Wow, Amazon! That was quick.

So yesterday, I was thinking about a free PDF from Sew Mama Sew- The Blossom Bag. The bag is INCREDIBLE, so much so, that rather than just make it up from the pdf, I wanted the author to get paid for the work, so I bought the book.

I ordered the book from amazon yesterday a little before lunch. And today, I assume a little before lunch (because that's when Kevin brings the mail in) it arrived at my house. We do have Amazon Prime- but that's 2 day, not overnight. What speed!


So, what do I think of the book? Well, the Blossom Bag is without a doubt the best project in it. It's not a very expensive book (especially considering how expensive Amy Butler patterns are), so it might be worth it just for the pretty pictures, but there aren't too many projects that jump out at me. But- the Blossom Bag is advanced, so I plan to make one other one first. And there are two others that I like.

The book's subtitle is "12 easy ways to 26 wonderful bags"
It might as well say infinite wonderful bags, because what it considers a variation is very slight- in most cases, it is a change of handle, possibly a change of size. If a long handle vs short handle is a variation, so is a fabric change- that's how I calculated infinite!

The book contains a pocket in the back with all the pattern pieces, full size. It will be tough to get them all back into the pocket after unfolding, but a much better idea then printing the patterns scaled down in the book- scaling up is a PITA.

Here are the 12 bags, and my thoughts:

Cosmo Bag - I loved this bag on first sight. On second sight- it's HUGE! I wonder if there is a way to scale it down. It has two variations: long handle, short handle

Reversible Everyday Shopper- Cute pattern, probably one I will make. No variations, but it is reversible.

Origami Bag Set- Six different sizes of zipper bags. These don't seem too different from the zillion different zipper bag patterns you can get on the internet, but a lot of variety all in one place means you won't google forever for the perfect pattern, I suppose.

Beautiful Balance Checkbook Cover- An outdated idea (not many people use checkbooks anymore), but I'll probably make this one just because it's cute. Right now I just have a loose book of checks floating in my skating bag.

Perfectly Pleated Clutch- A cute purse, but I'm not a clutch person. It looks very formal, and cloth bags aren't formal- are they? 3 size variations.

Teardrop Bag- a cute bag, I'll probably make one of them. It has 2 size variations, but no handle variations. If they had done short handles, they could have claimed 28 bags. Short handles would look good.

Key Keeper Coin Purse - This is kind of goofy looking because it's the same shape as the teardrop bag, but it's a coin bag. It looses cuteness in the scale down.

Fringed Hobo Bag - This bag is absolutely absurd. Who needs a bag this big? Available as small or large, but both sizes are huge. And the fringe is so not my thing.

Blossom Handbag/Shoulder Bag - the bag from the pdf above- Gorgeous and a must have! 2 strap size variations available.

Everything Wristlet -This appears to be a formal clutch with a wrist strap. I think there is a disconnect between formal clutch and cotton print fabrics. I expect to see this in bridal silk or something. Two sizes.

Miss Maven Ruffled Handbag- I like the idea, but it's not my thing. Again, it's a very large bag for the style. (2 sizes, but both seem big). Maybe if the person carrying it was a very stylish person they'd pull it off, but I'd look silly.

Take Flight Handbag/Shoulder Bag- I love this one, but the retro look is something I'm unlikely to actually do. Comes in 2 sizes.