Zip-e-de-do-da - I made this purse!

That's what all the gals were singing as they left The Stitch Lab this past weekend! A total of 8 fabulous ladies took my Erin Zipper Hobo class and left carrying a brand new bag all their own!



Ok, so maybe they weren't singing, but sometimes I like to pretend my life is just like a classic Disney Cartoon, and there are real blue birds outside my window almost everyday...



Don't you want to make your very own Erin Zipper Hobo bag? I can't even tell you how satisfying it is to carry a bag that you've made - I've been making bags for six years, and every compliment I get makes me light up inside. It never gets old to hear "what a great bag, where did you get it?" It feels even better when you're shopping in a big store like Old Navy or Target, because sure, they have great, cheap bags - but they make MILLIONS and MILLIONS of each style! And when you make your own bag - there's only ONE like it!!!

Speaking of One of a Kind - one of my students decided to use a skirt she found at a thrift store to make her bag - aren't the ladybugs darling? I love recycling clothing into bags!



There are still two classes left this month where you can learn how to make this fabulous bag. The Stitching Studio has a few spots open for Tuesday May 13th, and Saturday May 24th.



Did I mention that purchasing a sewing class also makes a great gift for a friend or your Mom? Classes are only $40, and include the pattern & instructions, and a guarantee to walk away with a brand new bag.

The Tiffany bag will be making her class debut next month! Check out the pictures and look for an announcement about when those class dates will be scheduled.







xo, Anne Marie

Anne Marie is Teaching Bag Making Classes!!!

For years now, people have been asking me if I teach sewing classes, and the answer has always been no. Starting next month, the answer is YES!

Last fall I decided that I wanted to release a line of sewing patterns. Designing bags is my favorite thing to do, and to date I have over 90 original patterns under my belt.

I can't think of a better way to share my love of making bags than by teaching others how to make them. Each month I will release a new pattern and accompanying class. The patterns will be "homegrown" until I can get all that fancy software to publish them like a rock star.





My first pattern is my Erin Hobo Bag. I developed this pattern a few years ago, and have made and sold hundreds of them. Almost all commercial patterns with a zipper closure instruct you to attach the lining by hand sewing - "yeah, right!" - is what I said to that! I based the zipper technique off of a pattern I found from 1945, and modified the shape and construction to be a modern bag.


Look for my classes in May at the following locations:



Located in South Austin, The Stitch Lab is owned by Austin's own Leslie Bonnell. You may remember that I blogged about the fab Miss B back in October - click here to read that post...

Class Dates (click to register)

Saturday, May 3rd
Tuesday, May 6th





The Stitching Studio in North Austin is owned by my good friend Ann Randall. A few years back, Ann responded to a post I made about needing an assistant. She faithfully worked for me for one year, and blew me away with her awesome attitude and fast sewing abilities. One day she announced her desire to quit her job and open her own Sewing Studio - and I couldn't have been happier!

Ann has been a key player in making my pattern and teaching dreams come true - she lets me experiment teach on her friends!!!

Class Dates (click to register)

Tuesday, May 13th
Saturday, May 24th

...and don't forget to check out the new goodies in my etsy shop!