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Clutch Bag Workshop

This week I had the pleasure of holding a clutch bag workshop. The house was cleaned and tidied, fabrics and various interfacing’s dug out plus example bags found. During the day we covered weights of fabric, interfacings, plus means of closure (buttons, magnetic snaps, zips).

Two lovely ladies joined me to learn how to make clutches, both experienced sewers. Sam had not used a sewing machine for years. She brought with her a pair of levi’s ready to start a new life, which naturally brought a smile to my face despite the challenge of installing a zip with the bulky fabric.

Clutch bag course

Due to the size of the bag we used Annie’s Soft and Stable to line the denim, this added further bulk. Using a walking foot to install the zip made all the difference to the sewing machine coping.

Jo is a meticulous quilter, she is great at accurate precise sewing. I was surprised to learn she had never sewn a zip or sewn a lined bag. She chose to work with cotton fabrics, adding pleating for detail.

clutch bag course

I’m a relaxed sewer, folding pleats into fabric by eye. Jo although not a mathematician would rather have worked from measurements marking places to fold the fabric. We chose to use fusible fleece for the outer fabric of the bag. This worked well with the pleats which were based into place.

We had a lovely day, pausing for a bring and share lunch outside. The planned four hours was not quite long enough. Thankfully both took home clutch bags which only required the lining stitching up with ladder stitch.

I learnt that I can teach sewing, I have knowledge to share. Thanks to my friends I had the opportunity to run a practice course:) If I explore running workshops further there is plenty to think about, advertising, insurance, PAT testing of sewing machines and irons, purchasing a further iron and ironing board. Am I the only one who becomes impatient at the time it takes to fuse fusible fleece?!!

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Julie

Thursday 20th of July 2017

What an exciting development for you. You have such enthusiasm I'm sure you are a great teacher. How interesting to discover how very different people are with their approaches to sewing. I to am a very relaxed sewer and rarely measure anything unless it is absolutely necessary. I think i could do with being a little more precise sometimes though!

Caroline

Monday 17th of July 2017

Good idea fir an upcycling project

Ginny

Monday 17th of July 2017

What a cute bag. I love your recycled projects.

Jill Shepherd

Sunday 16th of July 2017

Congratulations Vicky on another step forward. Teaching classes is a fabulous idea. Great to share your knowledge and empower others to upcycle and create and use what they've got!

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