tote bag and a giveaway

***comments and giveaway closed***

A few weeks ago, Trish from Two Peas in a Pod Designs asked if I would review a new online sewing class that she has put together.  It was for a tote bag and I jumped at the chance.  I'm so in love with making pouches and bags right now that I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by.







I've never taken an online sewing class, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  I've always been just fine with written instructions, so I was curious how the videos would help...or, honestly, if they would help.  Boy, did they ever!

I dug up some Kaffe Fassett fabric I had purchased recently and got to work. The class is broken up into three video segments, which came in really handy for me.  With life being what it is right now, I needed something that I could break into smaller pieces.  The bag itself probably took only a couple hours (minus the time I spent ripping seams because I didn't follow instructions!) but I can only sew for 30-45 minutes at a time here lately, so being able to break it up was a lifesaver.

And here's my bag!








I'm so tickled with how this turned out!!  The bag has boxed corners - a must for me - as well as interior pockets and a snap!  This was the first time I put in a snap and it was...forgive me...a snap!  I'm not sure why they intimated me so much before.  I love the tie-front, too.  I'm not one for big bows, so the little tie is perfect for adding just the right amount of contrast and detail to make this bag really pop.

The handle length (about a 14-inch drop) is perfect and I've carried this bag every day since finishing.  It's big enough to hold my laptop, yet the pockets mean I can keep up with things such as my phone and car keys very easily.  Love!!

On top of wonderful step-by-step written instructions, Trish's videos highlight a lot of tips and tricks that were very helpful.  I used my iPad to watch the videos, so I had them right beside me at the sewing table, but you would probably do just fine to watch the video a time or two and then follow the written instructions.  Everything is very clear and simple.







And now, to celebrate....Trish is allowing me to give away two free classes!

Leave a comment here to enter, and I will pick two lucky winners at random next week.  Comments will be open until midnight on Monday, November 21st (EST) and I will announce the winners next Tuesday.

And for those who don't want to wait - go check out the class now.  You can purchase one through PayPal and get started right away!

Happy Sewing!