If you've been eyeing a class on Craftsy for awhile, now is the time to go for it!!
I'll tell you a bit more about the opportunity,
and then share a bag making class I am taking with you.

I've picked a favourite class that I am taking right now to share with you because I think it will really hit home with you as a sewist, quilter or bag maker. Annie's class is awesome!! Also, as I mentioned just above, I've been doing a bit of travel lately, so I think the 2 organizers Annie is teaching are great projects for me, or great gifts for a traveller. I can definitely see myself making one of these for my Mom or daughters.

In Annie Unrein's class, "Sew Sturdy: Travel Organizers", you will learn to make two large travel organizers that are quilted with Soft & Stable.  I use a lot of foam stabilizer in my bag projects, so I have a lot to spare and these are great projects to use up some of my large scraps!


Here is a description that Craftsy gives of the class, and after watching the first few lessons, I think it really describes it well enough that I don't need to try and describe it better:

I am so pleased that Craftsy has started promotions that give to charities.  

I've got some great pictures of Annie's class to share with you from Annie's class:

Thank you for reading!

Janelle

First of all, if you are not familiar with the Bag of the Month Club, I've got a little video here for you to have a peek at. I spent way too much time making this video yesterday, but it was fun.


If you are having trouble viewing that video on this post, you can also see it on youtube HERE.

We've been continuing to develop the website as the we dip into the new year, tweaking it every chance we get. Samantha Hussey and her husband have done an exceptional job with it. I have to say that I love that website!

Let's check out the patterns already released:

Our January Bag was the Backgammon Bag by Betz White. It's a fun hobo with cute pieced detail on the pocket fronts that look like.. ta da… backgammon!  Here's Betz's bag and the LINK to her post with more details on the bag.


And… check out the competition entries. These are just a few of the bags entered so far.  OH… and it's not too late - you have until JULY 15 to enter all of your bags in the contest!


The February Bag is The Window Shopper Tote by Samantha Hussey of Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H.   The members are having so much fun with this bag!! If you follow Samantha's blog, she's also posted a free pattern hack for the front pocket, giving it so many options! Um ya… this bag is massive! Go to her blog and see a ton of photos and strap options!


Here are some of the photos from the competition link up:



Where to enter the competition?

I knew you would ask…

Our competition page on the website is where you link up your photos and see all of the AMAZING PRIZE offerings from our generous sponsors. So many prizes from these guys!! Go HERE.


Oh and YES Emmaline Bags is a sponsor too!

We are all having a lot of fun in the FACEBOOK GROUP, we have over 4000 members in there and there are bag photos being posted daily. It's like a BOMC inspiration gallery with the bonus of help and fun conversation with like minded friends. We only have a couple of rules in the group - have fun, stay positive, and no outside advertising - except by the generous prize sponsors - they do need some appreciation!

If you aren't in the Facebook group yet, you really must join!

I'll be sharing the rest of the bags here for you as the patterns are released each month, and members of the subscription will get the right to their website account. You can join the club anytime between now and the end of June and the patterns that have been released in the earlier months of 2016 will already populate into your account. Easy Peasy!

I can't wait to see more of your bags, so link up in the contest and/or share them in the facebook group.

Oh and a bit of a teaser for you "I have had to shoulder the responsibility to design and carry the April pattern. It's was task, but I did a strapping good job that is all zipped up."  I can't wait to share the April pattern with you!

Thanks for reading & may all of your bobbins be full,

Janelle

Hop over to the class, read the details, and check out the reviews to see if this class is for you. I watched it from beginning to end, and loved Joan's teaching style. The class is highly recommended!

Zip It Up: Easy Techniques for Zippered Bags by Joan Hawley

Do you want a fresh new look to your NCW - Necessary Clutch Wallet? (Pattern Here)

We have a new collection of shiny metal trim in the shop at Emmaline Bags, and Mel Euhus of Buntings & Things has treated us to a tutorial on how to alter the front flap shape on the sewing pattern so you can add this Curved Metal Trim (Style D), that is found in our hardware shop at emmalinebags.com. 

Mel, founder of the NCW Addicts Facebook group, is not only a great friend - but a WAHM that makes unique, hard to find, sewing projects and sews up gorgeous custom bags and wallets to sell. Please hop by her facebook page to say hi!

I'll link to the 4 styles of metal bag trim found in my shop just below here, and show you how I've used them in my Craftsy class, but if you would like to get right to it and download Mel's tute on how to alter the pattern to add the curved trim OR just learn how to attach the metal trim: 

Sew Stylish Bags That Steal the Spotlight At Any Occasion

Create a collection of professional–quality clutch bags with custom body styles, flap shapes and hardware! Join me, bag pattern and hardware designer Janelle MacKay, for my online Craftsy class Mix& Match Clutch Bag Techniques. You'll learn how to add structure, install hardware, create polished pockets, work with delicate fabrics and so much more.

During this class, I'll show you how to sew a variety of stylish clutches with the included bag patterns. You'll learn how to mix and match body styles, front flap options and straps. Then, give your bag shape with stabilizers and confidently attach turn locks, chain straps and magnetic snaps. Plus, I'll share tips for making delicate ruching and adding chic metal trim.

We'll begin by going over the dozens of mix–and–match style options you can choose from to make a clutch, wristlet or shoulder bag. Once you've selected your base, I'll give you tips for picking the perfect fabric and hardware accents.

 

Now, you're ready to start constructing your bag! I'll teach you my tricks for making professional–quality pockets with ease. No matter your bag style, you'll discover how to create the perfect slot pockets for your credit cards and lipstick. Even learn how to sew an internal zipper pocket to ensure your essentials are secure.

After your pockets are in place, you'll begin pulling all of your bag pieces together. Find out how to finish your lining and attach a magnetic snap closure. I'll also share helpful tips for creating your bag's sides without sewing on a curve. Before assembling your final pieces, you'll see how to change the entire look of your bag by sewing a pretty pieced front.

In the next lesson, you'll learn how to join the custom pieces and shape your bag. I'll guide you step by step through assembling the exterior panels and adding your side pieces. Then, learn how to make your newly constructed bag stay beautiful for years to come by incorporating stabilizers.

 

Move on to my favorite part of making bags — installing hardware! I'll show you techniques for correctly lining up your closures every time. You'll also see how to attach a professional–quality turn lock or finish making your magnetic snap closure. Even attach a gorgeous metal bar to the front for an eye–catching accent.

Finish your bag with fashion–forward final touches. I'll teach you how to make a wristlet strap and affix a shoulder strap. Plus, I'll show you a technique for sewing elegant ruched panels that give any of your new mix–and–match bags a boutique–worthy look.

Start sewing versatile, chic clutches that can be customized to fit your casual daytime attire or a dressed up night by enrolling in Mix& Match Clutch Bag Techniques.

 

My passion for fabric led me to start sewing and quilting almost 30 years ago. I was instantly hooked! Now, I'm a bag and wallet pattern designer and run my own sewing website and blog. I'm also the co–author of On The Go Bags – 15 Handmade Purses, Totes & Organizers.

I'm thrilled to bring my knowledge of bags to Craftsy, since they make it easy to ask your instructors questions and learn when it's most convenient for you. Watch this class at your pace, in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you won't miss a stitch, snap or closure with HD–quality videos you can revisit anytime, anywhere, forever!

Join me to start making professional–quality clutches you'll love to pair with any outfit, at any time of day, no matter the occasion.

What makes online Craftsy classes great?

• Learn for life! With lifetime access to your classes, you can watch lessons at your preferred pace and easily revisit your favorite concepts with just a click. • Kick up your feet! Enjoy classes anytime from the convenience of your home or even on-the-go with our mobile apps. • Get personalized guidance! Ask your fellow students questions to receive all the answers and feedback you need to succeed. • Expand your horizons! Master new skills with our growing catalog of 600+ classes taught by the world's best instructors.

Giveaway results from last weeks post!!