Bag Bazaar: 25 Stylish Bags to Sew in an Afternoon

Handbags are hotter than ever— but so are their designer price tags. There’s never been a better time to sew your own fashionable bags, and it has never been easier with designer Megan Avery as your teacher. In Bag Bazaar, Avery presents 25 bags that even a sewing newbie can handle, in a variety of styles sure to match any look.

For years, Avery has hosted bag-making workshops in her boutique. Here she shares her expert advice as well as the blueprints for her most popular designs. Beginning with a guide to basic sewing techniques, Avery then features patterns for bags that range from funky to sophisticated, from a roomy backpack and an adjustable-strap messenger bag to an evening wristlet and a pleated clutch. Also included are patterns for specialty bags such as an eco-friendly grocery tote, a laptop sleeve, and a garment bag. Need extra pockets or longer handles? All of the patterns are completely customizable. Every design is accompanied by a hip, modern illustration, and—best of all—Avery offers all the encouragement and know-how you need to invent your own unique creations.

With patterns for everything from clutches and hobos to cosmetic bags and beach totes, Bag Bazaar shows you how to create the perfect, custom accessory—in less time than it would take to shop for one.

MEGAN AVERY is the founder and owner of M. Avery Designs. Her work has been featured in Blueprint, Modern Bride, InStyle, and on The Style Network’s Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? She lives in Hoboken, New Jersey. Visit her online at www.maverydesigns.com