S25-02 You, Too, Can Make a Purse NEW
Class | Registration opens 3/9/2025 9:00 AM EST
This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of bag making techniques, promoting individual creativity through the use of various types of fabric and hardware applications. Participants will explore the use of interfacings for structure and professional finishing; sewing techniques for vinyl, cork and leather; supply sourcing; personalizing with style elements. By creating a small crossbody bag*, students will master zipper and closure installation, gusset sewing, styles of pockets and linings and the use of hardware to bring your bag to the next level.
Depending on class progress, a large tote or small wallet may be offered. To be determined in class.
*This bag is rated confident beginner, meaning students should have a basic sewing knowledge.
SEE SUPPLY LIST AND SPECIAL NOTES!
- A few notes:
There are many resources for your fabric and supplies. You will receive a Bags and Hardware sourcing document at the first class. These are only suggestions and fun to visit online to view some of the novel items they have for bag making. Remember, your local quilt stores are a great place to shop. Many, such as Pins and Needles in Middleburg Hts., have a wide variety of bag making supplies. The associates In these stores are knowledgeable and willing to help.
You will learn how to make 3 different types of straps. If you prefer to use webbing or seatbelt material, please match your hardware to the size of your strap.
My goal is to have you walk away with a completed bag that YOU will be proud to wear and show off. I'm here to help make that happen.
Janet
- Supplies For Acacia Crossbody ***(pattern pieces supplied at first class)
Basic notions and supplies:
• Sewing machine (NOT NEEDED FOR FIRST CLASS) with various feet including zipper foot
• Thread to match your fabric. Polyester will hold up well
• Rotary cutter, mat and acrylic ruler (these items preferred for accurate cutting) and scissors
• Seam ripper
• Fray check (JoAnn Fabric or Wawak) Good to have on hand for repairs also
• 1/8" Double sided tape (Wawak) This is a great item to use in bag making
• Machine needles (if using any vinyl or leather bring a denim, leather needle or a number 90)
• Pins or Plastic Sewing Clips (clips are easy to use and don't leave holes in vinyl)
• Marking tools (bring your favorite. Examples: chalk, removable marking pen, friction markers etc.)
• I often use Washi tape or painter's tape to label bag pieces
Please bring the following materials to the first class.
We will be cutting out our pattern.
• 1/2 yards for Exterior Fabric (cotton [suggested], canvas or waterproof canvas)
• 1/2 yard contrast fabric (this will be the flap, you may use cotton, cork, home decorating fabric, vinyl or
leather)
• 1/2 yard cotton for lining
• Fusible woven Interfacing (3 yards of 20" wide Pellon SF101 Shapeflex or 1 & 1/2 yards of other 45")
• 1/3 yard fusible fleece (Pellon Thermolam Plus TP971 or Decovil light, available at JoAnn online)
These next items will be for classes 2-6:
• One 10" or longer #5 zipper" (NYLON COIL do not buy metal). For exterior front.
• One 7" or longer #3 nylon coil zipper. (You may use #5 also). For interior zip pocket
• Wawak (wawak.com) is a good place to buy zippers by the yard. Pins and Needles carries a nice variety
• One Twist Lock or Magnetic Snap (Wawak, Pins and Needles, Amazon. Other suppliers are listed on the "Bags and Hardware" list which will be given to you at the first class)
• Two D 1" rings
• Two 1" swivel hooks (If you are using webbing for your strap, match the size of the hook to webbing)
• One 1" slider (or size to match webbing using)
• Rivets 8mm (I will bring my rivet press to class)
Janet Perc
As a wife, mother of 3 sons and an avid sewist, quilter and bag maker, I am enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge with others. My interest in sewing was sparked by my grandmother during my childhood. Professionally, I spent 50 years with Tops markets, including opening the Berea Tops store as store manager, and culminating with my role as Director of Customer Service in Buffalo New York. During my time there, I formed many relationships with fellow fabric enthusiasts and had the opportunity to teach quilting and bag making at several local quilt stores. Now retired and residing back in the Cleveland area, I look forward to partnering with the ILR program and hope to meet many interesting and talented people who share my creative passions.