Patchwork Plus Sewmiriam Workshop

It is workshop season indeed and my Sewmiriam Workshop at Patchwork Plus in Miranda was such a delightful day.  Lorraine and her team made me feel so welcome and the ladies in the class were outstandingly talented and enthusiastic. Much was achieved and the results speak for themselves.

This workshop was all about making the Sewmiriam Handy Zip Top Bag.

The ladies learnt about

 *   choosing and mixing fabrics
 *   how to put in zippers
 *   quilt - as - you - go techniques
 *   boxing bag corners
 *   how to put in a pocket and lining, and
 *   how to make modifications to the pattern to create a variety of different bags.


And that's just to name a few of the things that were covered and discussed during the day! What I love about these workshop days is how each participant brings along their own style and works it into a Sewmiriam Bag. Bespoke bag making!

Brenda brought along a beautiful piece of fabric and she used this to make her bag front and back panels. This is what her bag looks like before boxing the corners. If she stops here, and just adds lining, she has a zip top bag that fits an iPad. Awesome !

Here is Brenda"s bag finished. I love how she has showcased a special piece of fabric. This method results in a bag in quick time!

Anastasia curated a beautiful selection of fabrics to create this divine bag. Here is the front 

and equally as beautiful -here is the back. I also love the texture created by the use of a large stitch size and thicker thread. 

Sue is happy with her bag front panel . How effective are her choice and placement of these vibrant fabrics.

Here are Judy, Carol and Elizabeth working away in class

Below is a special part of Judy's bag front. She used an exquisite patchwork piece ( note the tiny fussy cut hexagons) as the focus for her panel. I really wanted to steal this one!

Here is the Judy's other panel- just look at the beautiful fussy cut diamond star centre,

 Carol has a great eye for colour and she created this masterpiece.

Here is a small sample of the lovely panel  Elizabeth was working on . The fussy cut birds provide the perfect focus for this bag.

And last but certainly not least is this absolute stunner of a bag front, created by Denise. Tula Pink and Jen Kingwell fabric used together to perfection.

And here is the back

Well that is a wrap from this wonderful workshop day. Thank you one and all. I hope this blogpost has provided you with a wealth of inspiration.

I look forward to my next Sewmiriam Workshop at Patchwork Plus in Miranda on Friday 27th April. Call Lorraine for details on 02.95402786


Happy Sewing, love Miriamx

Thorpe and Co Magic

On Saturday 3rd February I had the great pleasure of running a Sewmiriam Tote Bag making workshop at Thorpe and Co in Boolaroo. Maarten, Chris and Janette made me feel so welcome.

It was such a fun day with a wonderfully talented group of ladies. Some faces I recognised from a previous workshop. These ladies had come back for more! No pressure - LOL.  When I arrived there was a lovely display set amongst divine fabrics. Janette had made a sample Sewmiriam Tote using a vintage tapestry - gorgeous!

Let's see what these clever ladies produced in the class. First up is Olga's delightful Anna Maria Horner bag front. I love that large  raspberry spot !

Janelle used this beautiful poppy print as her focus fabric  and framed it with a superb vibrant gingham.

Rachelle had an enviable collection of Cotton and Steel fabrics and made this panel, which is destined to make a stunning bag.

Candy used bold quilting to make this cat panel go from fantastic to FABULOUS.

Deb did a great job by fussy cutting an Anna Maria Horner fabric to perfection and enhancing it with quilting.

Who wouldn't want this bag for their travelling adventures! Panel perfectly done by Trish during class.

Narelle had a safari theme going on. Look at that ric rack fabric!

Chris coordinated these fabrics, and fussy cut the focus fabric to showcase the birds, trees and the house. I love this combination.

Di put together a striking combination of fabrics. I love the way she has used her focus fabric to create a lace looking side frame.

We even had time to make a professional zippered pocket in our linings on the day.

Cathie loves reproductions and framed them beautifully in class with vibrant colours. Clever!

Who doesn't like an aqua and raspberry combination with a Jennifer Paganelli focus! Tiff put this stunner together .

Debbie framed this beautiful butterfly panel with a vibrant tomato coloured print. 

And last but not least look at  Kay's Sewmiriam Handy Ziptop bag that she was working on in class. It features a Tula Pink tiger print.  This will make a very special bag indeed.

As you have seen, magic was happening in the Thorpe and Co sewing space! Thank you ladies.

Thank you for stopping by and reading this blogpost. You are always welcome. Come visit again soon.

Happy sewing, love Miriamx