every occasion that you to will love to use and wear. We are instantly drawn into this book with its great photography, lovely fabrics and very achievable Shoppers Tote, Happy Pouches and Gathered Top Tulip bag. .. you can even make your own Lunch Bag! Each project is rated from 'easy' to 'requires experience'. This is a perfect book for a beginner who is looking to gain experience and work their way up to making more adventurous patchwork patterns. * Love to Make * I was given this book as a present, and was delighted with it from the first page. The instructions and pictures are very clear and simple very easy to follow, and the book has something for everyone. If you have a sewing machine, love craft work, this book is for you. * Julie Banks * I found this book to be a lovely read and very practical to use. The bags are shown step by step with great photography with very clear instructions which is great for me as I haven't made too many bags before. There are ten patterns in all different designs. Overall a good book if you learn by reading and visually. Thoroughly enjoyed it. * Caroline Offord * This book arrived yesterday and it is another lovely Searchpress book. There are lovely photos that clearly show the products and clear written instructions.

There is a helpful 'techniques' section that shows how to use a rotary cutter and how to piece your fabrics.

The projects are graded from 'easy' through to 'requires experience '

I am going to make a start on one of the projects soon and will add to this review as I go along. * Angela Malcolm * This book presents you with ten bags to make, most of the bags are geometric so no pattern pieces are necessary. With simple step by step tutorials that guide you every step of the way,even a beginner should be able to make a useable bag. The designs are modern and I'm sure anyone buying this book would be spoilt for choice, on choosing which bag to make. The instructions are very clear and detailed, and the photographs of the bags are very clear and sharp. I would highly recommend this book * Lorraine Rugman * lovely book for crafters of all levels, 10 patterns so good value for money. Very good instructions and photos. The 'techniques' section at the back is very useful. Impressed! * Sharon Mead * 10 bags that you will use time and time again. Modern, stylish yet practical, this book has it covered from make-up bags, clutch, the ubiquitous tote, drawstring bag, satchel and more, all in patchwork. The bags do not need patterns, instead mainly geometric shapes are used to make the bags. Step-by-step tutorials, patchwork and bag techniques and bags graded as easy or experience required means you can get making without delay. Clear and easy instructions with fabulous photos. This one is a keeper - you'll probably want to make all the bags and perhaps even adapt an idea or two to extend the styles. I think this book has something for everyone, and the designs would also make great presents. From the practical tote to pretty clutch and the roomy weekend bag or lunch bag, you'd best get stitching straight away. Superb value for money. * Karen Platt -yarnsandfabrics.co.uk * Bag Special 2016



I read quilt books for two reasons. The first is to be inspired by the projects, and the second is to improve my skills. This debut book from quilt tutor Janet Goddard ticks both these boxes. It contains 10 projects that are easy to make but perhaps more importantly are stylish to use. They range from small pouches to a large weekend bag and are graded within two levels; Beginner or requires experience. No pattern pieces are need as the instructions are given to make the bags from shapes that can easily be cut with scissors or a rotary cutter. While the patterns assume a basic knowledge of patchwork the clear step-by-step photos and instructions, plus the guide to patchwork at the back means a beginner should get good results from this book. A lovely selection of fabrics has been used to make the bags and the way the prints have been combined plus the additional finishing touches such as the colour of the handles, will inspire readers of all abilities to get sewing. * Popular Patchwork * I am really pleased with this book, I have only made one bag before and although okay not a raving success, I was so pleased with this book to see lots of Easy patterns which although are easy are really effective and look great the best thing is the idea of using cotton webbing for the straps (I hate making straps) so for me that is a real bonus. All sizes of bags are covered from small to big so I would think there is a bag here for everyone. * Frances Darvill * A lovely book full of interesting and accessible designs. The projects don't look too complex and a knowledge of patchwork and quilting would be helpful. The fabrics used are modern and interesting. The only quibble I have is that the pictures showing the techniques are in the fancy material, it would have been easier if they were plainer so that you could see what had to be done. Apart from that, I would recommend the book and am looking forward to making some of the projects. * Glenys Duggan * Ten different bags, each pattern clearly written with lots of colour photos to guide and help you. There are handy hint sections, a guide to patchwork and all the basic information you need to successfully make the bags. All in all a great addition to my bag making library. Good value for money. * Cheryl Mash * Had a quick read of this book and was able to make a bag really quickly. Clear written instructions with pictures too. No jargon and all explained wonderfully. Great for beginner. Looking forward to making my next bag * Sharon Chapman * Everyone loves a bag! Why have one when you can have ten? Different bags are needed for various activities in our day to day lives - shopping, working, relaxing, socialising, for home or holiday and my aim has been to put together a book showcasing ten different patterns; each one for a different purpose. There is a bag for every occasion.

Simply modern patchwork means fresh, bright fabric choices with simple, stunning patchwork designs. This has been coupled with stylish, practical bag designs. I have chosen fabrics and bag designs that I love and I hope that you will too.

Patchwork involves using two or more fabrics with a number of shaped pieces. Some of the bag patterns in this book use a selection of fabrics and it is the use of two, three or four fabrics and sometimes more which make the patchwork. Some bags feature squares, triangles or rectangles in a variety of patterns and the patchwork then is a real focal point in the bag.

What did I think?

I was delighted to receive this book from the publisher to review; it is filled with inspiring photographs of some lovely bags and pouches, and has excellent instructions throughout. There are 10 projects; five easy and five more advanced but each project is listed step-by-step with illustrations for any tricky parts. I love the handy hints that give ideas for changes to the bags or to tips to enhance the finished item. Each project is shown as a full page photograph so you can see exactly what the finished item will look like.

I haven't had time to make anything yet, but the instructions are so incredibly detailed that I don't think I will encounter any problems at all. All you need is a sewing machine, a cutter, some fabric and a little bit of imagination. Although not to worry if you are stuck for ideas as the author puts fabrics together that I would never have thought of, so there is lots of inspiration inside the book. This truly is a book for beginners and experienced seamstresses alike. Now what shall I make first?

I received this book from the publisher, Search Press, via #ReviewItFriday in exchange for an honest review. https://thebookmagnet.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/simply-modern-patchwork-bags-janet.html * The Book Magnet * Discover more stitchy ideas in Simply Modern Patchwork Bags By Janet Goddard. * Crafts Beautiful *