Bluprint employees spend all day immersed in the beautiful projects made by our members, so it’s no surprise that many of us can’t wait to take a class or two and join in on the crafting fun! Employee Brianna Frey recently signed up for Quilt-As-You-Go Patchwork Bags, and shared her experience with us below!
Check out Brianna’s beautiful bag and learn more about her class experience!
Brianna grew up in a crafty household, watching her mom sew Halloween and dance costumes, and helping to cut fabric. Her favorite dress-up memory? The purple unicorn costume she and her mother made! She’s in the middle of embroidering a set of tea towels, and also working on the Weekender Dress from the October Sew-Along, but this was her very first Bluprint class — and it sounds like it won’t be her last!
What’s your sewing background?
I have sewn a little in the past, but it was all pretty basic, a bag or skirt here and there. This was my first “big” sewing project with zippers, pockets and lining. I do have to say that I called my mother, who sews, to get her advice on a few steps!
What really sold you on this class?
I was looking through class projects and kept thinking the patchwork bags looked cute — I had to give it a try! Luckily, Tara is a fantastic teacher, which makes all the difference in a class. Her directions are easy to understand and you don’t need to be an expert to complete this bag. I have never sewn a zipper or a pocket before and I was completely surprised by how easy it was to add these to the bag. Thank goodness I could go back and re-watch certain parts of the class. Yay for 30-second repeat!
What was the trickiest part?
Choosing the fabric. Since I haven’t sewn much in the past, I don’t have a large stash. Instead I bought a few Charm Packs from Bluprint. I started my bag and chose fabrics that I liked, but they didn’t necessarily go together. If I was going to put all this work into my bag then I wanted to actually like it! I got halfway through the bag and decided I wasn’t happy, so I started again.
This time, I chose a color theme and stuck with it (purple, grey and a splash of yellow). I’m more of a matchy-match type girl and deciding on fabric was stressful. Maybe on my next tote, I will try to be a little more adventurous and carefree with my fabric choices!
What’s your favorite thing about the bag? Do you use it day-to-day?
I love the size of the bag — it’s perfect for days when I’m out and about running errands or on vacation. And I’m super happy about my final color choices! I had a few moments, when I was questioning if I could pull this off and I’m pretty proud of my outcome. I’m actually taking it with me this weekend to NYC, where I’m sure it will come in handy.
From sewing novice to proud owner of a fabulous handmade tote! We love Brianna’s story because it shows that anyone can pick up the skills to create their dream project, no matter their previous experience.
Make your own stylish bag and learn the tips and tricks behind zippers, lining and more in Quilt-As-You-Go Patchwork Bags…and be sure to share your experience with us!
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