Both are looking better than my first sorry attempt. The one on the left is for my sister (we worked on it together), and the one one the right is mine.

In the interest of learning how to make non-floppy purses and other goods, I’ve been doing a bit of reading. I’ve been making my way through the archives of the blogs you’ve all suggested (thank you!), and I bought a few books.

Amy Karol’s Bend-the-Rules Sewing, Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing, Amy Butler’s In Stitches

And of course, there are flickr groups for each of them.

I haven’t made anything yet, my favorite of the bunch so far is Bend-the-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol (of Angry Chicken fame). It seems perfect for someone like me that’s just getting started.

I also ordered a handful of patterns (maybe six or seven?) for purses and skirts. Yes, I want to eventually make skirts too. I’m most excited about the Bag Pattern from the Curiosity Shoppe.

Cute! Six different styles, and I think I might actually be able to make most of them.

I may have gone a little overboard, eh? Such is my personality. When I decide I want to do something, I throw myself into it full force. Sewing, you’re on notice. I will master you. And then I will slipcover an ugly old bench.

Reading Recommendations

For those of you that are of the bookish persuasion, I set up a little bookshop here on the site. Check it out, will you? The sewing books are there, and I’ve added a few of my other favorites under the different categories.

I also added a link on the far right sidebar – just look for the little stack of books. I’ll be adding new titles to the bookshop now and then, so feel free to check back every so often.