Introduction 6
Understanding the templates 8
Materials 12
Tools 14
Techniques 16
Debbie’s top tips 26
Glossary 27
The Projects 28
Simple 30
Crafty 34
Curved flap 38
Knot 42
Patchwork 46
Piped 50
Patch pocket 54
Purse with flap 58
Purse with zip 62
Foldaway 66
Quilted 70
Beach bag 74
Drawstring bag 78
Double pocket 82
Bow 88
A little something extra 92
Index 96
Debbie Shore started her career as a children's television presenter and since then has appeared regularly on television both as an actress and selling products on a shopping channel. Debbie has also hosted live fashion shows with a major fashion store, produces her own range of instructional DVDs and writes for several popular sewing magazines. She is now a bestselling author and has written 12 books for Search Press, with several more under way. Debbie was voted Sewing Designer of the Year in the Immediate Media British Craft Awards 2017. She lives in Lincolnshire. Visit her website at www.debbieshoresewing.com.
Sew News Staff Pick - Find everything you need to create 15 stylish
bags and design countless more with The Build a Bag Book &
Templates. It contains easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and
is stored in a handy hardback folder with two sturdy, reusable
templates, making it a valuable resource that you'll come back to
again and again.
*Sew News*
These two stunning new titles from Debbie convince us yet again
that we can never have too many bags! Each book comes in an
attractive hard-back folder which also encloses a wallet containing
two durable plastic templates, from which, by following Debbie’s
impeccable instructions, it is possible to construct fifteen
different bags from each book. There is a bag for every taste
and occasion, each beautifully presented in full colour, showing
Debbie’s inspiring fabric choices. Techniques including
zipped pockets, magnetic closures and piping are all covered in
detail, making these projects suitable for every level of sewing
expertise. Debbie also includes inspiring suggestions on
adapting the templates to expand the design possibilities and
create even more bags. Outstanding value for money, these
books are a definite must-have for every bag-loving sewer.
*East Kent Embroiderers’ Guild*
Debbie Shore has released two new bag making books in a new series
of books with Search Press – the Build a Bag series. The
first two books focus on Tote Bags and Occasion bags, each book
containing instructions for 15 projects as well as tips on making
your own variations of these designs. I hear that future books
include backpacks and satchels. What differentiates these books
from other bag making books is they both come with full size
reusable plastic templates, so you can use them repeatedly without
the wear and tear you normally get from paper patterns. They are
thin plastic templates with slots for you to draw through to mark
the shape of your bag, the flap or zip positioning. The templates
are also transparent, so you can fussy cut your fabric. Each book
has a handy plastic pocket inside the front cover to safely store
your templates, so they don’t get bent or damaged. Both books start
with a guide to using the templates, to the tools and techniques
you will need to make the bags (with step by step instructions and
colour photos) and some tip tips from Debbie. The bags themselves
range in size and complexity and include clutch bags, large totes
and handbags. Some of them do look quite similar with just a detail
like the bag flap changed but there’s still several different
styles and sizes contained in the books. The projects teach you
different bag making techniques including adding zips, making
pockets, sewing different shaped bag flaps, making piping, bag
closures, making quilted bags, adding details like bows or applique
etc. In her bag making tips Debbie lets the reader know which bag
is the easiest one to start with. As with all her books the project
instructions are easy to follow and have clear photos for every
stage to help guide the reader. These books are ideal for those new
to bag making and will help readers grow their bag making skills
and confidence as they work through the projects. The plastic
templates are a brilliant idea and a great bonus. I look forward to
seeing the next books in this series.
*The Sewing Directory*
I always get excited when Debbie Shore brings out a new book. The
'Build A Bag' series is absolutely amazing. A brand new concept
that is both original and simple, the 15 projects are stunning. The
book and the reusable templates come in a folder and can be removed
for easier usage. As always, the projects are beautifully presented
and the instructions are simple to follow. the step by step
instructions come in both a visual and written format, and with
additional hints and tips they can be adapted and embellished to
your own design. Each project has a coloured diagram to show what
piece of template to use. For both a beginner and an advanced
sewist, this is one book that will be forever loved. The bags as
you would expect are amazing, and all are absolutely useful. I can
imagine my friends are going to love them. They are a perfect gift
idea. The only problem is knowing which to sew first!!
*Postcard Reviews*
Debbie Shore is well-known for her clear, instructional sewing
videos and during lockdown, I watched many of them. But for those
who don’t get on with online tutorials - which can be challenging
when the computer screen is not in the same room as the sewing
machine - her books are even better to follow! Tote Bags is the 3rd
in her Build a Bag series, and the complete novice bag-maker will
find her cutting out and assembling instructions could not be
easier. Using the two durable and reusable templates provided with
the book, Debbie shows you how to create 15 specific bag designs,
then, when feeling more adventurous, mix and match and adapt the
templates to create your own unique designs. Because the templates
are semi-transparent and sturdy, they can be precision positioned
(for fussy cutting) and drawn around so there’s no need for
guess-work or pins. I particularly like this book for its A4 size
and its bold, clear photographs of each stage of sewing: by
following Debbie’s pictorial sequence of completion, you will be
ensured the perfect finish. Committing your precious,
just-off-the-loom masterpiece to the scissors can be a paralysing
moment, but Debbie’s step-by-step instructions will support you all
the way.
*Association of Guilds for Spinners, Weavers and Dyers*
From the minute I received my copy of this new book I just couldn't
wait to get started. It is great that it has a hard cover and
pockets to keep the templates in. Debbie takes you through
the whole journey of how to make each tote bag so if you are a
beginner there is plenty of help and references for you to look at
if you are unsure. So far I have only made the "Sew simple tote
bag", but I can't wait to get started on my next project which will
be the, "Purse with Flap". I think that there will be a few friends
that may be getting bags for their Christmas present
*Joan Whalen*
For a sewing book, this Debbie Shore book was easy to follow and
understand. There are plenty of bag options the hardest bit of the
book is choosing which to make first once you have your supplies in
hand. Each pattern shows which piece of template is needed and
there are clear picture instructions as well. Well done Debbie
Shore I hope she brings out many more books in this type.
*Amazon*
This is beautifully packaged and set out well for everyone to be
able to achieve the tote bags. Each bag has informative
instructions and easy to follow guidelines. Debbie's tips and
techniques are also a helpful addition to the book and gives you a
chance to try new ideas to enhance your bags. The Templates are
wonderful for placing on your material to enable you to have the
placement of stuff as you want it to be.
*Lynne Callister*
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