Make a tote bag with leather trims, using a sustainable design approach

The day will kick off creatively. Picking from a range of colour & fabric options, you will select a combination to make a bag that suits your personal taste. Katie will share simple and fun methods to help you design and visualize the outcome of your tote before beginning and you will have the chance to adapt the design to suit your sewing ability. You will go on to learn how to use “zero waste” folding techniques to create a bag and will be surprised by how effortlessly the fabric transforms into a contemporary tote. In the second half of the day you will sew the bag, including making handles with genuine leather trims. You will also use the hot foil machine to add personalised initials onto a leather label which adds a professional finishing touch.

Throughout the day sustainability will be at the forefront of your creations, you will learn how by incorporating old garments, offcuts & using deadstock fabrics you can make responsible, durable designs, and how simple construction techniques can limit waste. Following a career working in New York as a womenswear designer, Katie started her own accessories brand which she runs alongside lecturing at Leeds Arts University. In the workshop she will share her years of knowledge and expertise, including 1-2-1 support which will enable you to create a unique bag that you will love for years to come.

What will I learn?

● Insight & knowledge of how to design and sew using a zero waste approach.

● How to source fabrics more responsibly, re-purpose old garments and sewing tips.

● How to design and construct a unique, contemporary tote bag.

● How to operate a hot foil machine to add initials onto your bag.

What will I leave the day with?

● A personlised, fully lined tote bag with genuine leather trims.

● Pattern information & measurements so you can re-create the bag at home.

● A go-to supplier list for sourcing fabrics responsibility.

Experience

● No design or sewing experience is required, however it would benefit if you have used a sewing machine previously.

Host or Publisher The Craft House