If you follow Sara Lawson's blog Sew Sweetness, you're probably aware that she recently taught a Craftsy class. It's all about interfacing and tips for better bag making. I feel pretty confident with interfacing choices, but I'm a big fan of Sara's so I took this class to see what it had to offer. Craftsy has given me a discount to share with you all as well! Find the discount toward the bottom of the post.
The Class
I think the class did a really good job at showing something I thought could only be taught with a physical hands-on experience. Sara compiled many samples of interfaced fabrics, using different fabric and interfacing combinations. She showed several different examples in completed bags, which really helps demonstrate the body and support interfacing lends to bags.
I think it's a really great class for those starting out in bag making. I wish this class was around when I first started making bags. The proper interfacing selection makes such a big difference to the look and feel of a completed bag. Just getting started at bag making can be so confusing and overwhelming; I really think this class helps take a lot of the confusion out of the subject. Even though I'm not a beginner, I picked up a few tips myself. I'd like to try some of the alternative stabilizers mentioned in the class.
It's not only about interfacing though! Sara also covers how to:
- make straps
- install zippers
- install magnetic snaps
- make bias binding and piping
- make a false bottom
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Some other topics were: choosing thread, needle size, and stitch length. I'm excited to try her trick for bias binding finish on seams. I always struggle with those, but Sara made it look easy with her tips. I also learned about some interesting tools I'd like to try out. The class also comes with a handy interfacing comparison chart, found in the class materials.
The Platform
I've only started using Craftsy less than a year ago. I really like it so far. I find the app works really well for me, but watching from my computer is also convenient. I like to watch classes on my tablet while preparing food or folding laundry. There are many free classes to choose from as well. With Craftsy, there really isn't a risk either, because of their 100% money back guarantee. Another really great feature of Craftsy is that class participants can ask (written) questions during the class, and the instructor answers. It's great, because you see the questions others are asking. I learned nearly as much reading the questions and answers as I did from the class!
The Instructor
I found Sara so charming and really easy to listen to. Her instructions were clear and comprehensive. Those outfits! She doesn't say in the class, but I'm almost positive she made all her outifts, and I loved seeing them. I found that Sara went above and beyond answering class questions. I didn't notice any unanswered questions. Some questions I didn't find relevant to the class, but Sara graciously answered them anyway. I also really liked that she showed us some of her "not so perfect" bags to help us learn from her mistakes.
Recommendation
I wholeheartedly recommend this class for anyone starting out in bag making. Whether you've made one bag, or you've made a few basic bags but are wanting to take your bags to the next level, then this is the class for you! I can't fully recommend this class to experienced bag makers, because I think much of the material covered in the class, you will already have a firm grasp on. If you're a fan of Sara's though, like me, and enjoy taking Craftsy classes, then I still think you'd enjoy the class, and probably pick up a tip or two. It was fun seeing bags made from patterns I've used and even tested.
Here are some other reviews of the class:
Here are some other reviews of the class:
The Discount
Until February 11, you can save 50% on the Building Better Bags Craftsy class here.
Full disclosure: I received this class for free as part of the Craftsy affiliate program. The opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links and I earn commission from sales made through these links. Thanks for your support!
Have you taken the class? What did you think? What other classes would you like to see a review on? Let me know in the comments.
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