Stuart Hillard - Bags for Life: 21 Projects to Make, Customize & Love Forever

BAGS FOR LIFE

STUART HILLARD

21 projects to make, customise & love forever

Sewing is my biggest passion and my greatest pleasure, its something Ive done since I was a tot. I learned the basics of sewing before I learned to read, it was my mums way of keeping me occupied and happy but I dont think she imagined it would sustain my whole life! Over the years Ive sewn just about everything from curtains to quilts, waistcoats to wedding hats. Bags have a very special place in my heart they are useful and practical and a very stylish way to accessorize an outfit. Anyone who knows me knows that I love bags and Im rarely seen without one! Where else would I stash my snacks?

Seriously though, who doesnt love a bag? Ive been making bags for myself and friends for many years and the reason I started was to fill a rather glaring gap. More than 20 years ago I was a member of a quilting group and we, like every sewing group Ive ever visited, had a resident bag lady. Ours was called Viv! She would come to class every month with another fabulous bag creation and everyone in the group would admire her work. The problem was, all the bags she made were most definitely designed for women. I asked Viv if she had any patterns suitable for men. She shook her head... perhaps, she suggested, I could create my own?

I designed my first pattern that week, a variation on the everyday messenger bag youll find in this book, and Ive been making it ever since, as well as teaching others to make bags. My designs are for everyone, regardless of gender or style. They can be made to look very simple, pared back and modern or loud, flamboyant and bursting with exuberance. Pick your bag, choose your fabrics and make it your way!

This book is for anyone who already loves making bags or has ever thought theyd like to have a go. There are designs for complete beginners right through to more advanced bag making, but at my core, I like to design projects that are achievable. None of the bags in this book require a great deal of experience or time for that matter so there are plenty of quick fix projects for when you need to scratch that creative itch.

Ive divided the book up into project chapters as well as covering the basic techniques and the kind of materials and equipment that youll find most useful. The projects themselves are divided into six chapters, inspired by some of the reasons and occasions when a bag is needed. Shopping, work or college, luggage, picnicking, days out and crafting are all included but Im sure that you will see many opportunities for cross-pollination between the chapters and ways you could use my designs for other occasions.

Im a fabric lover and love to design projects that really celebrate the fabric. Ive used lots of different styles of fabric for this book but I suppose each one reflects a side of my character. Even my city bags, although practical and smart, understated and simple, had to have a little bit of zebra and palm tree thrown at them! Thats the point isnt it? This is me... now show me who you are!

My bag designs are a great way to show your personality and style but dont stop at the fabric! Every pattern comes with a Make it yours tip where I share one or two ideas for variations. Add pockets, leave pockets out, mix designs and create hybrids, enlarge or reduce the sizes. Experiment! I want you to use these 21 designs as a starting point in your bag-making journey so feel free no, I insist make each one as unique as you are!