Friday, June 26, 2015

I took a Craftsy Class! "Zip It Up" Review + a Giveaway!!!

I took my very first Craftsy Class this week! I've been a big fan of Joan Hawley's Lazy Girl Designs patterns & Press Perfect notions, so I was really excited to take my first bag making class with her and test drive the Craftsy class experience when she announced her new class, "Zip It Up," which launched last week.


It's always so great to have a chance to see Joan at quilt market & catch up over lunch or dinner. She snapped a selfie of us hanging out as spring quilt market started up this past May.

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At first I watched the class while sitting at my computer & without my supplies in front of me. This way I could learn the techniques without being distracted by my fabrics. Then, I cut my fabrics and watched the class a second time from my iPad while sewing along with Joan at my sewing machine. The class was the next best thing to having Joan here with me in the studio. I really enjoyed the class as it can often be challenging to grasp the concepts of 3D construction from a printed pattern alone.

In the opening lesson Joan covers presser feet. I'll be honest, I pretty much stick to my 1/4" foot or my walking foot for 99% of what I do. Nevertheless, I followed her directions and found that this foot allowed me to move the needle where I wanted it and sew in the middle of the zipper tape.
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First up... the Runaround bag:

Basically a zippered pocket with a strap. The pattern calls for 2 fabrics, but I opted for 3 because I didn't want an orange strap. I went with a yellow zipper to draw out some of the details in the focus fabric I picked for the bag.

I think it'll be the perfect cross-body bag at the airport to hold my phone, passport and some cash. The bag is small enough to tuck into my tote bag once we board a flight.
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Next up... Nickita:

Joan suggests some basic quilting, but of course I had to go crazy and do more. I used blue 3/4" painters tape to mark lines. I sewed them all in one direction and then a second to create a quilted diamond effect.



I picked a contrasting green zipper that brought out some of the colors in the fabric I used for the pull tabs. Joan shared a great tip about spreading out the bulk of the project layers with the V-tab placement technique.


I decided to use my Nickita bag to hold all of our extra chargers and cords. This way they will all be in one place and I won't have to search around the house next time I need one.

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Last up... Bendy:

I actually made these a few months ago when the pattern came out, but I learned a lot by watching the class and now I know that I could have done a bit better when I made them the first time.

For example, I didn't press enough at this stage. I didn't realize at the time that it wouldn't be easy to go back and press later. Lesson learned.

My set of bendy bags.
'

Bendy stands up when closed.


Or when open.




Twice now I've used Bendy to hold my snacks when I travel. It is the perfect way to keep all of my yummy treats together inside my travel tote bag. The layer of fleece in the project is also just enough padding to help keep my snacks from getting crushed!

I made this Bendy by piecing together a strip of fabrics in rainbow order before making the bag.

I used a red zipper as a part of the rainbow instead of a red strip of fabric.


For the inside I used Ripstop Nylon instead of quilting cotton. It was a bit fussy to work with, but the result is totally worth it. The fabric is easy to wipe down, so now I can use this Bendy to hold makeup & toiletries without worrying about what will happen if something spills or leaks. 


I have to say the #1 thing I learned from this class would be PROPER PRESSING techniques. Often pressing can feel like one of those things you should do, but don't need to do. Joan explains the reasons WHY to press at each step which is the kind of information I need to take the time out to do it.



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If you use this link to enroll in the "Zip It Up" class before June 30th, you'll get 50% off of the class & you'll be automatically entered into a drawing to win a 2nd free Craftsy class of your choice. How cool is that?!?


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Ready for today's giveaway?!? I'm giving away a bundle of supplies to make your own Bendy Bag!! You get the pattern, fusible fleece, fabric and zipper!!

The Rules


1. Leave ONE comment to enter. Make sure your contact info is in your profile or that you leave it in the comment.

2. In your comment tell us about what will you keep in your Bendy Bag.

3. Comment entries must be left on this blog, www.jaybirdquilts.com, to be valid. Comments sent via E-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other social media will not be counted.

4. Simple as that!!

You have till 5PM PST on Tuesday, June 30th to enter. 
Giveaway is now closed.

Winner will be selected by 
Good luck + thanks for stopping by today!






© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

291 comments:

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Anonymous said...

This class is just what I need to get started making bags. I've watched Joan online teaching some bag techniques, & really enjoyed her teaching style. Thanks for the chance!!!

Carol said...

That is a very cute Bendy bag! I might use it for some cords for various electronics. Thanks!

Unknown said...

I would totally keep some of my daughter's medical supplies in a bendy bag. It would be like having a 3rd hand!

Anonymous said...

Oops....forgot to mention I'd keep all my electronic cords & cables in my Bendy bag. & then they'd be all in one place. I'll get organized if it kills me! 😍😍😍

Anonymous said...

I think this would be great for holding the little things I can never find in my purse - gum, tin of mints, and lip balm.

Nolita said...

I have zipper phobia, so the Craftsy class would be great! I need a bag for phone, charges etc. Thanks so much for the giveawaya!

Shellie R. said...

I love Craftsy classes & will definitely sign up for this one. I'll use my bendy bag to hold my ever gowing collection of Wonder clips. I'm very addicted & keep outgrowing the containers I have for them.

Cathy in AK said...

So hard to decide what fabrics for my first one - I signed up for the class - I've made several of Joan's patterns so It'll be fun to watch her in action. The patterns have all been easy to follow.

Ariel said...

I think I would keep my book and notebook in mine. And some pens as well of course!

JLG said...

Awesome! Want to take this class! Thanks for the chance

Unknown said...

Looks good for either charger cords when traveling. Or shampoo etc. endless possibilities

Karen said...

I need a new cosmetic bag terribly and want to make one. The Bendy Bag would be a great choice!

Unknown said...

In my bendy bag, I will keep assorted items for travel, including my thumb drives, extra cellphone charger, earphones, small flashlight, etc. I have that all in a little drawstring bag right now, but it's busting out at the seams. Thanks for the chance to win!

Sara Fiedler said...

I just love this bag. Since I carry a large carry bag all the time, I would use the Bendy Bag to hold all my often needed, hard to find in the big bag, things like change purse, credit cards, etc.

nogysbaby said...

I love the zipper bags. I need to make lots of them for the girls diaper bags.

Fran said...

I would love to make several Bendy Bags, the first one I'd use for makeup & then I'd have another for phone, tablet & other tech cords & chargers. I'd make another for sewing handwork supplies. And then it would also be such a great bag to make as gifts. Joan's Craftsy class sounds wonderful & I'll be adding it to my Wishlist. Thanks for the great review & for the chance to win.

Sally said...

bendy for cords

Janet said...

I've been intrigued by the Bendy Bag and would love to win and make one right away. I would probably keep the cords for my phone and ipad along with my camera charger and extra batteries in it.

Jennifer said...

I would love to make a bendy bag small enough to hold some cords in my purse. I'm currently using a wonder wallet (Joan Hawley pattern), but that is getting rather small for the number of cords I have now. Thanks for the great review!

deb's said...

I too like Lazy Girl patterns and notions. Bendy is such a cool looking bag, and having the Craftsy class guidance is perfect. I am looking forward to making one or three or four! Thanks for the chance to win your giveaway.

Unknown said...

I would use it as a great bag to hold my traveling sewing supplies. Cute little bags.I have been admiring these Bendy Bags for a while - would love to learn how to make them.

Unknown said...

I need to make one of these to hold my various jump drives and cords that I always seem to be hunting for! Thanks for the excellent review. I've been waffling on whether to take the class. You have convinced me to get it. :)

Dody said...

This is a great bag for electronic accessories! I could also use it for hand sewing supplies.

Unknown said...

I am in desperate need for a travel cord bag. I would love to make these for my four kids to keep all of their charges in one place.

Helen said...

Love your bags! I would use the Beny bag to organize my supplies for hand stitching either at home or on the road. Hope I win!

hl3smith@yahoo.com

klstitches said...

I would make a dozen! Knitting supplies, embroidery supplies, paper piecing project, toiletries, chargers, camera/ phone, ha the ideas are endless! Thank you for the inspiration and the chance to win! schorer.k@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I could use the bag to hold my featherweight supplies. Or maybe lunch for a quilt meeting.

kris said...

I think I would use it for my headphones and other phone accessories.

bee said...

this seems perfect for snacks on the go. what fun!

Unknown said...

Love the bendy bags and your tut! Would love to give this a try.

Lisa said...

I love the look of this bag and the fact that it stands up, I think I would use it when I travel and keep all our cords in it during road trips. Thanks for the giveaway.
Aloha, Lisa

Lisa said...

A bag like this would be an attractive way to carry medicine in my handbag - so much better than plastic bag!

Lalexander733(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I would use my Bendy to keep track of all the little knitting notions I need to keep in my knitting bag. It would be so helpful that Bendy opens and stands up, so I wouldn't have to keep rotating the bag around and shuffling the notions to finds what I need!

Unknown said...

Hi Julie, I would like to make a Bendy Bag for my son in Calif. He can keep it in glove box.
Mary.

Crafty Coffin said...

Cute bag! I'd love to make a bendy to replace the rather beat-up bag in my purse that holds my inhaler, lip balm, blister cream, bandaids, etc.

Teressa P. said...

Not sure what I'd use it for, candy, gum, toys for my girls. Whatever I'd use it for it certainly is cute! Thanks for the chance to win.

Nancy said...

Beautiful choice of colors. I love the rainbow!

kim kerschl said...

I would keep my colored pens and pencils for journaling. The bendy looks like it would be soooo useful!

kequilts said...

Love lazy girl patterns, ( I've purchased and made two already) and your fabric ideas show how hundreds of people can make the same pattern with totally different looks. Great ideas!!!

Unknown said...

Toiletries / makeup! Thanks for such a fun giveaway!

Kathy E. said...

In my Bendy Bag, I would store all of my personal items that get pulled to the bottom of my purse. In it would go, lipsticks, dental floss, clippers, tissue pack and gum. It's perfect so many things!

Jan said...

Love Craftsy classes! I will use my Bendy Bag to keep receipts and work money separate from personal stuff in my purse.

Chancy said...

I think I would keep my random USB drives in it.

Unknown said...

Love the bendy bag!! It looks like the perfect size for chargers while traveling!! I would also make them as my project for the ladies I go on a quilt retreat with!! They would love it!!! Thanks for the great giveaway!!!

Christa Hitchcock said...

I would use the Bendy bag to carry needle and thread for those small sewing projects I take with me everywhere I go!

mkjmc said...

These are great! I would keep my take along sewing supplies in it while traveling

Melissa said...

I would love to make this bag to carry my hand sewing projects for my commute to work :)

HelloQuilts! said...

My daughter is a teacher, so I want to make a few different bags for her to keep classroom supplies in.

Heather said...

I would use a bendy bag for knitting gadgets! Looks like a great Craftsy class!

Amy B said...

I need a place for my hexies! thanks for the chance :)

Kelly said...

I love this! I would probably make a few: 1 for all the feet and accessories that go to my machine, one to keep little things together in my car...I could go on!

Lex said...

Awesome! I'm always on the lookout for new bags to corral my junk and that bendy bag is so cute

Unknown said...

Would love to make these for my 4 sisters

Kristi said...

I like the cord keeper idea and hope to take the class.

Maria Harrits said...

I would keep some of my quilting gadgats in it!

Unknown said...

Bendy bag....ohhhhhh

cindy lanahan said...

I would keep my IDs and a small sewing kit for handwork.

Ms Casteel said...

I would keep my "teacher" supplies for all the meetings. Plus I love Craftsy classes :)

PunkinPatch said...

I so need to make a set of these for snacks and small toys! I'm always looking for things to make travel with the kiddo easier.

Kathysews said...

I will keep all of my Apple product paraphanalia in it. And tweezers! Keeping it real!
Kcvitanovich@hotmail.com

quiltingtaylormade said...

A bendy bag would be great for me to keep my La Passacaglia sewing supplies in (templates, paper pieces, scissors, pigma pen, paper clips, etc.). All three bags are so cute and very useful !!

Joy M. said...

I would use the Bendy Bag to carry my iPhone & iPad cords. Great for vacation to keep everything together.
Thanks Joy

joylovessewing@comcast.net

Patty Ashline Paola said...

Bags, bags and more bags! I love bags, especially little one's to put in what ever your heart desires.
I use all sorts of bags in my "everyday" suitcase. I think these little guys would be good for my cords and such. They are the only things right now that are not contained.
ladybug_458@yahoo.com

Sharon - IN said...

I will play along! I'd use the Bendy Bag for a bit of handwork carry-a-long for an upcoming vaca with the hub!

Unknown said...

Well, 1 bag for travel snacks... 1 bag for chargers and cables... 1 bag for extra camera batteries, lens cleaner, memory cards... 1 bag for... (the list could go on and on and on....)

Unknown said...

I love your cute colorful bags. I would use my bag to house my earbuds and a snack when I travel.

DianeY said...

The Bendy Bag looks perfect for chargers when traveling

Anonymous said...

I would use the Bendy Bag for my makeup when traveling!! :)

LittleGem Roberts said...

I would use one to keep my phone and a small change purse in, as this would make life easier when carting my baby and toddler around 😊

Kari Nitzel said...

I love your idea to use it for snacks, I am a big snacker and could put that to good use.

Jenea said...

I'm sure it would be something quilt related in my Bundy Bag!

Also, My grand daughter loves little bags for hair do-dads, Barbie shoes, bracelets...I need to make a dozen of them just for her!

Terry said...

I would be happy to win this. I would use it for a mini sewing kit for the car! Thank You

Becca said...

I have just started English Paper Piecing, and I think it would be the perfect size for a little travel sewing kit! Pretty colors, too. :-)

Diane said...

Looks like a fun bag - I would love to win!

PattyRaz said...

I have been admiring the bendy bag for a while. I would use it as a camera case! Very nice!
pattyraz@verizon.net

juleen said...

The bendy bag looks like it would be great for travel toiletries. I'd make one before my next trip! Thanks for offering the giveaway!

Unknown said...

It looks like multiple Bendy Bags are needed here! I could use some to hold laptop accessories, sewing tools and I'm sure many more little "stuff" that seems to accumulate in my bags!

Marilyn S said...

I like the idea of using them for snacks. These would be great to make for my boys so that they can store some of the legos in them for when they want to take them away from home to play with. Thanks for the chance to win!

Sabrina said...

I need one to store all of my cords for my electronics when traveling. I also need to make one to hold my small items for geocacheing.

Sharon said...

I am intrigued by this bag. I would keep my embroidery in it, or my kumihimo, or my rotary cutters, markers, ... I have a lot to store & will probably need a lot of bags! LOL

Lizjk66 said...

I've started attending quilting classes and it would make a great pouch for supplies. Great contest by the way. I'd love to win!

Jami S-C said...

I love this little bag! Still haven't found the pattern local...maybe I'll win one! ;-)

LeahRene said...

I'd love to make one of these for sewing supplies on the go!

Becca Fenstermaker said...

What WON'T I want to put in my cute little Bendy Bag(s)? Love your work.

Unknown said...

Maybe some sewing supplies, charging cords, or makeup

Sue said...

It would be great for charger cords; they're always getting lost.

Aunt Marti said...

I would send my bendy bag to my little sister, who is deployed in Afghanistan as an Air Force nurse. But first, I would fill it with candy, nuts, and dried fruits for her to snack on during the night shift!

Sooz said...

I really love the idea of using a bag to put all those pesky cords and chargers in.

Unknown said...

Looks like it would've treat for my mouse, headset, and phone cord inside my laptop bag and perfect for traveling.

Anonymous said...

The Bendy Bag would be perfect for keeping all my tech chargers in one lovely place!

April's Creations NC said...

Love your idea about rip shop nylon , would make it an excellent snack bag! Thanks for the opportunity, this is on my want list of patterns/projects!

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