How Do You Make A Bag?

I’ve been sewing most of my life and making bags of some sort or another since 2005.  My definition of a ‘bag’ might be a little different than the traditional. I refer to anything that can be used for storage and organization – often with a zipper or other closure – as a bag.

When Jamie and I met for lunch one day this past summer after not being in touch for a while – she asked me if I’d consider teaching bag and other classes with her.

I was a little hesitant, because since I retired about three years ago, I’ve been living with no schedule.  And teaching classes sounded like a schedule.

I put together a variety of items to start with, pins & needles – which is a folding needle book with variations in storage and closures, the sew together bag, which has multiple zippered pockets inside the larger exterior zipper, the open wide pouch – which is quilted and has binding to finish it and the Cumbria tote – a traditional purse with an interior zippered divider built in. 

I added my double zipper wallet pattern which is my personal pattern and I sell the kits to make it easier for beginners who haven’t yet figured out where to get supplies and fabrics.

I also am taking over the beginners bag making class, which selects three items from the book That Handmade Touch from Svetlana Sotak that allow the student to learn some basic techniques. 

I’m open to teaching any purse or bag or storage item pattern, if you have one you want to try with assistance.  If you get a friend to join you, only two people are required to call it a group class, and private classes are always available.

I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned in my bag making journey with you!