Product Description

"When asked to do a book of handknit handbags, I jumped at the opportunity, because I love bags - they're practically indispensable! I've incorporated many different shapes and motifs that range from whimsical to haute couture, and have tried to make them functional, fashionable and fun. You'll find an added element that is very exciting to me...they're all...felted. Felting adds whole new dimensions to the bags - texture...durability...cohesion...and distinctive style. I well know how nerve racking it can be to throw a lovingly-knit project into the uncharted territory of hot and soapy water and hope that the gods of the washing machine will be kind. Not to worry! If you follow my felting hints, it most always works. And the good news is - a bag doesn't have to fit! So knit...felt...and be merry."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33005 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 84 pages

Review
"Just look at that cover- sumptuous, and this book does not disappoint. 15 fun felted bags based on themes such as flora, fauna, pictorial, tapestry, geometric and textural. Expert knitter, Nicky Epstein, puts her versatility into felted bags to create some of the best around. They not only look good but are practical too. So when you want your felted frog, cat, flapper bag or houndstooth, you know what to do. This 82 page book with lavish photography, has easy-to-follow knitting instructions for the bags which are then felted in a washing machine." KarenPlatt.co.uk

About the Author
Nicky Epstein is one of today's most prolific and versatile knitwear designers, authors and teachers. She has gained worldwide recognition for her artistic, distinctive and innovative work, whimsical sense of style and informative workshops. Her designs continue to be featured in many knitting magazines and publications, on television, and in museums.

Customer Reviews

Wearable art
The 15 bags in the book vary greatly in size, some could almost be labelled "suitcase" (20 x 24 inches is no mean bag to haul around even empty). Instructions for knitting are fine if not always conventional, and so far I haven't found any errors, or been greatly confused.
I found enough in this book to like and absolutely hate - for instance, the first bag is a striped houndstooth one 11" x 12" after felting, with floral decoration at the top, although I prefer it without. Bobbles and Brambles is a neat design, made me think of a modern day Audrey Hepburn it's in just 2 colours, measures 18" x 16", finished with a bow and neat shiny round handles (bought) - classy. These I really like.
My favourite is called Fuschias (although I believe the flowers are actually called Fuchsias after the plant hunter who found them). This design is in shades of pale bluey greys with a few fuchsia rosey/pink fuchsia heads dangling from the side. I love it, but it wouldn't be for everyone.
The one I truly hate is in the shape of a swan (looks like a dead one) and reminds me of those moth eaten fox collars old ladies used to wear years ago, it even has feathers decorating it. Yuk.
Another flowery offering is Wisteria, pretty and a bit antique looking and a more acceptable size at 14" x 17". A couple of novelties are a black & white cat with a mouse, and a frog with googly eyes and a protruding tongue - again not to my taste but someone else may love them.
I believe some editions of this book give yarns which prove difficult to come by , but my version gives Jamiesons who supply by mail order, and have a wonderful selection of shades.
If you're looking for a wonderfully different bag to take away for the weekend you could do a lot worse than the ones in here.