The Stitch a longs
If you can't make it to a real life workshop, or if you just prefer to work at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home, you might enjoy one of my online 'Stitch a longs'
They take place on Facebook, and each one is dedicated to a particular bag or purse pattern and has its own special Group page. When you join the Group, you will have access to the pattern, written instructions you can download and videos of me teaching each step.
The Groups are also great places to share your photos, either of your finished makes, or just your work in progress shots! If you have any questions about the pattern, or get stuck on something, someone is usually at the end of a keyboard with invaluable help, tips and ideas.
The videos are viewable whenever and for as many times as you like, so there is no time pressure. You can work at your own pace and fit it in around your other commitments. Click on the pictures on the left to go to the Facebook Group. If you're not sure whether a Stitch a long is for you, why not try my FREE 'Yarn Basket Stitch a long'? Description and link below.
The Tote is a classic shape and the bag I suggest that beginners to bag making start with. Its not complicated, but looks elegant and timeless.
In this Stitch a long you will learn how to pattern match your fabric, give your bag structure and stability using interfacing and interlining, how to sew a zipped pocket and how to use leather handles. The instructions and videos guide you through each step to make your own beautiful tote bag. There is no jargon, just
There are also bonus tutorials on tassel making and how to insert a recessed zip top into your bag.
Cost to join: £10
The Frame Bag stretches your skills to incorporate a zip top and a wire frame to give your bag this lovely, vintage shape. The bag can be made in two colours on the outside, or just one.
There is also a choice of inside pockets; a zipped pocket and a slip pocket so you can customise your bag with as many, or as few as you want.
There is also a bonus pattern for a smaller 'Plumpton Pouch' cosmetic case.
Cost to join: £10
The clasp purse is a classic coin purse with a metal frame and clasp. It can be made using one fabric, or I also give you options for other designs - including appliqué templates, a patchwork 'rainbow' design and a two tone design.
The first part explains how to draft a pattern from a frame you may already have but every Stitch a long gives you a full materials list and suggested stockists, so you don't have to worry about having trouble sourcing the same frames that I use.
Cost to join: £10
The Foldover Purse is a slimline purse or clutch bag which has a surprising number of pockets and card slots in its fun design.
You will learn how to use a variety of interfacings to give your purse structure, how to insert invisible magnets to hold the purse closed and how to use snap fasteners.
There are videos guiding you through each step, with easy to follow instructions, no jargon and suggestions for how you may want to adapt the pattern to suit you.
Cost to join: £10
The yarn basket is a versatile pattern for a storage basket - with so many uses, not just yarn! You will learn how to make piping and pipe the bottom of your basket, how to give your basket structure and how to rivet leather handles to our basket for a professional finish.
Cost to join: FREE
This is a free to join Group and the free pattern can be downloaded either from the Group files or here from my website shop.
The Forager Bag is an outdoorsy bag ideally made in oilskin and tweed, although of course you mix up your fabrics however you choose!
You will learn how to sew oilskin, make an adjustable fabric strap, how to insert invisible magnets and the bag includes 3 different pockets for you to try out. There are three sizes to choose from and a bonus backpack extension pattern included.
Videos are of course included along with all pattern dimensions (as all the pieces are rectangles)
Cost to join: £12
The Wendy Crossbody Bag is a versatile and handy little bag, with a zipped top, adjustable and detachable webbing strap and lots of pockets. The bag can be made in two sizes, with lots of variations so you'll never get bored!
The Stitch a long Group includes pattern files, instruction file and lottos video tutorials for you to work through, making this suitable even for relatively new bag makers. if you can use your sewing machine, you can make this!
Cost to join: £12