Bag University 101

Have you envied those gorgeous bags and totes you’ve seen other people using? Well now you can start making your own beautiful handmade bags with confidence as you learn the basics in this series of progressive classes. Anyone can participate – no embroidery machine required!

In the first three month series of school you will learn foundational bag and tote making skills which will allow you to make most any bag with confidence. You will be putting in zippers, pockets, linings and adding straps and embellishments with ease. Not sure which stabilize to use? No problem, we will cover that as well.  Each month you will make a bag or tote in class and focus on two or three foundational techniques which you will then apply to your future projects.

 We will not be embroidering in class. However, you may put a design on your fabric and bring the completed design to class and I will show you how to incorporate it into your bag.

There will be homework to complete before class. If you don’t do your homework you will be behind in class and you will get an incomplete on your report card.

Once you successfully complete Beginning Bag Making you may graduate to Intermediate Bag Making. You will continue to increase your skills and make more complex projects as you complete your classes. You will also have a lovely selection of bags and totes!

All you need is a good working knowledge of your sewing machine and basic sewing supplies and I’ll teach you the rest. Don’t wait – sign up today!!!  Classes will be held on the second Friday of the month following Breakfast Club at noon to 4:30. The tuition for the first quarter is $105 plus the cost of the three patterns. Maybe bring a snack for the late afternoon.

First Class:  Farmer’s Market Pattern from This & That

This is a basic bag with pockets, snap closure, handles and a box bottom. There are two samples in the shop; the pink striped bag with the bicycle or the red, white and black bag. The bicycle design is a stock design on the Brother Luminaire embroidery machine. It is not transferable to other machines. You could look online for a similar design if you want. Let me know if you want a design on the front of your bag and I’ll give you the fabric dimensions and design placement.

Second Class: Renaissance Ribbons Bag Pattern from by Annie.com

You can turn this simple, quick bag into an exquisite masterpiece with a variety of ribbons and borders. We will quilt on foam to give the bag a nice shape and of course add a pretty zipper and box bottom to top it all off.

Third Class: Pocketful of Rulers pattern from Bella Nonna

This is a great bag designed to carry your rulers, mat and more! There are lots of pockets inside too. You will learn quilting on foam, different style of pockets, webbing straps and binding. This is very handy bag to have for carrying your tools to and from class!!

 
Click here to view the supply list