Inside this week's edition: a small-but-mighty crossbody, skill building details, a speedy sew, and our Studio 365 featured patterns---plus an October design challenge you'll love.
Hello friends,
As a committed lifelong learner, one of the things I love most about sewing is the chance to keep growing. The influx of modern materials—hardware, interfacings, vinyl, faux leather, waxed canvas—and the ease of online shopping have truly revolutionized bag making. Pair that with the rise of YouTube tutorials and access to quality instruction, and we’ve come a long way from when I was teaching myself in 2006 through trial and error.
My inner creative is delighted when I get to present a well-written, easy-to-understand sewing tutorial for a fun and functional bag. That’s how I work, so it makes sense that I also appreciate those qualities in other designers.
As I shared last week, each month in Sewspire Studio 365 we select two bag designers as our featured patterns. You might not think a pattern designer would enjoy sewing other people’s patterns—but that’s like saying a musician only listens to their own songs. I admire the effort, skill, and savvy of so many designers, and I’m especially excited when a pattern ticks all the boxes: beauty, function, fun.
The MAV PACK by Linds Handmade does exactly that. I’ve been making one a day since I purchased the pattern. Here’s why I’m smitten:
First, the size is perfect for everyday essentials. I’ve stopped carrying big bags because they bother my back. A wallet, phone, keys, and lip balm are my staples—this bag holds all of that with a little room to spare, no bulging.
Second, it’s a flattering crossbody that can be worn on the front or back. The zipper closure keeps contents secure either way, especially when worn on the front. Unlike some belt bags, it doesn’t add bulk; instead, it feels empowering as it sits just below the heart. Placement and weight distribution really do matter.
From a maker’s standpoint, the triangle D-ring connectors, strap tabs, and slightly rounded corners are excellent skill builders you can reuse in other designs—making this a very sustainable pattern. It also uses a minimal amount of fabric, which is ideal for scrap-busting, fat quarters, repurposed textiles, and patchwork play.
Another win is the speed. You can streamline the design by using non-fraying materials and omitting the lining and interior zipper pocket. I did that with a waxed canvas version and loved it—it took me less than 90 minutes, start to finish. I’ve also seen makers center the zipper, add binding, relocate the interior zip to the exterior, and omit hardware to create a fixed strap.
All this value for under $10 when I purchased—such a great deal for the versatility and learning it offers.
How about you—what pattern have you sewn recently that meets all your needs as a maker? I’d love to hear what’s ticking your boxes.
If you want to sew together, come join us in Studio 365. We host virtual meetups, sew-togethers, and feature two inspiring designers each month. It’s a friendly, creative space for visual learners of all levels.
Best,
Andrea
P.S. If design is your jam, my evergreen course AMC (Andrea’s Master Class) shares my personal design methodology and is appropriate for all levels of bag making. Our AMC community meets on the second Saturday at 7 pm ET to discuss a themed bag design topic. In October we’re hosting our first designer challenge—it’s going to be a ton of fun. Don’t miss the chance to participate.
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