Book(s) Review – Three Bag-Making Books by Sue Kim

For this month I have a very special treat! I am reviewing not one, not two, but three sewing books! All three books are written by Sue Kim of “I Think Sew”. The last one published is actually a collaboration between Sue and her daughter, Veronica Yang.

The three books are all bag-sewing books with dates of publication ranging from 2011 to 2016. Although they are not super current books, most of the projects are pretty timeless. And “I Think Sew” has been one of my favorite pattern companies since I began my bag-making journey. Each of the three books comes with paper patterns for all of the projects contained in each book. The three titles are:

1. Bags – the Modern Classics
2. Boutique Bags
3. Perfect Patchwork Bags

Bags – The Modern Classics

The first book, in publication date order, is Bags – the Modern Classics. It is geared towards beginners and advanced beginners. The more simple patterns appear first and the more complicated patterns follow. Although some are more complicated than others, these projects do not have any extremely complicated techniques and have very little hardware.

The book starts out with some sewing terminology, simple techniques and advice on fabric selection. The projects are divided into three categories: Small Bags, Clutches, and Large Bags. There are a total of 19 projects with some of them having multiple size choices.

The project I chose to make is called the Sweet Annemarie Bag. For some reason it is listed under Large Bags even though it is not large at all. It is a super adorable small cross body purse with a long strap and a cute ring detail. I chose to make it in a red bandana canvas fabric by Premier Prints. I think makes it a really cute teen look or perfect for someone who is young at heart.

The only problem I found with this book is that I could not find the suggested seam allowance anywhere in the book or on the patterns. Since most bag patterns use either a 1/4″ or a 1/2″ seam allowance, I used a 3/8″ seam allowance which is right down the middle! This worked out just fine.

Boutique Bags

The second book is titled, Boutique Bags. This book is geared towards a more advanced beginner to intermediate. Even so, it still has many projects that can be made by a beginner. In this book, Sue Kim adds more advanced techniques as well as use of more hardware. Examples of these are metal clasps, buckles and swivel hooks. The seam allowance for each project is clearly listed at 3/8″. There are 19 projects and the categories of the projects in this book are divided as follows: Small Projects, Clutches, and Bags.

The project I chose was in the Clutch category – The Jayleen Clutch. The Jayleen Clutch is a simple, modern and classy bag. The pattern is availabe in two sizes and can be made with a large bow in front. I chose to make the small version in a navy faux leather and left off the front bow even though I think it’s adorable. If I make it again in cotton or canvas, I am definitely going to make the bow!

Perfect Patchwork Bags

The third title, Perfect Patchwork Bags is a collaboration between Sue and her daughter Veronica who is also a designer. This book is geared towards introducing quilting and patchwork designs in bag-making. There are, however, directions to make each of the projects in single fabric versions as well. There are 15 projects that range from tablet sleeves to clutches to small bags and handbags to totes and backpacks. And many of them feature multiple sizes within a pattern. This book provides a great use for all those scraps you didn’t know what to do with!

As soon as I leafed through the book, I knew which project I wanted to make. The Tailynn Bag was right up my alley. Its a large tote with a four block pattern on the front (and back – optional), a gusset along the sides and bottom, and multiple pockets inside. I love the way this bag turned out using a beautiful rose print canvas, also by Premier Prints, in four different colorways.

I hope you enjoyed this month’s reviews and I hope you continue to accompany me on this journey. I’m not sure if I will be posting again this month as I am making all of the gifts I will be giving this Christmas. If not, have a lovely holiday season and a happy and safe New Year! It is my hope that my reviews will inspire you to will give some of these projects a try. I would love to see anything that you create. Be sure to tag me in your social media posts if you’ve been inspired to “make something beautiful today!”

You can purchase this book and most others that I have reviewed (or plan to) here.

If you liked this review, you might be interested in this one too…

Stitch & Sew – Book Review

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Links to featured products:

Bags – The Modern Classics

Boutique Bags

rfect Patchwork Bags

emier Prints Red Bandana Print

Premier Prints Farrah Rose Print – Blush

Premier Prints Farrah Rose Print – Raspberry