I am trying to learn how to sew. I fear it will be a long and drawn out process. Nevertheless, I shall not give up. I want to learn how to sew bags, or purses. I probably should spend more time at the sewing machine and less time at the computer, but I’m doing what I do best by reading blogs. I’m finding that there are quite a few sewing site out there that have free patterns and tutorials. Here are three of my favorites so far.
So far my very favorite purse making site is handbag.typepad.com. This British gal can really make some bags! And the best thing is that she not only posts some free patterns, but she also posts tutorials for some really useful stuff that isn’t found other places such as how to put in purse magnets, studs, grommets, and other purse hardware. Her name is Lisa Lam, and she has an online shop, U-Handbag. She has also written a book, “The Bag Making Bible.” Lisa lists contests and other fun things on her blog. She almost makes me want to move to the U.K., and she definitely makes me feel as if I will be able to sew a bag.
Another blog I really like is mamaspocketbook.com. Yes, they’re selling something too (a gal’s gotta make a living!) but they offer lots of free tutorials and links to other sites. Their laptop bag tutorial is something I haven’t seen elsewhere, and their tutorial of how to create boxed corners on your tote bag is practical advise. Speaking of tutorials I hadn’t seen elsewhere, I was downright floored to find a tutorial on how to sew an ironing board cover! And I was shocked to learn that I didn’t really know the correct way to sew on a button after all (I do now though!)
A site I just can’t live without is allcrafts.net. This site has 100 free purse patterns – yes, it is true! Here will find out how to make a purse from a tank top, a cow boy boot, and even a bra! This site is sort of a clearing house for all of the other websites because you will find just about everything that is listed on other sites listed here. It is almost the encyclopedia of purse making websites. I must admit, it is great to have everything, well, almost everything, in one place.
Another great website is lazygirldesigns.com. The free pattern for the Noriko handbag is worth the trip to that website. I also like sewing.about.com. I like the purses on lolaagain.blogspot.com although Lola, the site owner (a regular person, not someone selling something although I believe she may have a book) moved on from purses to quilts.
I’m sure there are dozens – maybe hundreds – of sites that I haven’t mentioned. Sigh. I could spend my time cruising the web and never start sewing…NO! Just because that apron I made failed does not mean the purse will fail! Time to make a purse!
So I’ll say goodbye and get off this computer and start sewing. With this many free patterns and tutorials to choose from, it’s in the bag, man!
