The passionate history, art, and design of over 500 antique, vintage, and contemporary purses were chosen from private collections and from Cora Ginsburg LLC, the premier dealer of antique textiles and costume in the United States. Many have never been published before, providing a fresh resource for collectors. Chapters cover the history of purses and every major style made as well as unique and very rare examples. Each caption provides detailed descriptions and current values, and the extensive bibliography gives many resources for further reading.

Ready to move beyond basic bags and totes? Now you can create sophisticated handbags and totes with a modern look. Learn a variety of intermediate to advanced techniques--from installing zippers and magnetic snaps to creating adjustable straps--and find detailed info on selecting the right interfacing, stabilizer, or batting for any project. Choose from 12 new designer-style bags and purses--alternate colorways provide additional inspiration Make use of clearly illustrated, well-tested patterns for sewing attractive bags Add stylish design elements that make your bags stand out: piping, three-dimensional pockets, fabric pleats, and more

The Bags and Purses: The Story of Chic and Practicality, is the seventh book in the popular HISTORY OF FASHION ACCESSORIES series. This is the story about handbag, an accessory that is carried and that is worn over the shoulders. Modern day workbags are like jobs, they come with benefits, qualifications, and compensations.

Whether you are looking for something to make in a day to take out that evening, or a more complex project to lavish time and effort on, 'Brilliant Bags' is packed with inspiration and ideas to create bags that balance beauty with practicality.

When Haley arrives at Holt's employee luncheon and fashion show, she spots a sick server and helps out by putting on a uniform and waiting tables. The luncheon is a hit, with catered food from Edible Elegance--her mother's latest business--until top fashion model Claudia Gray is found dead in the ladies room. Too bad for Haley that Claudia, ex-girlfriend of Haley's current sort-of boyfriend, was poisoned and the police are looking for a missing server. Can Haley uncover the truth before she becomes a victim?

From the author of the bestselling The Bag Making Bible comes a collection of twelve inspiring bags for you to make at home—includes photos. Lisa Lam brings you a stunning collection of sewing patterns to make your own bags. The book features twelve bag designs with full photographic instructions, as well as a link to print-at-home patterns so that you can get started right away. A Bag for All Reasons is filled with Lisa’s in-depth advice, from the tools and equipment you need, to understanding and interpreting patterns, to choosing, preparing and cutting fabrics. A comprehensive techniques section explains some core bag-making techniques such as how to insert a zip pocket and how to use magnetic snap closures—everything you need to create professional, practical and great-looking bags. With projects ranging in complexity from the beginner Compact Groceries Tote to the more fully featured Too-Cool-for-School Satchel, you can progress with each new creation. You can make your own iPad case, sew a child’s backpack, create a pretty purse using a metal purse frame, and so much more! The bags all have style and substance and are designed with real-life practical uses in mind. Within each project Lisa gives her hints and tips for success, along with advice on how you can customize the patterns to create your own version of the design. “Lisa has created another, spirited collection of gorgeous bags that are fashionable with an added higher purpose of being incredibly useful! This information rich book will elevate your sewing know how with versatile techniques and inspiring suggestions for making these bags your own.” —Amy Butler, author of “Style Stitches”

When celebrated international purse designer, Katherine Watson, hosts a gala for her Purse-onality Museum, she never expected the next day's headline to read: 'Murder at the Gala Premiere.' But after a dead body is found during the event, that's exactly what happened. Working to solve the murder, Katherine matches wits with local cop Jason Holmes and his K-9 partner, Hobbs. Although Holmes and Watson disagree often, they discover an undeniable attraction building between them. But they'll have to put their feelings on hold and focus on solving the murder, before Katherine becomes the killer's next knock off.

Memories of growing up on the farm in rural Saskatchewan.