Quilted Bags With Style: 25 Patchwork Purses, Totes, and Bags

25 charming, contemporary designs show you how to create speedy style from scratch. The home-made and the hand-made have been called 'the fashions that never die'. With the explosion in crafted accessories as the proven retail success of the decade, an increasing number of beginners are creating their own pieces. Designer Ellen Kharade showcases 25 unique designs in this collection of bags for all occasions. Suitable for beginners and experienced stitchers alike, Ellen reveals how to use inexpensive materials to turn a bundle of scraps into a truly personal heirloom gift. Clear step-by-step artworks illustrate every project, and Ellen also includes advice on how to pick fabrics that work well together and on the best materials to use, and tips on how to make your bags sturdy and longlasting. Sections range from practical shoppers and totes to smart formal bags, as well as a section on creating embellished gifts and delicately precious evening bags. Using many traditional quilting patterns and stitches, and including templates, every project can be completed in a weekend.

Ellen Kharade works as a fabric designer and interiors expert for a variety of crafts magazines, and has appeared on telelvison as a guest designer for the UK Style Channel's 'Real Rooms' makeover series. Her works appear regularly in Crafts Beautiful magazine, and she has demonstrated for Hobbycrafts at the annual NEC show.