When Craftsy approached me about filming a holiday ‘mini-class’ that would only cost students $10, I was a bit un-sure how much content they would be willing to include for such a low price.
So I did some research. I watched some of the other mini-classes that they had. They were all awesome – a bargain for $10 – but one class in particular really hooked me… Mariah MacPherson’s Cross Body Bag: Sewing with Waxed Canvas.
I even tested out Mariah’s Cross Body Bag class and I love my new bag!
Colors of waxed canvas currently available at Fabric Funhouse.
Fabric Funhouse (the shop where I purchase all my cork fabric) provided some waxed canvas to me and it seemed like the same fabric that Mariah was using.
The waxed canvas from Fabric Funhouse is cotton canvas fabric imported from Scotland that has been treated with C4X wax to make it water, dirt, and stain resistant.
I found it to be the perfect leather-alternative for sewing bags and purses because it’s easy to sew (no special needle required) and it’s heavy and durable.
When I first started sewing my bag, I tried to be careful not to scuff up the surface of the waxed canvas. But after a while I realized it was pointless to try and I love the scuffed texture anyway!
Turning the bag right side out through the opening in the lining really crumpled it up and really made the fabric look beautiful.
For the lining I used scraps of Jubilee from Riley Blake (leftover from my Candy Corn Quilt Top).
I was a little disappointed by how small the interior pockets are on this bag design, but the outer pocket (with a gorgeous purple zipper) is large enough for my phone so I’ll be fine.
And what about my $10 holiday mini-class??? The Quilted Tree Skirt turned out fabulous and – not to brag or anything – but it’s a Craftsy top seller! In it I walk you through sewing a beautiful Christmas Tree Skirt in way less time than you think!
What about you? What have you been sewing up? It’s time for you to show off! Did you make something with one of my free sewing tutorials or patterns? I would love to see. Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe.
Sew an organizer covered with pockets that you can hang in your closet! This easy sewing project is great for organizing sewing and craft supplies, fashion accessories, bathroom necessities, gift wrappings, and more. There are pockets on both sides plus a big interior pocket so every bit of space is used. I’ll show you easy step by step instructions for sewing this organizer and putting it to use in your home. Get sew organized today.
Are you sewing a Closet Organizer with me? I hope so! This is Part 2 of our free sewing tutorial for an amazing organizer with a coat hanger inside so you can hang it anywhere.
If you are getting started, make sure you start at Part 1 of the free pattern.
Be a basketmaker! Sure, you can sew, but did you know that you can make amazing baskets too using your sewing machine, some fabric and the same materials that you use for your other projects?
Have you fallen in love with Quilt as You Go yet? It’s a fun technique for quilts, of course, but I’m having lots of fun using it for pouches and tote bags too.
I’m so excited to share with you the pattern for our first mini quilt of 2018… Flora! This beautiful little quilt was designed by the very talented Lauren of Molly & Mama…
At my daughter Chloe’s high school (can you believe my baby started high school???), the lunch lines are so long that she has been skipping lunch! She’s always starving by the time she gets home because she doesn’t want to carry a big lunch bag as well as her heavy backpack – poor girl!
Looking for free table runner patterns? I gathered up all my favorites in one place – here are free quilt patterns for table runners for fall, winter, spring and summer!
I am so in love with the beautiful look of simple patchwork quilts with lots of squares. This is the perfect way to use up fabric scraps like I did, or you can make a beautifully coordinated quilt with pre-cut 2 1/2’’ square fabric pieces that come in mini-charm packs.
I’m also in love with the process. If you feel like quilt making is your escape from the world and sitting down to sew for a few hours makes your troubles fade away… this is the quilt for you!
Sew an easy beautiful apron with this free sewing pattern that only uses one yard of fabric! Whether you are sewing for yourself or for a friend, an apron always comes in handy and makes a great gift. This blog post includes a link to a free template that I digitized for you.
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂
Does your little princess (or prince) need a new cover for their carriage throne? Mine did… you can see the pictures below. But I have to tell you that I brought the booster seat in the other day fully intending…
Some of that fabric you have hidden away in your cupboard or on your little fat quarter shelf is too pretty to be hidden away. Put it on display on your wall! The best part about this storage, um… home decor, is that when you think of the perfect project for that FQ or half-yard, it’s easy to take it down.
There’s a jam packed fabric store on the Island of Nassau in the Bahamas! If you are like me, you think about sewing, quilting, fabric, and fabric shopping all the time – even on vacation, lol. When we were in the Bahamas we found a wonderful fabric store and brought home fabric treasure.
My sister and I went on a Machine Embroidery Cruise to Alaska!
This was my first time to take a sewing themed cruise and while it wasn’t exactly what I expected, I had a fabulous time.
In this post I’ll share a brief review of how it was organized and what was included in the cost. This is for anyone thinking of taking a cruise with the Sew & Sail folks, since I don’t have experience with any other sewing cruises. Yet – hopefully in the future!
Who says you can’t sew a new tote bag or purse in an afternoon? I’ve done it lots of times! And here are lots of free tote bag patterns I have actually sewn in an afternoon. 🙂
You are right – waxed canvas is pricey. Luckily, this pattern only requires 1/2 yard. To answer your question, I don’t think the designer offers the bag pattern separately. My experience with Craftsy was that they purchased all rights to my pattern.
Thanks, Carolyn! That’s useful to know about Craftsy. Taking the class wouldn’t help me, either, as I can no longer draft patterns because of AMD. Lines go all distorted. I can have Hubs cut patterns out for me, though, then I am good to sew.
I have taken Mariah MacPherson’s Cross-Body Bag class, as well as I have taken your Colorful Patchword Bags & Baskets and The Quilted Tree Skirt classes. I enjoyed all three of them. I’m hoping that I will be able to make the Cross-Body Bag and one of your patchwork bags after the first of the year when Christmas sewing is over. I learned many things from Mariah’s and your classes, and appreciate your upbeat and enthusiastic teaching!
How is this class free on Craftsy? I am trying to get the pattern but now it wants me to subscribe to Bluprint……and enter my credit card information. What am I missing?
Lovely bag, I love all these pockets, so usefull!
At $28.50 per yard, I won’t be buying waxed canvas, but I sure like the bag. Is the pattern available without the Craftsy class?
You are right – waxed canvas is pricey. Luckily, this pattern only requires 1/2 yard. To answer your question, I don’t think the designer offers the bag pattern separately. My experience with Craftsy was that they purchased all rights to my pattern.
Thanks, Carolyn! That’s useful to know about Craftsy. Taking the class wouldn’t help me, either, as I can no longer draft patterns because of AMD. Lines go all distorted. I can have Hubs cut patterns out for me, though, then I am good to sew.
The class does include downloadable materials with a printed pattern piece. 🙂
Well, alrighty then! LOL! Thank you!!!
I haven’t heard of waxed canvas. What a fun bag, I especially love the color.
All Blueprint classes are free now thru October 12th 2018, including this class!
I have taken Mariah MacPherson’s Cross-Body Bag class, as well as I have taken your Colorful Patchword Bags & Baskets and The Quilted Tree Skirt classes. I enjoyed all three of them. I’m hoping that I will be able to make the Cross-Body Bag and one of your patchwork bags after the first of the year when Christmas sewing is over. I learned many things from Mariah’s and your classes, and appreciate your upbeat and enthusiastic teaching!
Thank you Erin!
How is this class free on Craftsy? I am trying to get the pattern but now it wants me to subscribe to Bluprint……and enter my credit card information. What am I missing?
Sorry, this one isn’t free. As I mentioned above, it’s $10 – but well worth it!