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
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 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
The Instructor
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
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"
- 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