The Mini Market Tote: A Simple Bag You’ll Actually Use + Free pattern
I made this Mini Market Tote with my beginners in mind. When I was planning out projects to teach in class, that Trader Joe’s tote was everywhere—and the markup on it? I couldn’t believe it. So I took that general idea and created my own version. I wanted something with a classic shape that […]
How Teaching Bag Classes Changed the Way I Choose Sewing Patterns
This year, I’ve placed a much stronger focus on bag making. We’re still in the first quarter, and I’ve already made more than sixteen bags, many of them in preparation for the bag-making classes I teach at a local sewing school. It was a bit of a realization as I was planning out my classes. […]
My First Sip & Stitch event
If you had told me a year ago that I’d be hosting my own sewing events — with people sipping wine, cheering each other on, and proudly holding up bags they made with their own hands — I would’ve laughed and said, “Yeah, okay… maybe one day.” It’s definitely been something I’ve wondered about, […]
5 Free Tote Bag Patterns Every New Bag Maker Should Try (+ 2 Honorable Mentions)
If you’re just getting started with bag making, one of the best things you can do for your skills and your wallet is explore FREE patterns. When I tell you I learned this the hard way… trust me! I’ve wasted more money than I care to admit on patterns I thought I’d use but […]
Reminder: You Don’t Need an Industrial Machine to Sew Better Bags
Every time I post a new bag, someone asks, “What machine are you using?” Like the machine can make a bag all by itself. And it’s not just a piece of machinery — it’s only as good as its user. And listen… I get it. The sewing world can make you feel like you have […]
Keeping it Simple…and Fabulous: Simplicity 9544
What started out as an entry for the KISS – Keep It Simplicity Sis challenge quickly spiraled into something so much better: my new favorite dress. The challenge was simple—make something from a Simplicity pattern—but somewhere between picking and cutting fabric this dress gave-Spotlight. And honestly? I’m not mad about it. THE PATTERN: I used […]