Exquisite Embroidered Bags & Accessories - Handcrafted Floral & Geometric Patterns for Women | Perfect for Casual Outings, Weddings & Boho Fashion

As already stated by another reviewer, this is not the book for you if you are simply looking for beautiful embroidery designs with a modern slant. While the book does contain those, they are primarily for small sewn projects, and some of them include appliqué. 14 of the 17 projects are bags, totes, or purses. The remaining three are beaded brooches, handkerchiefs, and a skirt and blouse appliqué motif. The handkerchiefs and the skirt and blouse appliqué motif assume the use of using store bought (or at least pre-made) items, and there are patterns for everything else.The book begins with full color photographs for each project showing both the completed object (the exception being the skirt and blouse - only the embroidered parts are shown) and many also including a smaller detail photograph. The actual instructions and patterns for the projects come later in the book. A page each is dedicated to the tools used in the projects as well as the types of threads used for embroidering. The photograph that accompanies the list of different types of threads is very useful as a visual guide to their thickness and how they compare to one another. Two pages each are given to interfacing (types of interfacing and ways to use them), how to appliqué, how to embroider with raffia, and how to use soluble canvas. Five pages are given over to illustrated instructions for the embroidery stitches used in the projects, including how to sew on sequins and beads. This is followed by the instructions for each of the projects, and the book ends with a short list of resources for finding fabric, embroidery materials, and purse findings.Beautiful book, this ia delightful for all the reasons Japanese craft books are superior to all others. Unlike many Japanese craft books, most of these wonderful designs are quite achievable. In fact, because the patterns to cut out and sew are included, you will find this useful even if you use machine embroidery on the fabric before it is cut out.Don't worry; the text is in English, although I found the Japanese books quite easy to use, even when there was no English at all in the books I bought when I lived there. Not only is there great attention to detail, but the abundance of photos, diagrams, and line drawings make it easy to recreate these beauties. And the lovely purse frames are available from Amazon, too. I have been collecting Japanese craft books for nearly 30 years, and I have not been disappointed yet.Great book with many good ideas.This book is better than what I had expected. The directions are clear, and in the back of the book is an envelope full of paper patterns to copy/cut out and use for personal use. I love the designs in this book. Naoko Shimoda is a rock star!I like all the lovely examples and motivators included in the book. It made my hands itch for a needle, thread and fabric.Refreshing. I own about 30 embroidery books. I haven't done embroidery for many years, and this book is inspiring me to do start again. Recommend.The patterns have lovely, clear photos and wonderfully concise instructions. All the patterns are done well and all the templates are easy to understand. I don't think there is a single project that I didn't want to attempt.Comprehensive book, well illustrated and easy to follow patterns.A beautiful and inspiring book. Not only are the projects all beautiful (there isn't one that I don't like), the instructions are clear and the hints and tips make you feel like instantly picking up your embroidery hoop, thread and/or beads and giving it all a try. One of those books that just makes me want to say thank you to the author for sharing her expertise so beautifully. Most of the projects are bags (there are many different kinds - all original and beautiful) but there is also a brooch and some lovely embroidered appliqué to apply to clothing. Of course you could use the embroidery stitches and ideas on anything you fancied. The instructions are very clearly photographed and illustrated and there's a nice surprise: an envelope stuck to the inside back cover contains the patterns for each project. Not only will you want to make all the projects just as they are, the book will surely encourage you to develop your own ideas with these projects as a starting point. I wish there were more books like this!lovely designs for bags purses and wallets with lots of techniques. detailed explanation of tools, types of thread and use of interfacings. stitch diagrams and techniques such as applique, using raffia and ribbon as thread and using water soluble canvas for beading and cross stitch. full size patterns are supplied as separate pages in an envelope at the back of the book. would have given it 5 stars if it had contained more designs like the one on the cover - this is just a personal preference and otherwise i found the book excellent.I have been doing embroidery for many years, this book will enhance and up date my ideas. great buyI didn't realise when I purchased this book that it's all hand embroidery; I'm a free machine embroiderer. I find the designs useful, though.The book did not live up to its cover as I was more interested in the embroidery which is not depicted inside and though I may make a bag at some point I was disappointed as a whole