Its a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, and Bowls

Our public library had this book, and after checking it out, it is one I had to buy for myself. Very good information, clearly written. I love making baskets now.

Step by step instructions are clear and complete. Ive made two projects and Ive had ok results. Following the instructions is easy, but there is definitely some practice needed before you have a good looking product like they show you in the book. The projects also take a lot of time. Between cutting the strips, wrapping the cord, and sewing the project, I was surprised at how much time is invested.

I only picked up my package today at Post Office. However, I already had looked through this book that was from the library. I absolutely love some of the baskets pictured in book. Havent tried making it yet. Just for the photos of the baskets its worth it.

Made two baskets. Going to make more.

In the 1.3 years that Ive had this book, and worked on this craft, Ive gotten enormous pleasure combining fabrics and colors and shaping bowls, hot pads, totes, hats and more, most of which Ive given to very appreciative friends and relatives. Susan Breier makes the process easy to undertand and follow, and the bright color photos offer many jumping-off points for individual creativity! My only caveat is that it is imperative to have a heavy-duty sewing machine and thick, sharp needles to get through the layers of fabric and clothesline smoothly. I pretty much destroyed an old Singer Futura I used at the beginning - but liked the craft so much that I bought a refurbished Bernina with a stronger motor and more durable parts, and it handles these projects, over and over, like sewing through butter. I enjoy that the craft isnt very exacting, like quilting, since Im not fond of meticulous cutting and sewing tasks. I get loads of compliments on my own pocketbooks and totes that Ive created, and its fun to explain to folks how theyre made.

I love to sew and quilt so I have many pieces of fabric around, this book has many unique and creative ways to use up those scraps. For anyone that likes to be creative and has a stash of scraps, this is a great book to use them up to make nice things for your home or great gifts!

Easy to do, helps to use up my fabric stash, finish in a few hours, easy directions, finished item is useful, fun to make.

This is the first time Ive reviewed a craft book, though I have a history of buying many and never really using them. I had to write to add my recommendation for this book to those others have written. The directions in this book are so clear and the project pictures so inspirational that I immediately went to work to make my first bowl. That was followed in the same day by another. I had a full box of fabric I considered too ugly to use for any quilts, but I dug into it and found it had new life as bowl material. In fact, the ugliest fabric I used looked fantastic when cut into strips and wrapped around the clothesline into the bowls coils. (Note: finding the clothesline in a local store is the hardest part of making these bowls. Be sure to do some comparison shopping before purchasing your clothesline. I found mine at Wal-Mart for less than a quarter of the price it was at the hardware store). You do not need a fancy sewing machine to make these bowls. Any machine that does a zig-zag stitch will work. I decided to use my Berninas walking foot after some experimentation, but it certainly isnt necessary to be successful. I am already thinking about my next bowls and the great gifts they will make for birthdays and Christmas. The possibilities for embellishment are endless. I am already imagining how I can twist funky yarns or metallic floss around with the fabric to create a whole new surface texture. Also, dont feel like you are limited to using 100 percent cotton on these bowls. On my second bowl I used a metallic-looking lame and some thin velvet strips and they were gorgeous. I plan to do some beading to really make this bowl zing. You are only limited by your imagination in making these bowls your own individual creations. I dont consider myself an artist. I usually need clear instructions to get a project going. But on these bowls I really felt like I created something special right from the get-go. I recommend this book and the bowls very highly.

Ease of use

I just finished by first two projects. A small bowl and then a larger one. The instructions are very easy to follow and the more you make the more you want to make!! Now I have another way to use up my scrap material. The projects in the book are very inspiring and Im sure Ill come up with some very unique things!