Side Slouch and Crossbody Bags and Classes

About four years ago my daughter asked me to make her a new purse. She really liked the style of a side slouch bag she had been given as a gift. I made a few modifications and created a pattern for her. We went around and around on the color~ maroon, teal..teal, maroon..so I decided to make one of each.

I went a little crazy embellishing this side! Notice the nod to "Put a bird on it"? It's a silly joke between my daughter and I.

She really liked both colors, but she used the teal bag almost every, single day. Fast forward four years, and that teal bag is looking rather tired and shabby. When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she said a new teal bag, exactly the same, to replace her old one. Luckily, I found the same colors, and sewed a brand new bag for her birthday.

While working out a new class to teach, something with a smaller finished project, it clicked that if my daughter loved her side slouch bag so much, others would feel the same. Thus my next class at Makers' Mercantile in Kent, Washington was decided ~ Cut, Stencil, and Stitch from scratch, a Side Slouch Bag. It will be held Saturday, November 5th from 9:00-5:00.

You'll begin with Alabama Chanin 100% organic cotton jersey and Robert Kaufman fabric.  Using my Side Slouch pattern, you'll cut out your bag. Next, you'll use fabric spray paint and stencils, and paint a pattern onto the fabric. You'll learn about stitches and techniques to embellish your bag; and instructions for construction. This is a lined bag with an inside pocket, and it measures about 13"x13" with a long strap. You won't have a finished project at the end of class, but you'll have all the tools and knowledge to complete your Side Slouch Bag.

This class includes:
1/2 yard Alabama Chanin fabric
1 yard Robert Kaufman (or similar) fabric
1 spool Coats & Clark Button Craft Thread
Patti's Side Slouch Bag pattern with instructions

During class you'll have use of:
fabric paint
stencils
chalk
pins
needles
embroidery scissors
rotary cutter and healing mat

You'll need to bring to class:
Garment scissors. Wear something comfortable and suitable for painting in.

Contact Makers' Mercantile for more details and to sign up. Follow the link or call (253)220-9951 and ask for Rhonda.

Next up is the Crossbody bag. Many students have asked for a shorter, technique-intense class; and the most requested such technique is couching. It makes for a gorgeous finished project. Have a look at "THE Coat" for a robust couching adventure! I wanted something small, manageable, and useful for this class. I personally had been searching for just the right crossbody bag for ages, and finally just made my own. It is the perfect project for a couching class.

You'll start with a DIY Crossbody Bag kit, complete with cut and stenciled bag, couching strips, strap, inside pocket, Coats & Clark Button Craft thread, needle, pins, and construction directions. You'll learn some basic stitches and most importantly, the couching technique. You'll begin couching your Crossbody bag, and we'll go over the construction directions. You won't have a finished project at the finish of class, but you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful couched crossbody bag.

This class will be held on Sunday, November 6th, from 10-1. Please Contact Makers' Mercantile for more details and to sign up. Follow the link or call (253)220-9951 and ask for Rhonda.

If you have any questions of me, please don't hesitate to ask. I hope you find these classes interesting; and maybe I'll see you there for one or both classes!