Introducing: Lunch Bags!

This book saw its beginnings because I wanted to find a lunch bag for my pre-schooler. When I went to the shops, all I saw were branded or very expensive lunch bags. I did not want my son to be a walking superhero advertisement! So, in my quest to be an environmentally friendly, non-branded mom, I decided to make a lunch bag. I searched all the usual places, but I struggled to find any inspiring patterns. Next step: My go-to source for just about everything I don’t find at a garage sale: Etsy.com. And…I hit the lunch bag jackpot!

So many designers are creating wonderful solutions to make the pack lunch more interesting and improve how they lunch. So I invited 25 of these designers to share their patterns and instructions with you in the form of Lunch Bags! One lunch bag in the book has sturdy ties to carry a newspaper or a yoga mat, another is just the right size to hold bento boxes, and another looks as sophisticated as a handbag. One includes a handy placemat and napkin and another one attaches to the front of your bicycle!

As the Acquisitions Editor for Stash and C&T, I feel sure that many of you share the same values regarding reducing and reusing. I have confidence that with some simple sewing skills and the designers’ flawless instructions and inspiring patterns, Lunch Bags! is the way to bypass the ordinary store-bought selection of lunch bags and create unique and personal projects. Here are a few page excerpts from the book:

This is the second book in our series of titles called Design Collective. By showcasing the work of a variety of designers, we’ve ensured that you’ll find the perfect lunch bag, snack bag or sandwich wrap to make. Within these pages there are simple bags suitable for adding personalization and embellishments, sophisticated bags to take into the office, children’s bags for school or picnics, and even a bit of crochet!

Some of the projects are simple and can be customized based on fabric choices alone, and some are a bit more of a challenge. But all are enjoyable, environmentally friendly, practical creations. I hope you enjoy making and gifting these bags for yourself, friends and family.

Next week, we are going to have a fantastic giveaway, so check back on Tuesday to find out the details.