Bag It Up

Look what I made!

I first saw textile artist and embroiderer Alex Waylett at Textiles in Focus a few years ago.  She was demonstrating a machine embroidery technique, which she then went on to make into beautiful clutch bags.   I knew she did classes and I was keen to go, but they were always a bit far away, or I just couldn't make it. So, when I saw that she was teaching an "Embroidered Clutch Bag" workshop at the Embroiderer's Guild Summer School this year - I immediately booked onto the weekend, and into her class.  

We arrived at Belsey Bridge in Suffolk on Friday evening, and started by selecting fabrics in our chosen colourways from the two tonnes of fabric that Alex brought with her -  we only had to take our machines and threads, everything else was supplied, what a bonus! 

The next day we layered and pinned the fabrics, and then spent most of the day wildly machining to make beautifully coloured and textured fabric for the bags.

On Sunday we cut the fabric to shape, and made up the linings

Then, with a lot of advice, assistance and helpful tips from Alex, we glued the finished fabric bags into a metal frame.

Every single bag was really beautiful and we were so pleased, we set up a display ....

In fact one of the girls said "I've never been on a workshop where everyone was so delighted and proud of what they'd made".

It was a great weekend - such a joy to spend two whole days stitching with a group of lovely ladies - and to end up with something finished and fabulous.

In fact, our only interruptions were to go and have yet another meal - the food was excellent and consequently I've been to the gym this morning and have embarked on the 5:2 diet again. 

So, if you fancy making a yourself a bag - have a look at Alex's website and book onto one of her courses.

I happen to know that she's going to be teaching at Art Van Go sometime soon so keep an eye on their website -  I might see you there. You can never have too many bags.

Bag It Up - Oasis