Windy-City Bags: 12 Handbags and Totes Sewn With Structure and Style, Patterns included

Beware buying used ... the one I got has an entire sheet/page of patterns missing. That's on the vendor, maybe should check such things before selling/shipping, not a reflection on the book/author but just a warning. Be that s it may, there's a treasure trove of information on bag making in the book; hints, tips, recommendations and, of course, step-by-step instructions. I just would just suggest, if you want to actually be able to make the lovely bags in the book, buy new so you'll be assured of having patterns available to use.

I like most of the bags in this book, however the 2 pattern sheets at the back of the book are printed on BOTH SIDES! Now I have to scan the pattern pieces I needed to make the bag I want to make and of course you need to scan several times in order to make sure you have the full pattern piece within your scanner. So you waste paper and ink printing out several angles in order to get the pieces you need. When I went to print the pieces I scanned, the pattern pieces were distorted where there is a fold on the pattern. You could clearly see a wavy line where the fold is. Then to make matters worse, after printing the pattern pieces came out smaller than they should, by as much as 5/8" smaller on one side. So now the pattern pieces are totally useless because I cannot make the bags. If I use a light box to carefully trace the pattern pieces, I will see the pattern of another bag showing through from the other side of the paper! What did I get for my money? I should have known better and only purchased pdf patterns directly from the author Sara Lawson. I do like her bags and instructions, but the book is totally useless if I cannot use the patterns. It would have been better if I could print out the pattern pieces from a website. If you write a book, make your patterns usable and don't make the customer have to spend more time and money to access the pattern pieces. This may be the fault of the publisher trying to save a few pennies on paper? Whoever it is who did this, I will never buy another book that comes with pattern pieces. I hope I can return this book, since it's useless to me.

This is a great book with some really nice patterns for purses. I particularly like it because it has a number of patterns for medium size purses instead of mostly very large purses or bags and clutches that I have found in other books. I will be using this book for my go-to for purse construction.

I love Sara Lawson's patterns for handbags and pouches. This book is full of great photos of bags and great instructions.Sara does into great detail in her sewing patterns and also has many video tutorials on her website. If you love making handbags and pouches, you will love this book.

Fabulous book! The cover photo does not do it justice, you will be drooling at the great bags that are inside this book. If you love pretty handbags and love to learn about the fine details that will really make your bag special, this is a book that you must have. So happy to have this in my library as a wonderful reference! She makes it so easy to understand with step by step instructions and lots of photos to help you create your own amazing bags.

such a great book. very informative about bag construction and the different materials used. Easy to follow patterns and instructions. lots of pictures.

Sara has not disappointed in providing inspirational projects. Her usual style in providing detailed procedures takes the anxiety out of starting a new technique. I am looking forward to making many of the bags included in this book. The quality of the book is better than most paperbacks that you buy. The book is enjoyable just to read and dream.

I an so happy I got this book it came looking brand new!

Love this book - I have already made one bag although I picked one of the more complicated ones but didn't realise until I read the book pointing out this fact - even so the instructions are very clear and easy to follow. The patterns are lovely but just make sure you have everything in place before you start. Some of the materials for the bag I made were American but luckily found them online. The author does give some of the English equivalents. But be warned - this is not the cheapest hobby but very enjoyable.

This is a brilliant book. It contains very detailed instructions and templates for all the bags. Sara Lawson has many instructional videos on YouTube should the reader require any extra help.Worth every penny.

Good Variety of bags to make, can't wait make them.

I’ve made a few of the bags in this book and I can say I really like it. I would recommend too.

Have read through it and it looks good. Have yet to make any of the bags but instructions do appear easy enough.