Marsha

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The Great Canadian Craftsy Bag Tour

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I received this Craftsy class in exchange for an honest review. Some links in this post are my affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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Welcome to today’s stop on The Great Canadian Craftsy Bag Tour! A bunch of us Canadian bloggers teamed up with Craftsy to try out some bag-related classes and bring our reviews to you. If you want to start at the beginning of the tour, check out the first stop, over at Emmaline Bags. Make sure to read all the way to the bottom for a special surprise.

If you’re new here, and even if you’re not, feel free to have a look around. I have a tab just for Canadian resources: one of the main reasons I started this blog was because so many fellow Canadians had a hard time sourcing supplies. I also have a Sales tab, where I try to stay current with fabric sales, pattern sales and other sewing related deals. If you’re looking for something specific, have a browse through my categories, or use the search feature on my site.

The Class

Back to the reason you’re here today: I’m reviewing the Craftsy Class Sew Sturdy Travel Organizers, with Annie Unrein. This class includes instructions for 2 projects. It covers the Everything In Its Place Bag, and the Hanging Cosmetics Bag.
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I made the Hanging Cosmetics Bag and, while I wasn’t thrilled with the class (more on that soon), I am pretty thrilled with my finished project.
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I was happy to have an excuse to try out some free motion quilting I learned from Christina Cameli’s Free Motion Quilting Class. I tried my first flower and practiced meandering, spirals and loops – so much fun! If you enjoy quilting but don’t want to tackle a huge project, like a quilt, then either of these projects will be good for you since they both start with quilted fabrics.
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The Hanging Cosmetics Organizer has one mesh pocket, 2 vinyl pockets and one large structured pocket, each pocket zippered. The organizer folds up and closes neatly and can be carried by its handle or with the removable, adjustable strap. Of course you can stuff it full of all sorts of items, not just cosmetics; it could work for crafting supplies or many other goodies you come up with.
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The Everything In Its Place Bag looks pretty handy too! I think the removable pages are a great idea. There are tons of pockets and loads of options to choose from so you can really create a custom bag to suit your needs. I think of it more as a book with pocket pages. Annie shows hers with sewing supplies, but back when I did a lot of scrapbooking, I would have loved this bag for crafting sessions on the go.

I really appreciated the tip for selecting fabric for this project. It was suggested to use a busy, non-directional print, as much of the pocket stitching is visible on the exterior portion of the bag.

The class is basically divided in two sections: the first being the Everything In Its Place Bag and the second being the Hanging Cosmetics Bag. There are over 3 hours of video instruction, plus a PDF of measurements to cut and written instructions. To clarify: this class does not include any actual pattern pieces, rather the measurements you need to cut in order to create each project. I state this here because after reading through some of the discussion in the class, some people were disappointed there weren’t any pattern pieces included. We also need to round the corners with household objects as a template. Personally, I prefer to use my quilting rulers and rotary cutter, so I was fine without the pattern pieces. Here’s the lesson plan:

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The beginning of each section is spent explaining the projects. This part was really important for the Organizer Bag because you need to decide which features you want for your bag before you start cutting your materials. The Cosmetics Bag construction is sort of an add-on to the Organizer Bag, in a sense that you’re expected to have watched the first part of the class (and remember everything) to do the second project. Because of this, I found I had to jump around quite a bit. I did watch the whole class, but as I was sewing the Cosmetics Bag, I didn’t remember the details of each step from the Organizer bag, so every time the instructor said “just like we did on the Organizer bag,” I’d have to pause, go find the related step from earlier in the class, watch that, and then come back. I realize this isn’t necessarily the instructor’s issue, and in some cases, I believe the video was edited down to keep it at a reasonable length. Perhaps adding onscreen text to the video referencing where exactly we need to go back and watch would be helpful if Craftsy considers updating this class in the future. 

I also had to refer to the PDF quite a bit because the video instruction wasn’t specific enough. For example, the instructor would say “now take your facing and fold it in half” except, we had several facings, all different sizes, so I’d have to refer to the written instructions to figure out which one she meant. Again, onscreen text here would have been helpful. I think if I make this project again, I’ll have to suck it up and print the PDF to help me follow along a bit more easily.

The class is listed as beginner, but I feel like a beginner would likely be overwhelmed by the disjointed nature of this class.I think it would be better suited for an advanced beginner to intermediate. I did like Annie’s method for creating binding, and will use that way for other binding projects. 

For my next one, I’d skip making the handle a long tube, turning it, and then trying to feed strapping into it; instead I would follow the method used for making the padded handle. I broke 2 safety pins trying to get that strapping in! I did appreciate that several methods were shown to create similar results.

There were also a few discrepancies between the verbal instructions from the instructor during the video and the written instructions; after spending a considerable amount of time, I discovered we need to follow the written instructions when any discrepancies occur.

I noticed participants outside of the US complained that they had a hard time sourcing the right supplies for this project. You can check out my Canadian Sewing Links if you’re in Canada and looking for resources.

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The Platform

If you’ve read my other Craftsy reviews (here and here) you already know I think Craftsy is great. What is Craftsy? Well, it’s an online learning platform. The main method of instruction is video, supported by accompanying written material, in a variety of categories including sewing, cooking, drawing, knitting, cake decorating, and photography. The video quality is exceptional and they even offer closed captioning! What makes these videos different from other instructional videos I’ve seen is the involvement from the instructor and other participants. You can ask questions or join a discussion at any time while you’re watching. The instructors are so great at helping. One thing I really like about Craftsy is that once you purchase (or win) a class, it’s yours forever, and you can access it from your computer, your phone or your tablet. I prefer to use the Craftsy app, because it’s just so handy. The other really great thing about Craftsy is their money back guarantee.
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The Instructor

Annie Unrein is the creator of a fabulous foam interfacing called Soft and Stable, and also several bag patterns.  She is clearly  very knowledgeable and experienced at sewing, and seems passionate about sharing her experience with others. I really do wish she had toned down the sales pitch throughout the class though. I felt a bit like a captive audience hearing about the products available on her site and the ones she’s designed. I think it should have been limited to the intro of the class, but it was throughout the whole class and honestly put me off so much so that I had a hard time writing this review. As I mentioned though, I think it’s clear that Annie is really good at what she does and passing that knowledge onto others.

I really enjoyed all the different methods she showed for turning tubes. I learned a new trick! I also decided to give my seam ripper a new life based on how Annie uses her Stiletto – so far so good, it’s like an extra finger for holding really small pieces in place and feeding it under your presser foot.

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Recommendation

I really am pleased with my finished project and I’m happy I now have instructions on what looks to be a really useful supply organizer. I did note that the instructor sells the patterns individually on her site, here and here, so if you really will never make both and think you could do without the extra help from the instructor and picking up some tips along the way, then it might make more sense for you to just purchase the one you’ll make.  The full price of the class is $40 USD, which I think is a bit steep since the patterns come to $20 USD, so is the class worth an extra $20? I think if video instruction is really helpful to you and you don’t mind the sales pitch, then it probably could be. I personally wouldn’t be happy paying $40 USD for this class. Luckily, Craftsy has shared with me a discount link to offer my readers, which brings the class down to about the cost of the patterns alone.
If you’re interested in trying the class out for yourself, you can save 50% with this special discount link, good through April 13, 2016.
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Not only has Craftsy provided all us bloggers on tour with a class, and all our readers discounts, they’ve also been so kind as to sponsor a prize! Up for grabs is a Rowan Three-Quarter Patch Tote kit, featuring Kaffe Fassett Fabric, plus fusible fleece to make the bag with! Just click here to enter!
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I hope you’ll follow along with all of us, check the schedule to catch up if you need to and come back on Sunday for something special.
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Tour Dates

Monday, April 4

Seam of my Pants — Bag-Making Basics: Reversible Tote & Zipper Pouch with Kristin Link and Learn to Sew: Simple Bags with Nicole Vasbinder

Tuesday, April 5

Sprouting JubeJube — Sew Sturdy: Home Organizers with Annie Unrein

Lulu & Celeste — Sewing With Oilcloth: Bags & Baskets with Kathy McGee

Wednesday, April 6

Happy Okapi — Sew Sturdy Travel Organizers with Annie Unrein

Thursday, April 7

Michelle’s Creations — Mix & Match: Clutch Bag Techniques with Janelle MacKay

Friday, April 8

Shelaine’s Designs — Sew Better Bags: The Weekend Duffel with Betz White

Tangled Blossom Designs — 20 Essential Techniques for Better Bags with Lisa Lam

Saturday, April 9

Emmaline Bags — Recap/Roundup

Sunday, April 10

Sur “prizes“

Supplies used in my Hanging Cosmetics Organizer

  • Amy Butler Violette :Leaf Lines in Jade (exterior); Town Center in Crush (binding and facings); Camellia in Crush (interior) from Dressew in Coquitlam
  • Soft and Stable foam fromConnecting Threads
  • Aurifil Thread from Dressew in Coquitlam

Comments

  1. Michelle says

    Reece, what a great review! Thank you for being so very thorough and honest in your opinion. One thing you said has made me decide already that this class isn’t for me – I have too hard a time without pattern pieces. I do love your organizer though. It’s beautiful!

  2. Maxine ODonnell says

    The bags look really nice and great work and instructor and teaching methods..

  4. Marsha Lawrence says

    Reece, this is the most thorough review I have ever read. It’s well written, detailed, insightful and honest. I wish all reviews were this interesting and informative. I nominate you for Queen of Reviews.

  5. Michele Davis says

    Thank you for honest review. I have purchased the class but would have only purchased the patterns if not for the reduction in cost Australia $25. Your bag looks great.

  7. Cassy Gobin says

    I’m not a bag lady, but dream about being one someday. I’ve been following the tour for inspiration. Your cosmetic bag… It’s beautiful. The fabric selection is perfect and I love the detail shots!

  9. Rachelle says

    That bag is gorgeous!!!! Makes you want to go on a trip I bet!!
    Great review, Some good points that hopefully Craftsy will address. I hate having to flip around trying to figure out what piece is which.

  11. Sue @ A Colourful Canvas says

    This is the kind of organizer I’d love to have in my suitcase when going through customs!
    A flip through my blog might indicate my favourite thing to sew to be dresses, LOL. That being said, I’ve got bag patterns and hardware galore. I’ve only made two, but they were so much fun and added some real brightness to my outfits!

  13. Kathy says

    I love to sew stuffed animals! Would REALLY like to try my hand at clutches and bags…. but extremely intimidated!

  14. Chrisanna says

    I love to sew bags and baby items. This organizer is fabulous and will be on my to do list.

  16. Dixie Hamilton says

    Loved the tour. I love to sew quilts and bags, bags and quilts, quilts, bags, ……

  18. Audrey says

    Love the review, I think I may try this for knitting and crochet organization for all the little things we need for these crafts.

  19. Diana Bates says

    I loved the tour and all the shared valuable information. I had some trouble finding my way around but that may be due to using my mobile phone and not a computer. Thanks again Diana Bates

  20. Jayne says

    Signed up for this class ages ago and just have not had the time. Now I am going to take the time to get it done 🙂 …thanks for the inspiration

  21. Joyce says

    I love this bag and I have this class! I had better get to work on this! Thanks for the inspiration!

  23. Allison CB says

    Great review! I have this pattern and this may get me going on making one! Usually I make quilts but bags as gifts may be my new go to idea!

  24. Emma C. says

    I love sewing bags and would love to branch over to clothing, but is scares me. Bags you can fudge a little clothing you can’t. I love your blog and this super honest review!

  25. pat crocker says

    I love all these bags. I have had health issues so I am excited to get up and about in MY SEWING room to get started on a few(lol lots) od things.

  26. Rena Lawrence says

    I am just getting started in sewing, and I just love making simple bags and pouches. An online class such as this could really help me make it to the next level with my projects. Thanks for sharing!

  28. chrys says

    I love to sew bags, quilts, and clothing!!! I just want to sew! I enjoyed your perception of this class.

  30. Carolyn says

    I love to sew bags and clothing. I am about ot attempt a swim suit. It has been a while since I made swim suits. Wish me luck!

  32. Kathleen Fitzgerald says

    I’ve been sewing a lot of project bags lately so I enjoyed seeing the class reviews. Thanks

  33. Melissa Layman says

    Thank you for the review. I have purchased this class but haven’t made the bags yet…thank you for the reminder to get on it. I have always been a garment sewer, but have been recently more interested in all types of bag makings.

  34. Susan Biles says

    Thank you for the fabulous review. I like both bags. I also like seeing videos as I am sewing.

  35. Annette says

    Although I have watched the videos, I have not made the bags yet. I had intended to make them over the next few months though. Thanks for the heads up on printing off the PDF and keeping it handy with the video when sewing the organizer. Although I like the Soft and Stable, I agree that I didn’t like it pushed at me throughout the video. I have purchased and used many videos from Craftsy since they started and felt this wasn’t one of their strongest ones.

  39. Heather Ratcliff says

    I love sewing bags and my own accessories. Your hanging organizer is fantastic!

  43. Sharon Archer says

    I mostly sew clothing but I am just starting to get into bag sewing. Thanks for a fantastic review!

  45. June Robertson says

    Thanks so much for your feedback on this class. I am also a fan of Christina Cameli’s free motion classes. There is so much good stuff on Craftsy!

  46. Shore Quilter says

    My favourite thing to sew has been art quilts but bags are closing the gap. I’ve been learning so much!

  47. Laura says

    Love to sew lots of things – home dec, bags, quilts, clothing. Whatever strikes my fancy or there is a need for.

  49. BeckAnn says

    I love your hanging organizer! I love to sew rag quilts, bags and anything appliqué! I recently took a class on making an apron and loved it too!

  50. Rochelle says

    Thanks for the honest review!
    My favourite things to sew are matching outfits for the family 🙂

  53. Nita Ross says

    Thanks for the review. I’ve just started sewing bags and am excited by so many choices.

  56. Amber Facey says

    Reece, your website is amazing and what a great review 🙂 I love the bag…great work yet again

  57. Debra Kay Neiman says

    thank you for this tutorial. I have made several zipper pouches and I am getting ready for more advanced projects. crystalbluern at tds dot net

  59. Judith Clauss says

    Fun review. My favorite things to sew are bags of all types, wallets and clutches of a variety of styles.

  60. Jamie N. says

    I love learning new things! I have been quilting for 4 years, and I have just begun to make bags.

  62. Angelina says

    Loved all the reviews. My passion is sewing bags of any kind. Love trying all the patterns I can, each time I learn something new.

  63. Lorna Comeau says

    I have this class but have not made the organizer yet, I enjoy making quilts but also love making bags

  64. Debbie U says

    I’m sew impressed with the quality of the craftsmanship with these bags! I strive to be half as good!

  65. Ilse says

    I love to sew…well, almost anything. I’ve made everything from everyday clothes to prom dresses to wedding dresses. I especially love sewing bags, purses, and wallets, as they’re quick and useful, and I’m able to use such fun fabrics.

  67. Trudi says

    I’ve been sewing clothes for my daughter, but just started on tote bags and essential oil pouches. I’m becoming addicted to them!

  69. Brandy McCall-Rios says

    I love to sew bags and Renaissance dresses. I am currently going through a knit phase!

  73. Christine See says

    Thanks for your review of this pattern. I have been looking at it from afar for a while. Your review really helps, along with the discounted price!

  74. Carol Gregg says

    I’m enrolled in this class just waiting for the right time to start it. I love that it’s my choice!

  75. Carmen Maidment says

    I got the the organiser pattern aaaaaages ago, but just haven’t had time to make it just yet. That will change soon, as I NEED to make FOUR for the Summer holiday trip – one for each of the family. EEP! I bought the clear vinyl etc at the same time! LOL!

  78. Di Scarrott says

    I love your designs so creative. I love to make bags the most. I love the different designs out there and how useful they are once made. I used to love making childrens clothes until I discovered bags. I haven’t looked back lol

  79. Diane Beavers says

    Cross body Bags are my favorite to sew and I love Sew Emmaline’s strap sliders.

  80. Tonya Allen says

    I have loved the tour. And I love sewing mostly bags, but I also like to sew other things, too. I just love to sew. 🙂

  83. MoeWest says

    I like to sew bags and quilts, home dec items and occasionally clothes. Thanks for the review.

  85. Wendy says

    I really like this , I have been looking for an organizer for my daughter. This is great.

  86. Kathleen says

    I love sewing bags. My favorite bag that I have made was a backpack for my grandson.

  88. Rebecca Casey says

    Awesome review..I bought this class but haven’t started it yet so this was great!

  89. Ashley Craft says

    Great review! I sew mainly clothing but have been wanting to try sewing a bag other than a simple coin pouch 🙂