A bag for all reasons - Book Review & Giveaway!
October 16th, 2012
I don’t do a lot of book or product reviews, but when something comes along that I really want - I jump at the offer. When I was offered the Lisa Lam “A Bag for All Reasons” review opportunity, I admit that I’m SUCH A HUGE FAN OF LISA and U-Handbag that all I *saw* (ala Gary Larson) in the publisher’s email was, “aasdkfjl azdlkjzmrg’ dglkzdk LISA LAM slkdfoc we;r a’d idfoijsodj dkmlk LISA LAM sdkp[ e ald ogpwekr fkjgo LISA LAM slaoi difoijfoiam alfj’a adfkjaldkjg doijcoijoi LISA LAM” and immediately replied, “YES”, and then went back are re-read the email.
I had seen the 3-1 Convertible Backpack on flickr and KNEW I wanted to make one, too. My fear was that it would be too advanced of a pattern for my not-too-advanced brain. And because I often don’t read pattern instructions, I knew that since I was doing a review I would have to actually read the instructions. Oh the pressure was so strong, I almost ditched the backpack plans. But I gave it a go and read the instructions the well written instructions! And then fear quickly turned into a fist pump in the air and a proclamation (to my dogs) that I CAN DO IT! Besides, I already had some Amy Butler Daisy Chain, a teal solid, and some poser linen (a cotton weave) already set out to make the backpack. The sperm had pretty much shook hands with the eggs at this point - and I HAD to get this backpack baby get made.
OBSERVATIONS:
I’m am a visual, non-reading instruction follower. Lisa’s instructions are well written and in a way that feel like she’s talking to me one-on-one giving me personal instruction.
I took my time and made my bag over the course of 3 days. One step at a time, and no speed-demon-plow-my-way-through sewing.
I traced my pattern pieces onto freezer paper, and ironed-on the pieces to my fabrics (no pinning!).
I used cotton duck (available in the “outdoor” fabric section at JoAnn’s) as my interlining. Cotton duck canvas makes for a nice, stiff form with not a lot of bulk. I learned this genius interlining trick at Oh, Fransson! - thank you Elizabeth!
Another trick I learned from Elizabeth is using Clover’s Wonder Clips in tight, curvy, bulky spaces. These clips are a DREAM to use!
Permission granted! I love when pattern writers “give permission” to do things your own way (something I encourage on my own patterns). I was already apprehensive enough with all the hooks, loops and snaps (the H Word… hardware) - but the grommets about had me running for the hills since I was doing this step by step and literally by-the-book for this review. In the book Lisa says, “if you have a phobia of eyelets (grommets) don’t let that stop you making this bag - in place of eyelets, make a casing for the top of the bag and thread the ties through this instead”. HOLY GROMMET HOLES, it’s as if Lisa wrote that for me. So I did, I made a casing. I also made a little flange-ish thing (the technique name excapes me because I just learned that word only a few weeks ago) - the result when you have a little bit of the lining showing.
I top-stitched a tube around the top with an opening at the front.
I got one of those squeezy knoby bobs and voila.
I could not be more happy with my backpack. I can’t put it down and I keep playing with it. I repeatedly tell my two cats and two dogs, “oh yeah, I made this”. I really couldn’t have made this without such well written instructions and Lisa’s crazy awesome designs.
For now my backpack is a trophy bag - on display and sitting pretty. Tomorrow we go out, and I show the world (or the 10,000 people of Astoria) my new baby.
My only dilemma now is deciding to whether to make another backpack or one of the other fabulous projects in the book!
Edited in:
I was told that there has been a printing error with that pattern and that it should have been corrected with the latest batch of books. If anyone should get a previously printed copy, here are the instructions I recieved (that should follow step 26):
“Three in one convertable (bblfr)
The bblfr needs to be stitched centrally over the bag flap (on the bag back exterior). The top edge of the bblfr needs to be placed one centimetre above the bottom edge of the bag flap (so the bottom edge of the bag flap this covered by the bblfr). PS the top edge of the bblfr will have the d-rings and grab handle pointing upwards.“
RESOURCES:
U-Handbag: u-handbag.com
Digital preview: A Bag for All Reasons
Lisa’s blog: u-handbag.typepad.com
GIVE-AWAY!!
F+W Media is kindly giving away a copy of A Bag for All Reasons to one of my readers! Leave a comment and I’ll draw a lucky name this upcoming Saturday morning.
Edited in: The giveaway has now ended, and using random.org for comments 1-238, the winner is #31 by Pam of Library Gal Quilts (how awesome is it that the library gal won a book!). Yay, Pam!
Posted in Make Something |
Farting around with needle & thread and then blogging about it.
Your new backpack is so fabulous! And what a great review! I want to buy the book this minute but I’ll wait just in case I get lucky enough to win! Thank you for sharing!!
October 16th, 2012Your bag is very pretty. I would like to make a bag too but I am a bit daunted because I would rather look at pictures and try to work things out for myself than read instructions, and my brain works in 2D (those rotate this shape 90 degrees clockwise in your mind type questions totally stump me). That is why I quilt, rather than sew garments. But I really want to make a cute bag!
October 16th, 2012Love your bag and I WANT that pattern :)
October 16th, 2012Looks fantastic! I love the front pockets :)
October 16th, 2012The bag is fabulo-so! Now if I just had that great bike. I’m afraid if I rode it here all you’d hear would be “thump”.
October 16th, 2012Love the bag! And love that Far Side - blah blah blah GINGER blah blah blah! Hee hee hee.
October 16th, 2012wow how cute is that! love it! thanks for the chance!
October 16th, 2012Love this bag!! Your fabric looks great, too, Monica!
October 16th, 2012can i just say your photos always blow me over and this book on bags…great review…
October 16th, 2012Your backpack is amazing - so professional!! I would love to give some of these patterns a try. Thanks for the chance to win!
October 16th, 2012Really cute bag-you did a great job! I’d love to win this book & you better pick me because I never win anything!
October 16th, 2012Love the backpack something I have never done so would love the book especially if the pattern is as easy to follow as you said. I really admire people who don’t have to follow patterns.
October 16th, 2012What a lovely backpack! I’d love to win this book–I’ve made lots little bags and several purses, but never a backpack. And, that little comment about being afraid of grommets–that was aimed at me too!
October 16th, 2012At first glance, that looks like a complicated project but you made it sound so doable. I’m up for a chance to win the pattern.
October 16th, 2012Love your review! Your backpack is beautiful! A backpack is on bucket list of sewing projects.
October 16th, 2012I am dying for Lisa’s book! I have been reading her blog for a few years and would love her book so much I pretty much screamed and jumped up to enter this giveaway (from your instagram picture of your awesome new backpack!) yay!
October 16th, 2012It’s gorgeous, and I am emboldened by your review! Thanks for the chance.
October 16th, 2012Serious awesomeness happening in Astoria! I’m on those who reads a pattern briefly and than goes about making it my own way so I love it when pattern designers give you options!
October 16th, 2012I love how it turned out. I have Lisa’s first book, I’d love a set so sign me up for a chance to win! Please that is. xo
October 16th, 2012Hi Monica,
October 16th, 2012Congrats on the bag, I love it. And, yes I too would love to make one like it, so please enter me in your giveaway.
Oh wow it’s just lovely!! I’m a big fan of u-handbag too so would absolutely love to win this book to try out a pattern or two, or three.. :D Thank you for the chance to win!
October 16th, 2012I saw this on your instagram feed and came over! I am going to buy it even if I don’t win ;) Thanks for the chance!!! Love your fabric choice too.
October 16th, 2012Gorgeous bag!!! Iwould love to try one.
October 16th, 2012I love your new bag! The fabric is so pretty!
October 16th, 2012Thanks for the chance to win…
Your backpack looks fabulous and the book is so cool. Just went to Lisa’s blog and looked around!
October 16th, 2012great bag! the casing & flang-ish thing you added are fantastic. I hope the cats & dogs are duly impredded :)
October 16th, 2012I’m a big Lisa Lam fan as well, so thanks for the pattern review. Your bag is amazing! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
October 16th, 2012You did an awesome job, it really makes me want to give at a try. Here’s hoping I am the lucky one!
October 16th, 2012You made it sound so easy. If it was I’d love to try it out. I’m great at reading instructions and sometimes they even make sence to me. Other times step by step photos work, depends on the project. Thanks for showing us your great backpack. ;-> Toni Anne
October 16th, 2012I NEED this book, you know I do. Really, down deep you have this knowledge!!! That bike satchel??? OMG. I die.
October 16th, 2012How cute! I would love to try to make this cute bag! Thank you Monica :)))
October 16th, 2012I would just love this one - my little sister recently asked me if I could make her a bike bag. I think it would look nice in “mochi”. :)
October 16th, 2012That bag is gorgeous!!! I think I need to stop making stuff for other people, and make things for me — starting with that bag!
October 16th, 2012I love it! Thanks for the giveaway!
October 16th, 2012That bag is fantastic! Thanks for the giveaway!
October 16th, 2012Your bag is gorgeous-I’d love to give it a try!
October 16th, 2012Your bag looks awesome! I always have lots of sewing books on my wishlist, but this one is a rare must-have for me! Thanks for the chance to win it!
October 16th, 2012Ooooh! I NEED that book! I’ve always wanted to make my own bike panniers! I had a super cute pair from the Netherlands, but they were too big for my bike and I kicked them into the wheels. Scary and sad.
October 16th, 2012Too Cute! Thanks for the chance to win!
October 16th, 2012Fabulous bag, wish I had me one.
October 16th, 2012Love your backpack, and I am a huge fan of bags, so would love, love, love to win this book!
October 16th, 2012I adore the fabric great job! I need one of those!
October 16th, 2012Wow that turned out great! Maybe I need to start reading directions…perhaps my projects would improve ;(
October 16th, 2012I love your backpack Monica. It looks great and by the sound of it, wasn’t too hard to make. Thanks for the chance.
October 16th, 2012I could certainly use a new bag..or two! I love to change things up, and I could certainly use a change here. This bag looks fantastic.
October 16th, 2012Your backpack looks great and the book sounds awesome. I would buy it for the bike bags on the cover alone!
October 16th, 2012Love the bag. Very helpful review.
October 16th, 2012What an amazing backpack. And it`s funny that I need one too. Maybe I should win the pattern.
October 16th, 2012Your bag looks wonderful.
October 16th, 2012That is stinkin’ cute! Great job! It looks like something from a high end boutique.
October 16th, 2012Darn, I was in Oregon a week too early!!! I would have stalked,er I mean, watched for that stylish, gorgeous, fun backpack while witch watching on the Astoria streets. After clandestine admiring, I may have gotten to courage to ask for a feel… but I would settle for the pattern in the mail. It sounds perfect for my direction challenged brain.
October 16th, 2012Wow…your backpack is fabulous! Nothing like well-written directions, that is a must. I would love to make the saddlebags on the cover for my bike…maybe then I would ride it!
October 16th, 2012Talk about meant to be…I was just wondering if I shouldn’t just make a backpack since I need one. I love yours. Thanks for the review and the chance to win.
October 16th, 2012Love the backpack.
October 16th, 2012Wow. Now I really really really want to make one too! :-)
October 16th, 2012Your bag is gorgeous! I’d love a copy of the book to try out my own.
October 16th, 2012Love it - beautifully made!
October 16th, 2012what a great bag!! i know someone who would love to make these bags!!!
October 16th, 2012Oh, wow!!! It’s perfect. So perfect. I simply adore your bag. Luv, luv, luv. Sigh.
October 16th, 2012I’ve seen so many wonderful bags from the book and would love to make one. Thanks!
October 16th, 2012OOOH, pick me, pick me! Some women collect shoes. Me, I collect tote bags, backpacks etc. I’ve been trying to stop myself from making that weekender tote Elizabeth showed the other week……now I have yet another bag to add to my must make list…..
October 16th, 2012that bag is insanely awesome. i almost can’t believe you made it. i’m pretty sure i’m even more of a bag-making dummy than you are, so i hope i can follow the directions in this book. it looks seriously amazing.
October 16th, 2012I just bought that book, and haven’t had a chance to try anything yet! So,no need to give it to me - obviously. But I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the directions, etc. I want to make the bicycle paniers and another bag…but I was worried about the directions being tough.
October 16th, 2012Your bad is lovely!! The beasts are surely impressed.
Oh Monica, you know you rock when making anything, including the smashing backpack! Way to go!
October 16th, 2012That bag IS gorgeous! Beautiful work. Looks like that’s a fantastic book, too!
October 16th, 2012Backpack is super cute! I’m affraid I can’t make something similar, I’m not so cool sewer as you:)
October 16th, 2012Wow, I’m impressed. And another use for my wonder clips! Sounds good.
October 16th, 2012Love it! What a cute bag! I’m just getting into making bags (though nothing very complicated at this point), but I’d love to learn to make more…
October 16th, 2012Love the Bag !!! Just in time for winter sewing !!! Snow Bag !!!
October 16th, 2012Wow! What a super bag - you got me all whipped up - I wanna make one too!
October 16th, 2012I love the look of this book! The backpack! The bike PANNIERS!! Sigh! Would be such a thrill to win it, but I shall stalk it on Book Depository in the meantime.
October 16th, 2012I love making bags and hope to win this book. Thanks for the chance to win.
October 16th, 2012Just what I need! I would love to win this book, especially if it has good instructions. Some are so confusing you just want to give up.
October 16th, 2012I love, love, love your bag! (was that too many loves?). It would be great to add Lisa’s new book to my sewing library, thanks for the chance.
October 16th, 2012Love that backpack. I could use it on my many hikes.
October 16th, 2012Lovely backpack.
October 16th, 2012I would love to win the book!
Oh that is so so awesome!!
October 16th, 2012I would love to give that book a home ;o)
Your backpack is awesome, now pick me so I can make one!
October 16th, 2012love the bag!
October 16th, 2012my daughter want thats this cute bag!!!!
Awesome bag! I will have to check out the book,. Isn’t it great to feel so accomplished, I made a bag I felt was out of my league this summer and I’m still carrying it with pride :) thanks for the giveaway, pick me please, lol.
October 17th, 2012I’ve got Lisa’s first book and it is great. I have the new book in my Wishlist and I’m hoping someone takes the hint come Christmas - unless I win this copy ;-)
October 17th, 2012What a fabulous bag! Would love to win th book.
October 17th, 2012I’ve seen this book review on another blog by chance and I am in love. I totally dig your backpack - I’d even try to make one too if I had the book.
October 17th, 2012I need a new handbag I bet there is a pattern for that in that book. Please count me in :o)
October 17th, 2012What a great bag… that will be a to do project and great xmas presents.
October 17th, 2012I love the new backpack! I need to put that on my to do list. Thanks for the giveaway.
October 17th, 2012Love the chance to win this book!
October 17th, 2012Your backpack turned out fantastically! You’ve got me wanting to make one.
October 17th, 2012I just gat the bag making bible as birthday present. Love her stile and instructions.
And yes, you can be very proud of your bag pack. Looks awesome! :)
October 17th, 2012Susanne
I love your new bag - the fabrics you chose are wonderful and I’m sure you’ll get lots of admiring glances when you take it out on its first (and subsequent!) outing. I think I need one…
October 17th, 2012Dang that bag is pretty! Looks like you did a marvelous job! I had a backpack in high school that was a similar shape and I loved it. Tragically it was some kind of faux suede and canvas combo, not that lovely AB print!
October 17th, 2012Thanks for the chance to win!
I’ve got Lisa’s Bag Making Bible which is a favorite. While grommets don’t bother me, I really love the casing you did. I’d probably opt for that.
October 17th, 2012I am of the opinion that one can never have too many bags.
October 17th, 2012Fandabby dosey!
October 17th, 2012Love your back pack. This looks like a great book. I love lisa’s Bag Making Bible and her website too!
October 17th, 2012Looove the fabric you’ve chosen for your cute backpack! And I do love Lisa’s work so much too. :)
October 17th, 2012Wow! You did a great job with that backbag!I’ve been checking out Lisa’s bags for about a year now, but I’ve always chickened out and never actually made any.
October 17th, 2012Funniest book review I’ve ever read! Congrats on the new bag!
October 17th, 2012Monica, your talents never cease to amaze me! Even though it may have been hard to read through the directions firs, instead of “ploughing through” them, you did an amazing job - love the knobby bob thing through the tube on top.
I hope you enjoy your new bag!
October 17th, 2012Your bag looks great, kudos to you. Great to see what you did in place of the grommets, inspiring!
October 17th, 2012Your bag is awesome and this book looks like a great one to have. Can’t wait to see what you make from the book next.
October 17th, 2012Great review and lovely bag. I think I’m scared of grommets to as I always mess up snaps. Haven’t had the courage to try grommets yet.
October 17th, 2012Fab post and ditto bag, - must have! :)
October 17th, 2012I absolutely love your bag! Hope to win this wonderful book:)
October 17th, 2012What a great post! You inspire me!! Also love your fabric choices for a great bag!
October 17th, 2012This book looks amazing. I am always on the lookout for new bag patterns. I would love to make the backpack for a trip that my husband and I are going on next June. Thanks for the giveaway.
October 17th, 2012I would love to give these patterns a try! And love the hints for sewing them!
October 17th, 2012I love your sew backpack! I love making all sorts of bags and would love to win this book! thanks for the chance!
October 17th, 2012I love making bags! Can’t wait to get this book.
October 17th, 2012oh -my- god i would sooooo!!love to win this book that is so cute!!
October 17th, 2012Oh please MEEEEEEE!!! I have had this on my Amazon wish list for-ev-eh! I am so scared of making bags, and her patterns and instructions seem to be the best :)!!
October 17th, 2012Love it! :)
October 17th, 2012Your bag is beautiful. Might be enough for me to lift my ban on 3D sewing.
October 17th, 2012Love your backpack! Well done. Lisa’s instructions are excellent, and her books are a joy to use.
October 17th, 2012I love love love this bag!!!….and the fabric too! I definitely see this in my future!
denise vachhani
October 17th, 2012Fabulous book! I just went through the digital preview - lots of great projects and so many technique instructions. Lisa has done a great job on this book - lots of content and lots of great pics. I’d love to win it! Thanks for the chance.
October 17th, 2012I fell with lucky, I hope so!
October 17th, 2012THank you
Elisa
Ooh, that bag is fantastic! I would love to give the patterns in this book a shot. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! :)
October 17th, 2012I REALLY want this book!
October 17th, 2012I’m not much of a bag person, but that backpack is adorable! It would be worth picking up the book just to make that backpack!
October 17th, 2012Thanks for the great review. I have Lisa’s earlier book and it is fantastic. I’d love to win this one so I can make more of her fantastic projects.
October 17th, 2012That is a great bag Monica! I love the fabric you used, and that bag scares me, look at all the stuff on it!! Someday, I think I can tackle one… :)
October 17th, 2012Omg that bag is amazing!!!! I want one so bad now!! Thanks for the review and giveaway! If I win, the backpack is the first project on my list!!!!
October 17th, 2012Boy I could have used ths bag last month on vacation! I want to make one to use as a purse - love all the storage. Thanks for the give away!
October 17th, 2012Great review. I felt exactly the same when I got ‘The bag making Bible’. LISA LAM is my new idol. I also made a bag following the instructions - something I don’t do very well. I’m a look at the pictures and work it out girl. If it goes wrong then I read the instructions. Only one mistake - an internal zipper pocket which doesn’t open to a pocket but inside the lining to the bag…. having not read the instructions I sewed the zip through both pieces of pocket! DOH. Anyway I still got rave reviews at Las Vegas Airport from the girls on the desk checking in my luggage. They couldn’t believe I made it! Hurrah (Hail) to LISA!!!!
October 17th, 2012Love your version of the bag! Truly lovely. I thank you for the chance to win the new book. I have her first book and reference it often. She writes very clear instructions:)
October 17th, 2012I have Lisa’s first book and it’s BRILLIANT. I’ve only made one of the actual bag patterns from it, but I use the techniques constantly.
October 17th, 2012Great review. I may need to get this book, thanks for the giveaway!
October 17th, 2012Oh i love the bag! I have Lisa’s other book “the bag making bible” and I’ve made all the bags in it. This new book look just as good and I need a new temptation! Thank you for the change at winning it!
October 17th, 2012It turned out awesome! I need those wonder clips in my life, I’m tired of stabbing myself with pins when I make bags.
October 17th, 2012I am so excited. I usually see these reviews long after the giveaway is over. Great review AND a chance at the prize……….swoon!
October 17th, 2012Seriously, who’d have thunk a blog about making a backpack would be so flippin’ funny? Thanks for the laughs, and the inspiration. Love your backpack!
October 17th, 2012Very cool bag! Awesome fabric and the bag looks very useable. Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
October 17th, 2012Love the Bag! Will have to try to make. Thanks for a wonderful idea.
October 17th, 2012Oh this would be perfect! I have two bag obsessed little girls who would love some new bags made from the patterns in the book. I love your bag and would love to make one of my own. Thank you so much for sharing it with us and for the chance to win!
October 17th, 2012You make it sound all so easy… Looks great! Thanks for sharing. :)
October 17th, 2012I love making bags! And that backpack is too cute. Thanks!
October 17th, 2012My husband has been wanting me to make this year’s gifts for our adult children and grandbabies. Until now I haven’t found anything special enough to make for them. This bag is so cute and could be personalized for each individual. I love it!
October 17th, 2012Just beautiful! Would love to try making one
October 17th, 2012I love bags!! I just made my first one about six months ago and I love it and I can’t wait to give another one a try. I was surprised how well it turned out, it looked a lot harder than it ended up being and I carry it everywhere.
October 17th, 2012Awesome backpack! Thanks for the giveaway!
October 17th, 2012The backpack looks great.
October 17th, 2012Your backpack is fabulous! I love keeping my hands free while out and about so might have to try one… thanks for the giveaway.
October 17th, 2012Good Morning:
I too talk to animals, objects and people out of state while I sew. Thank you for making me chuckle, your backpack looks great. I think my daughter’s need a similar bag.
enjoy your day,
Sue
October 17th, 2012Love the backpack! Awesome giveaway! Fingers crossed!
October 17th, 2012Love that backpack! I tend to not read instructions either so it is good to know I can follow these patterns!
October 17th, 2012What a wonderful bag! You did a great job. I think I have to put this book on my wish list.
October 17th, 2012What a sweet bag, sew cute,add my name!
October 17th, 2012Great job, the amount of hardware and pockets scares me too. I am impressed. I loved the plow through comment.
October 17th, 2012I enjoyed your book review very much. I think it is the best review I have read. I would love to win a copy of the book and try some of the bags. Here’s hoping I will win.
October 17th, 2012Love your bag! Looks like a great book! :)
October 17th, 2012You are justifiably proud.
October 17th, 2012The one bag I made was essentially sewing up two sides then tacking a long shoulder string and velcro closure to it. I think that I’m ready to make a real bag, and appreciate the hints and this book giveaway. Thanks to your sponsor.
October 17th, 2012WOW! Your backpack looks amazing! I also want do sew one! Please pick me!
October 17th, 2012i think i’m going to have to try out those clips! and find that book!!!
October 17th, 2012Congrats on the bag, it’s a beaut! I have always been scared to tackle a bag like that, but seeing your success has given me hope. :)
October 17th, 2012I love that book and made the backpack too! Mine is black and pink and I take it with me everywhere. My husband loves it too (extra roomfor his stuff when we travel!)
October 17th, 2012Your bag and the book are both awesome:)
October 17th, 2012Your backpack is wonderful, I love it! And your review may have just convinced me that I need Lisa’s latest book every bit as much as the first one :)
October 17th, 2012It would be great to win it, thanks for the chance.
Woaw, love this! The book looks good, thanks!
October 17th, 2012I would love to make the backpack for a Christmas gift.
October 17th, 2012I NEED that book :)
October 17th, 2012Beautiful bag!! Love the coloring :) I’d like to make a bag sometime but I’m not sure I have the patience!
October 17th, 2012Thanks for letting me throw my name in the hat!
October 17th, 2012Gorgeous bag, I also love Lisa Lam.
October 17th, 2012Wow you sure make it look easy, beautiful!!!
October 17th, 2012Love, love, love the backpack. I’ve been eyeing this book… the bike rack bag on the cover is just what I need for my bike. Fingers crossed I’ll get picked.
October 17th, 2012Here’s what sucks about knowing you so well. I’m never surprised by your awesomeness cuz I just expect it. :) heehee I love your bag, and I’m sure it will get lots of Oh’s and WTFDYGTAB (where the flip did you get that awesome bag?). Now, the challenge will be finding stuff on the bottom of it since you can hold all kinds of things in there! :)
October 17th, 2012I am more of a picture by picture process follower as well. If i make a mistake or cant make heads or tails of the pictures then i read through the instructions. Thank you for the chance to will a wonderful book! SO excited!
BTW! Love your blog here, I’m always a little disappointed when i check and theres no new entry! :)
October 17th, 2012I love your choice of fabrics!! So cheery and fresh!!!
October 17th, 2012What a gorgeous bag! I’ve just made a backpack for my niece, it was such a disappointment, but this looks superb. If only I had the second Lisa Lam book!!
October 17th, 2012I saw this bag on pinterest and had to come over to your site. So Stickin’ CutE!!! I love this bag and can’t wait to look through the rest of this book. I am a college student and can’t have enough bags to carry my computer and text books. Thanks for sharing!!!
October 17th, 2012Love, love, love bags. It would be a huge challenge for me to make a backpack but I am up for the job!!
October 17th, 2012I love your bag!I want to try and make one myself. I would love to win the book!
October 17th, 2012What an incredibly gorgeous bag! I have been eyeing up Lisa’s new book for ages now, I love all of the patterns in it. Well done on a great job!
October 17th, 2012Oh, I think all my necessary things will find their places in so wonderful bag:))
October 17th, 2012Your backpack is wonderful! Love it!
October 17th, 2012Your backpack is so cute! I wanna make one!
October 17th, 2012I have been stewing over a new bag for the past 2 weeks. Would love to give a pattern in this book a chance!
October 17th, 2012I havent seen anything like this in Alaska and if you are a visual person who can follow written directions, then maybe there is hope for me!! I would love to try the pattern!
October 17th, 2012This is so cute. I love the fabrics you choose.
October 17th, 2012Youve convinced me I could sew a bag….thanks for the chance to win
October 17th, 2012Thanks for the chance to win! Not sure I could make a bag as nice looking as yours, though…
:)
October 17th, 2012Eeekkkk! I LOVE the book and your bag. Lisa’s book would be a great addition to my project room. Lots of cute material just waiting to be cut into a fabulous bag :) Although I might have to reread your blog to get my courage up before attempting any!
October 17th, 2012I really enjoyed reading your review - very refreshing and sounded honest. :) I’ve been thinking to transition from a handbag to a backpack style purse for a while (incredibly sloping shoulders:) - maybe I need a copy of this book? :)
Linda
October 17th, 2012I could really use a new project to buy fabric for! ;)
October 17th, 2012Thanks for the chance! What a cute backpack!
October 17th, 2012oh my goodness is that cute! you just might make me brave enough to try this pattern!
October 17th, 2012Great review! I would love to win…but if I don’t I’m putting it on my Christmas list!
October 17th, 2012I have been eyeing that book, so I’m glad to know it’s fab! As is your bag. Great job, as always!
Thanks for the giveaway.
October 17th, 2012Great bag! I’ve been wanting to make a bag that’s a bit more challenging than a simple tote, but I still consider myself a beginning sewist. This might fit the bill! And I’m a grommet-phobe, too, so I’d opt for the casing.
October 17th, 2012Yippee skippee!
October 17th, 2012I think I could make a backpack. Love the casing that you made instead of grommets. Thanks for the chance to win.
October 17th, 2012Monica…why in the world do you “ever”
October 17th, 2012doubt yourself? I actually, daydream, about being as capable as you..I really do. I would love to be able to sit down and create such a lovely bag as your backpack. Your fabric was a perfect choice as well. (another part of my daydream….) is if I had a studio as you do..a place for everything and everything in it’s place..I would spend “all” of my free time there creating…lovely quilts, bags, etc. I currently sew in the diningroom and always have to pick things up and put out of the way. I don’t mean to be unappreciative I just know how lovely it would be to have a place of my own. Do you spend all of your free time in your studio sewing? I got slightly off the subject but that’s partly because I see you as being able to “create” anything..
I love this book. I borrowed it from my public library when I was making my purse. Great resource!
October 17th, 2012What a great looking bag! I’m definitely going to have source some of those little clippie jobbers!
October 17th, 2012I love the bag, I am always looking for something other than the “typical” backpack for vacationing. Aloha! and Mahalo!
October 17th, 2012What a great job you’ve done on the bag. I love the colours you have chosen. Thanks for the chance to win.
October 17th, 2012Your bag turned out awesome! Good job on following directions! :)
October 17th, 2012Wow! That bag is so sweet! Love the colors!! And what the !? Why I’ve never heard of wonder clips before!??! MUST GET! I love making bags, wonder clips look so handy for that
October 18th, 2012Have chosen my fabric…… just waiting to win the pattern. Thanks for opportunity.
October 18th, 2012Ooh! I am on such a bag making kick right now! I would love to win this! Thanks for the try!
October 18th, 2012What a helpful review and plenty of extra tips to boot! I love the idea of using cotton duck for the interlining as well as the casing in place of the grommets. I’m also a big fan of the Clover clips.
October 18th, 2012Love the fabric choices and the backpack itself. I would look great with a new backpack!
October 18th, 2012Oohhh. I have some fabric that would be great for that right now. And, I have been wanting a new backpack for schlepping stuff to my kids band competitions.
October 18th, 2012Amazing! Everything you do inspires me to believe that I can do it too!
October 18th, 2012OMG! I didn’t know she had a book out. I’m so excited. I love the backpack. Great job.
October 18th, 2012Love the bag and will buy the book if I don’t win it first. Like your blog site
October 18th, 2012I’ve been wanting this book ever since I first saw it on Amazon. Lisa is an amazing bag maker, and I’d love to try some of the patterns in her book.
October 18th, 2012I’m back in school for the second time and a backpack is a must, especially one I can put my own personality on it. What a great sounding book.
October 18th, 2012I love teh fabric you used for the backpack. Super cute!
October 18th, 2012I would like to know more about this flange thingy you made. I can’t really tell from your pictures what it refers to, and I’ve never heard of such a technique, so I would love for you to teach me about something new! :)
October 18th, 2012Great review, it looks like a fun book, can’t wait to try some of the patterns out !
October 18th, 2012There is no reason needed for another great bag. Love your work. Love the design.
October 18th, 2012What a cute bag !!! Would love to win the book…thanks….
erin…
October 18th, 2012Thank you for the review. I have that exact fabric and now I know what a great backpack would like out of it….cute!
October 18th, 2012You can never have too many sewing books, too many bag patterns, or too much of anything related to sewing! You’re bag is beautiful, I’m a tiny bit jealous of its beauty.
October 18th, 2012The bag looks amazingly cute and I think I too will try making one. The bicycle bag is really cute too. Think I will give it a try Monica. Those clover clips sound like a smart buy.
October 18th, 2012Great backpack Monica!
October 19th, 2012I love Lisa’s first book and I’d love to win a copy of her second!
Cute,cute,cute….. I’m addicted to making bags. U made this look easy! Love the clip idea. Thx for the chance to win
October 19th, 2012Oh my goodness…your backpack is incredible! I already knew I was drooling over the book, but now I am hyperventilating at the chance to win a copy! Thanks for the giveaway!
October 19th, 2012Awesome,great bag! Thanks for the giveaway.
October 19th, 2012I love your backpack. I have the perfect fabric ready to go - just need that pattern! I hope I win the book! :-)
October 19th, 2012I’d love to learn to make these backpacks. Looks like a great book!
October 19th, 2012I love what I see in this book! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
October 19th, 2012Love the backpack and the fabric!!
October 19th, 2012The finished bag is fantastic - I’ve install grommets in a number of projects and it’s my least favorite step. It’s really scary cutting into a basically completely finished project - the kind of thing you probably need a shot of alcohol first to get your courage up! The casing is a nice substitute.
October 19th, 2012Your bag looks great. I love the fabric you used.
October 19th, 2012That bag is adorable and could be used for so many things.
October 19th, 2012:)
fabulous bag. I love the pockets - I would love to stitch on those. maybe with some of the new sublime stitching floss! thanks!
October 19th, 2012Love the pattern and would love to make one. Thanks for the chance to win the pattern. Yours turned out great!
October 19th, 2012I think this pattern would make a fantastic diaper bag for my daughter in law. Yours turned out super!!! I like the idea of the casing. :-)
October 19th, 2012Bite your tongue, Vera Bradley! Your bag is so cute. And thanks for admitting that hardware is scary, because it is.
October 19th, 2012The bag is adorable! Maybe this is what I need to be motivated to thin my stash or maybe to buy more fabric! Hahaha!
October 19th, 2012Well this MONICA has been influenced by you and I want a backpack too! I promise to make that project first if I win the giveaway.
October 19th, 2012Cute bag! I would love this book. Thanks!
October 19th, 2012OMG I’m in lust with that bag…pick me, pick me!
October 20th, 2012Sold! You must be really good, because I did not merely Pin this book, but just went ahead and bought. My husband gives me such thoughtful gifts at Christmas, and this will be one. :) Great backpack. I can’t wait to have one of my own! ~Kelly
October 20th, 2012lucky ME!!! THANKS MSS!!! I am very excited to be a winner :) and also to receive this great book (you know how I love books) and I am looking forward to bags galore!! xoxo Librarygal Pam :))
October 20th, 2012OH MY gawrsh!!!! Amazing bag. (Hoping to see you in Houston)
October 22nd, 2012Darling–all of them, but my favorite is the blue & white striped with pink roses.
October 30th, 2012Love the bag and colors. Thanks for a chance to win!
November 1st, 2012I am in the process of making the 3-in-1 backpack. I think the design is great, but I’m curious if you didn’t notice that there are some instructions missing?
1. At/near step 26, she never tells you where/how to sew the BBLFR onto the back piece.
2. We’re never told to sew the top loops onto the BBLFR either.
I mailed Lisa and got a quick response from a staff member that others have pointed out these errors.
I couldn’t find a list of errata or corrections on her site or the publisher’s site.
Anyway, this is my long winded, hopefully respectful way of saying I didn’t find the instructions clear or well written.
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I have updated my blog post with info I received about sewing the BBLFR onto the back. I don’t know of an errata page, but I’ll post that too should one be found/created. - Monica
November 5th, 2012