Amy Butler's Style Stitches

This is what I've been reading in the car over the past week whilst I've been waiting in the car for the children to get out of school.

Amy Butler's Style Stitches - 12 easy ways to 26 wonderful bags.

It wouldn't be very friendly of me not to share this book with you, especially as just now it could probably still make its way onto your Christmas list. I really think that if you like creating and making bags then this is a wonderful book.

It's spiral bound which makes it a lot easy to work from, as it will lay flat whilst you read the next set of instructions.

Inside though there's magic. Just add a little fabric, interlining thread and enthusiasm and with all these beautiful designs to inspire you, I can't help but think you're in for a treat.

There's a tote bag Reversible Everyday Shopper.

This has big pockets... handles designed to be comfortable in the hands and you can't argue with the fact that it looks pretty good. So, much nicer than a plastic store bag.

There's a set of pouches to make. Instructions are given for six different sizes to suit almost any purpose from organising cosmetics, pencils or sewing bits and bobs. Make them to keep or to give away. I like the little tab on the side... nice touch.

All the designs can be made in different sizes too and the 'Perfectly Pleated clutch' is no exception to this.

There's a more everyday style of bag with the option of making a small purse to go with it in a matching centre pleat.

This is the Teardrop Bag and Key Keeper coin purse.

If these are just a little too tame for you, then this one is definitely a statement bag.

'Fringed Hobo Bag'

Again, this bag comes in different sizes but this large one with it's opulent fringing says student to me. The perfect bag for making a statement about who are.

The bag designs are are shown in Amy's beautiful fabrics.

Miss Maven Ruffled Handbag. I love the Bliss Bouquet in Teal and Sun Spots in Tangerine fabric combination. Really zingy.

Take Flight Handbag/shoulder bag. A great design for overnight stays or as a flight bag.

This last one I'm going to show you, is my favourite little handbag. The Blossom Handbag/shoulder bag.

I really like this little bag, the handle design, it's rounded shape, the interior details. Gorgeous.

I've put a lot of pictures into this blog post but I haven't shown all the designs in the book. All of the bag designs can be made in different sizes and all of them are lovely but what makes this book stand out for me is the attention to the detailing in the designs.

The interiors of the bags are full of nice details that take making your own bags to another level. There are pockets, zipped pockets, slip pockets, little compartments. There are interesting handle designs designed to be comfortable to hold and which attach in different ways. Amy uses, pleats, ruffles, buttons, trims and of course beautiful fabric to make the bags look special. There's nothing ordinary about any of them. None of them rely on Amy's fabric alone to look good and let's be honest even the most ordinary of tote bag designs would stand out and be deliciously different and beautiful in her fabrics.

I think you'd love this book, I know I do.