Rags to Bags

Rags to Bags

a creative textiles upcycling workshop, Rags to Bags will show you how to make a gorgeous and unique evening bag from fabric scraps.

Course description

From rags to bags – textile recycling at its most glamorous! This workshop was developed from my extremely popular ‘Rags to Riches’ except you get to make a gorgeous little evening bag. Usually only run at Christmas-time, but now so popular, I’ve rolled it out for the rest of the year too. These embroidered bags are the perfect accessory to a wedding outfit, or for a special holiday night out. Note:  The difference between ‘Rags to Riches’ and ‘Rags to Bags’ is as follows:  Rags to Riches is a ‘techniques’-based workshop. You will learn two different ways to make new fabrics.  I’ll show you examples of items I’ve made using these fabrics but we don’t  make a finished item on the day.  Many people prefer to be able to take home a completed item, so I’ve created ‘Rags to Bags’ for this reason so you can learn how to make a lovely evening bag. If you’d like to learn how to make either a cushion with your new fabric, then why not take the ‘Scrappy Cushion’ workshop instead?

Who is Rags to Bags aimed at?

You need to have basic sewing experience.  We will use basic utility stitches of a sewing machine in a creative way to make a one-off individual embroidered bag.

Level: Improvers onwards (Basic sewing machine skills required but you don’t need art or embroidery experience).

What will I learn?

• repurpose old clothing, household textiles, and scraps of trimmings
• use the utility stitches of a basic sewing machine for decorative effects
• learn how to use metallic transfer foils to add a bit of bling.
•  make a lovely little evening bag in your choice of two styles offered.

Artisan Stitch holds a Certificate of Excellence and is rated Best Sewing Classes in Edinburgh.  A UK Enterprise Award followed for Best Sewing Classes 2020.

Jen Skedd is a degree-trained textile Designer/Artist with a passion for turning fabric leftovers into beautiful new items.

Course arrangements

Fabrics for the decorative panel are provided but if you have any scraps of fabrics, ribbons, trims, or old clothes you’d like to use, then please bring them along, particularly if you have a specific colour scheme in mind. Small colourful print patterns work well, as do satins, velvets, lace and brocade to add a touch of luxury. You will have to bring a small amount of fabric for the main body of the bag and the lining. Your new textile panel can be further embellished by couching on ribbons, or cords, and adding beads. This technique is perfect for creating a ‘memory cloth’ so your bag can have special significance. The fabrics also make lovely cards, jewellery or to cover gift boxes. Sewing machines and materials are provided. If you bring your own machine, remember your power cable, instruction manual and bobbins too. I’ll advise the fabric requirements when you book.

Useful links:

If you’ve enjoyed this, then come to my Rag Wreath party.

Borders Scrap store – branches in Musselburgh or Selkirk for a ‘glory hole’ of fabric scraps, thread, beads, art and embroidery materials.