The Bag Making Bible by Lisa Lam

I've been rather excited about reviewing this book as I've always fancied bag making but have only ever made a couple of simple tote bags as I couldn't work out how to come up with other bag designs without a pattern.

The book starts of the the basic introductions to the equipment you'll need, a guide to your sewing machine and how to use the patterns in the book.  Well worth reading through to pick up a few tips, even if you think you know it all already.   There's also a useful section near the beginning about the different fabric types and what works well for what types of bag.

Unlike many bag making bags this isn't just a book full of tons of different patterns, there are a few patterns mixed in with guidance on how to make variations of different parts of a bag such as the pockets, straps, handles, zips etc so that it gives you the techniques to make whatever bag you like, whether working from a pattern or creating your own.

There are of course patterns in the book, 8 in total with a full size pattern sheet included in the back of the book. Each pattern has details of what you need to make the bag, details of how to prepare and then step by step instructions with accompanying photos to guide you through.

If you are planning on bag making this book would be invaluable, I believe that it is better than a book with just patterns in it as it will take you past the beginner stage of following patterns and inspire you to start making your own variations or complete designs.

You can buy signed copies of the book from the U-handbag shop for £13.50 or from Amazon for £7.50. 

Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing & Fabric Crafts

The first thing that strikes me about this book is its very impressive size and weight! It is a huge book which made me hope that there must be a wealth of knowledge inside.

The good news is that there is! The book starts off with a very useful fabric glossary, followed by a thread glossary before launching to techniques such as appliqué, quilting and embroidery.   

The rest of the book is an A-Z of projects...from Animals (including sock dogs and a felted pig) through to Wall decor.  Each project is accompanied by written instructions, photos and diagrams in places to further demonstrate techniques.

At the end of the book there is a tools and material section detailing the different equipment you could use and what they are used for plus a tips and extra technique section.   There is also a list of places you can get sewing supplies including several of our customers such as Sewbox, The Make Lounge, The Eternal Maker and Gone to Earth.  Also there is a cd-rom at the back of the book with patterns and templates on it.

If you are looking for a book with a lot of projects that will introduce you to some new techniques along the way then this is the book for you. It wouldn't describe as an encyclopedia of sewing as such, more an encyclopedia of sewing projects.

You can purchase this book from the RU Craft website for just £12.49.

3D Cross Stitch Cards by Meg Evershed

This book is the latest offering from Rainbow Disks who produce e-books on CD rom, saving the printing costs to ensure the authors get more rewards for their hard work.  Their E-books seem to have evolved since the last one I reviewed (Scrap Quilts for Babies and Toddlers by Katherine Guerrier) this book has integrated video clips demonstrating techniques and there's a lot more in-book links that take you with ease from one section to the other.

As for the content of the book itself the cards are truly stunning.  Each project links to the techniques you'll need, provides a list of what you'll need (including the thread colours),step by step instructions, a chart and a photo of the finished card so you know what you are aspiring to. 

They include colour and stitch variations of many of the cards to show how they can be used for different occasions by just making a small change.  There's a useful section at the back of the book talking you through the equipment you will need and what to do with it.  There are also alphabets and numbers at the end of the book so you can create your own personal message to go on the front of the cards.   There are also more techniques at the back of the book, guiding you through the different stitches, as well as a trouble shooting section.

If you are looking to make cross stitch cards I think this book is ideal, and the video clips would give you more guidance that you would get from a paper book.  I find it always helps to see someone else doing it.

You can Purchase this book from Rainbow Disks here for £13.