Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I received this Craftsy class in exchange for an honest review. Some links in this post are my affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Welcome to today's stop on The Great Canadian Craftsy Bag Tour! A bunch of us Canadian bloggers teamed up with Craftsy to try out some bag-related classes and bring our reviews to you. If you want to start at the beginning of the tour, check out the first stop, over at Emmaline Bags. Make sure to read all the way to the bottom for a special surprise.
If you're new here, and even if you're not, feel free to have a look around. I have a tab just for Canadian resources: one of the main reasons I started this blog was because so many fellow Canadians had a hard time sourcing supplies. I also have a Sales tab, where I try to stay current with fabric sales, pattern sales and other sewing related deals. If you're looking for something specific, have a browse through my categories, or use the search feature on my site.
If you're new here, and even if you're not, feel free to have a look around. I have a tab just for Canadian resources: one of the main reasons I started this blog was because so many fellow Canadians had a hard time sourcing supplies. I also have a Sales tab, where I try to stay current with fabric sales, pattern sales and other sewing related deals. If you're looking for something specific, have a browse through my categories, or use the search feature on my site.
The Class
Back to the reason you're here today: I'm reviewing the Craftsy Class Sew Sturdy Travel Organizers, with Annie Unrein. This class includes instructions for 2 projects. It covers the Everything In Its Place Bag, and the Hanging Cosmetics Bag.
I made the Hanging Cosmetics Bag and, while I wasn't thrilled with the class (more on that soon), I am pretty thrilled with my finished project.
I was happy to have an excuse to try out some free motion quilting I learned from Christina Cameli's Free Motion Quilting Class. I tried my first flower and practiced meandering, spirals and loops - so much fun! If you enjoy quilting but don't want to tackle a huge project, like a quilt, then either of these projects will be good for you since they both start with quilted fabrics.
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The Hanging Cosmetics Organizer has one mesh pocket, 2 vinyl pockets and one large structured pocket, each pocket zippered. The organizer folds up and closes neatly and can be carried by its handle or with the removable, adjustable strap. Of course you can stuff it full of all sorts of items, not just cosmetics; it could work for crafting supplies or many other goodies you come up with.
The Everything In Its Place Bag looks pretty handy too! I think the removable pages are a great idea. There are tons of pockets and loads of options to choose from so you can really create a custom bag to suit your needs. I think of it more as a book with pocket pages. Annie shows hers with sewing supplies, but back when I did a lot of scrapbooking, I would have loved this bag for crafting sessions on the go.
I really appreciated the tip for selecting fabric for this project. It was suggested to use a busy, non-directional print, as much of the pocket stitching is visible on the exterior portion of the bag.
The class is basically divided in two sections: the first being the Everything In Its Place Bag and the second being the Hanging Cosmetics Bag. There are over 3 hours of video instruction, plus a PDF of measurements to cut and written instructions. To clarify: this class does not include any actual pattern pieces, rather the measurements you need to cut in order to create each project. I state this here because after reading through some of the discussion in the class, some people were disappointed there weren't any pattern pieces included. We also need to round the corners with household objects as a template. Personally, I prefer to use my quilting rulers and rotary cutter, so I was fine without the pattern pieces. Here's the lesson plan:
I really appreciated the tip for selecting fabric for this project. It was suggested to use a busy, non-directional print, as much of the pocket stitching is visible on the exterior portion of the bag.
The class is basically divided in two sections: the first being the Everything In Its Place Bag and the second being the Hanging Cosmetics Bag. There are over 3 hours of video instruction, plus a PDF of measurements to cut and written instructions. To clarify: this class does not include any actual pattern pieces, rather the measurements you need to cut in order to create each project. I state this here because after reading through some of the discussion in the class, some people were disappointed there weren't any pattern pieces included. We also need to round the corners with household objects as a template. Personally, I prefer to use my quilting rulers and rotary cutter, so I was fine without the pattern pieces. Here's the lesson plan:
The beginning of each section is spent explaining the projects. This part was really important for the Organizer Bag because you need to decide which features you want for your bag before you start cutting your materials. The Cosmetics Bag construction is sort of an add-on to the Organizer Bag, in a sense that you're expected to have watched the first part of the class (and remember everything) to do the second project. Because of this, I found I had to jump around quite a bit. I did watch the whole class, but as I was sewing the Cosmetics Bag, I didn't remember the details of each step from the Organizer bag, so every time the instructor said "just like we did on the Organizer bag," I'd have to pause, go find the related step from earlier in the class, watch that, and then come back. I realize this isn't necessarily the instructor's issue, and in some cases, I believe the video was edited down to keep it at a reasonable length. Perhaps adding onscreen text to the video referencing where exactly we need to go back and watch would be helpful if Craftsy considers updating this class in the future.
I also had to refer to the PDF quite a bit because the video instruction wasn't specific enough. For example, the instructor would say "now take your facing and fold it in half" except, we had several facings, all different sizes, so I'd have to refer to the written instructions to figure out which one she meant. Again, onscreen text here would have been helpful. I think if I make this project again, I'll have to suck it up and print the PDF to help me follow along a bit more easily.
The class is listed as beginner, but I feel like a beginner would likely be overwhelmed by the disjointed nature of this class.I think it would be better suited for an advanced beginner to intermediate. I did like Annie's method for creating binding, and will use that way for other binding projects.
For my next one, I'd skip making the handle a long tube, turning it, and then trying to feed strapping into it; instead I would follow the method used for making the padded handle. I broke 2 safety pins trying to get that strapping in! I did appreciate that several methods were shown to create similar results.
There were also a few discrepancies between the verbal instructions from the instructor during the video and the written instructions; after spending a considerable amount of time, I discovered we need to follow the written instructions when any discrepancies occur.
I noticed participants outside of the US complained that they had a hard time sourcing the right supplies for this project. You can check out my Canadian Sewing Links if you're in Canada and looking for resources.
I also had to refer to the PDF quite a bit because the video instruction wasn't specific enough. For example, the instructor would say "now take your facing and fold it in half" except, we had several facings, all different sizes, so I'd have to refer to the written instructions to figure out which one she meant. Again, onscreen text here would have been helpful. I think if I make this project again, I'll have to suck it up and print the PDF to help me follow along a bit more easily.
The class is listed as beginner, but I feel like a beginner would likely be overwhelmed by the disjointed nature of this class.I think it would be better suited for an advanced beginner to intermediate. I did like Annie's method for creating binding, and will use that way for other binding projects.
For my next one, I'd skip making the handle a long tube, turning it, and then trying to feed strapping into it; instead I would follow the method used for making the padded handle. I broke 2 safety pins trying to get that strapping in! I did appreciate that several methods were shown to create similar results.
There were also a few discrepancies between the verbal instructions from the instructor during the video and the written instructions; after spending a considerable amount of time, I discovered we need to follow the written instructions when any discrepancies occur.
I noticed participants outside of the US complained that they had a hard time sourcing the right supplies for this project. You can check out my Canadian Sewing Links if you're in Canada and looking for resources.
The Platform
If you've read my other Craftsy reviews (here and here) you already know I think Craftsy is great. What is Craftsy? Well, it's an online learning platform. The main method of instruction is video, supported by accompanying written material, in a variety of categories including sewing, cooking, drawing, knitting, cake decorating, and photography. The video quality is exceptional and they even offer closed captioning! What makes these videos different from other instructional videos I've seen is the involvement from the instructor and other participants. You can ask questions or join a discussion at any time while you're watching. The instructors are so great at helping. One thing I really like about Craftsy is that once you purchase (or win) a class, it's yours forever, and you can access it from your computer, your phone or your tablet. I prefer to use the Craftsy app, because it's just so handy. The other really great thing about Craftsy is their money back guarantee.
The Instructor
Annie Unrein is the creator of a fabulous foam interfacing called Soft and Stable, and also several bag patterns. She is clearly very knowledgeable and experienced at sewing, and seems passionate about sharing her experience with others. I really do wish she had toned down the sales pitch throughout the class though. I felt a bit like a captive audience hearing about the products available on her site and the ones she's designed. I think it should have been limited to the intro of the class, but it was throughout the whole class and honestly put me off so much so that I had a hard time writing this review. As I mentioned though, I think it's clear that Annie is really good at what she does and passing that knowledge onto others.
I really enjoyed all the different methods she showed for turning tubes. I learned a new trick! I also decided to give my seam ripper a new life based on how Annie uses her Stiletto - so far so good, it's like an extra finger for holding really small pieces in place and feeding it under your presser foot.
I really enjoyed all the different methods she showed for turning tubes. I learned a new trick! I also decided to give my seam ripper a new life based on how Annie uses her Stiletto - so far so good, it's like an extra finger for holding really small pieces in place and feeding it under your presser foot.
Recommendation
I really am pleased with my finished project and I'm happy I now have instructions on what looks to be a really useful supply organizer. I did note that the instructor sells the patterns individually on her site, here and here, so if you really will never make both and think you could do without the extra help from the instructor and picking up some tips along the way, then it might make more sense for you to just purchase the one you'll make. The full price of the class is $40 USD, which I think is a bit steep since the patterns come to $20 USD, so is the class worth an extra $20? I think if video instruction is really helpful to you and you don't mind the sales pitch, then it probably could be. I personally wouldn't be happy paying $40 USD for this class. Luckily, Craftsy has shared with me a discount link to offer my readers, which brings the class down to about the cost of the patterns alone.
If you're interested in trying the class out for yourself, you can save 50% with this special discount link, good through April 13, 2016.
Not only has Craftsy provided all us bloggers on tour with a class, and all our readers discounts, they've also been so kind as to sponsor a prize! Up for grabs is a Rowan Three-Quarter Patch Tote kit, featuring Kaffe Fassett Fabric, plus fusible fleece to make the bag with! Just click here to enter!
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I hope you'll follow along with all of us, check the schedule to catch up if you need to and come back on Sunday for something special.
Tour Dates
Monday, April 4Seam of my Pants -- Bag-Making Basics: Reversible Tote & Zipper Pouch with Kristin Link and Learn to Sew: Simple Bags with Nicole Vasbinder
Tuesday, April 5Sprouting JubeJube -- Sew Sturdy: Home Organizers with Annie Unrein
Lulu & Celeste -- Sewing With Oilcloth: Bags & Baskets with Kathy McGee
Wednesday, April 6Happy Okapi -- Sew Sturdy Travel Organizers with Annie Unrein
Thursday, April 7Michelle's Creations -- Mix & Match: Clutch Bag Techniques with Janelle MacKay
Friday, April 8Shelaine's Designs -- Sew Better Bags: The Weekend Duffel with Betz White
Tangled Blossom Designs -- 20 Essential Techniques for Better Bags with Lisa Lam
Saturday, April 9Emmaline Bags -- Recap/Roundup
Sunday, April 10Sur "prizes"
Supplies used in my Hanging Cosmetics Organizer
- Amy Butler Violette :Leaf Lines in Jade (exterior); Town Center in Crush (binding and facings); Camellia in Crush (interior) from Dressew in Coquitlam
- Soft and Stable foam fromConnecting Threads
- Aurifil Thread from Dressew in Coquitlam
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