This month’s book review is of Sue Spargo’s latest self-published pattern book, Urban Sacs.



Unlike most of Sue’s previous books, which usually contain the pattern and templates for one quilt, this little book is comprised of the patterns for four different wool bags, each very different and all with the delicious folk art style Sue is famous for.

If I had to choose a favourite it would be the Savannah Satchel.




This sensibly sized over the shoulder mailbag style bag is great for carrying everything you need on a short trip. Not only is is easy to make and comfortable to wear, it is covered by elephants! The front one sports a velvet ear, which makes it fantastic in my book.

I have had this bag cut out for a few weeks now, all ready to make – unfortunately it’s a project which has to wait just a little while longer. A few other talented people have finished theirs though, you can read all about Amy’s at her blog




and one of Sue’s students , Robin Wallace, has made hers as well – in fact she’s made three! This is just one of them.




Next there is the Meadow Backpack, a generous sac with two straps, designed to be worn over both shoulders. The front flap has a gorgeous Sue Spargo signature flower for you to appliqué.



The Vintage Duffel is a little more complicated to make, but well worth the effort. I can imagine going for an overnight with my jammies in this bag.



The final project in the book is the Journey Tote. Larger than the other bags, it makes for a fantastic quilt bag! You can fit a folded up quilt and a hoop in here for hand quilting at your local group or at sports on the weekend. When Sue was in Australia she toted it around with her latest appliqué project inside. It has heaps of pockets for threads and scissors etc and sturdy handles to carry the weight.



As is usual with Sue’s books, the instructions are very easy to follow and the appliqué is quirky and fun to stitch. This book is most easily ordered directly from Sue herself , but some other stockists of Sue’s products are:

Cottage Quiltworks: www.cottagequiltworks.com.au
Hatched and Patched: www.hatchedandpatched.com.au
Amitie Textiles: www.amitie.com.au