This is an archived virtual workshop listing. Here you can read testimonials from the workshop's participants, view their resulting bags and learn more about the teacher.

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The Bag Makers Workshop

The Tessa Bag workshop with Isabela Felix

March 15-17, 2024

9am- 3:30pm PST

UPDATE- The pattern pieces will not be available until Feb. 9, 2024. The confirmation email you will receive after purchasing this workshop will have a download option for the pattern pieces but that option will not work. You will receive an additional email on Feb. 9th containing the pattern pieces.

Please read ALL details before purchasing.

Skill level= Intermediate- What is your skill level?

Must have experience with assembling a PDF pattern, cutting out pieces accurately and basic sewing terminology. 

Machine Requirement= Flatbed or semi industrial such as  Janome HD9 

All supplies required are mentioned in the supplies list. Kits coming soon!  Paper pattern available soon! Purchase at thebagmakingacademy.com. 

Workshop participants qualify for a 15% discount - coupon code TESSA, which expires on 03/31/24.

About the project: 

The Tessa Bag has a fully-structured boxy silhouette, with a flap that folds over the entire front of the bag.  

The epitome of a classy, yet youthful design, it boasts the perfect combination of masculine lines, and soft feminine details.

The flap features a gorgeous rectangular frame of raised detail bringing a touch of femininity to its bold shape. The frame showcases a center panel that is decorated with diamond-style quilting. The center panel can be made in the same material as the rest of the bag, or in a different material for added interest.

It closes with either a lock closure or magnets inside the flap. The bottom and sides are rigid and thus sewn right side out, with turned edges.

The inside is fully-lined and features a split slip pocket. The strap also has a beautiful raised detail and connects to the bag with a chain strap and arch bridge strap connectors.  The Tessa can be worn as a shoulder bag, or as a crossbody bag.
The finished measurements are 10" (w) x 6 1/2" (h) x 3 1/2" (d).

Testimonials

View Workshop Bags

Want to see the resulting bags made by the workshop's participants?

View the Bag Gallery

About the Bag

About The Teacher

I am the Founder and Pattern Designer behind The Bag Making Academy, an online shop and community for bag makers, where you find unique bag making materials, education, and resources.
I have been sewing since I was a child, but it wasn't until 2010 when I fell in love with the world of handbags and accessories. Back then there weren't too many courses and patterns for bags available, so I started designing my own patterns and learned a great deal through trial and error.
Since then I have attended design school and taken various courses in purse/accessory making, at colleges as well as from various Bag Making Experts and Artisans, in the US and around the world. I also owned a Sewing School and taught many bag making workshops (both in person and online).
Sadly, because of the pandemic I had to close my sewing school at the end of 2021. What could have been a very sad moment turned out to be my biggest catalyst; in the beginning of 2022, I released my first PDF pattern collection, the Fiori Collection, combining my passion for teaching and my extensive training in pattern drafting.
My patterns are designed to provide detailed, step-by-step information as well as tons of customization possibilities. I truly believe that anyone can achieve professional looking results, when given the proper training and the right materials.
Apart from designing patterns and selling bag making materials, I am a mom to 2 beautiful girls, who inspire and challenge me daily. Everything I do is for them, and because of them. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram, where I share about my day, and give you sneak peeks of what goes on behind the "seams."

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