Combining fashion, design, textile art, and embroidery, this beautiful and practical guide is a sumptuous celebration of the embroidered purse in its many forms. From simple two-sided styles to elaborate gusseted box designs, from small elegant clutches to roomier drawstring bags, they"re inspired by the finest historical examples and an international array of textile patterns. Easy-to-follow and practical information offers advice on construction, complete with diagrams, while exquisite illustrations suggest innovative and unusual ideas for embellishment. Stitch a Chinese Silk Clutch inspired by the sea, a purse with bonded silk and velvet, and a colorful, cylindrical English Patchwork Harlequin design.