My favorite part of being a handbag pattern maker is not the process of pattern making, filming YouTube videos, or providing quality products (although I love doing all of the above!). My favorite part is meeting and interacting with all of you! After all, without you, Simply Classic would not exist. In an effort to meet as many of you as possible, we travel the U.S. to shows and events to be able to interact with our number one asset: our customers! Our goal is to vend and visit different parts of the country to create awareness and meet all of our loyal customers. Earlier this year, we made the trip to Puyallup, WA. Three pallets of products and staging were shipped from Georgia to Washington.  We then flew out to spend several days enjoying the sites and restaurants in Puyallup and the surrounding areas before we set up for the show. Last week, we made the drive from Georgia to Kentucky for AQS QuiltWeek in Paducah. It was a fabulous show, and I had the opportunity to meet so many talented people from around the country. Now, I’m excited to share some highlights from the week! We packed a trailer full of Simply Classic leather, kits, and other products to bring to the show. My husband, Bill, and our team member Taylor joined me on the 8+ hour drive. No trip is without some excitement, and this one did not disappoint! As we were driving somewhere in Kentucky, our low gas light came on in the truck. We made comments to each other that we needed to stop at the next exit to get some gas, which was about four miles down the road. The truck said we had 26 miles left before we ran out — plenty of time, right? Wrong!! The reading went from 26 miles to 18, then to zero, all in the matter of about a mile. Luckily, Taylor (aka the Miracle Worker, as she can do anything), was following us and was able to save the day. After checking into our Airbnb, we were able to enjoy some of the wildlife on the property where we stayed. Elk and multiple species of deer were the main inhabitants. It was simply beautiful! We spent our first full day there getting the booth set up. It is quite a lengthy process, and the YouTube video shows the before and after. It is always so amazing how it all comes together. The next morning as we were headed out to the first day of the show, we found new neighbors at our Airbnb. There were several cabins on the property, and as we were leaving, a group of eight ladies came out of the cabin next door. Somehow, I just knew where they were headed, so I had to go introduce myself.  We became fast friends and I was nominated to be their unofficial photographer. The best part about traveling is the people you meet along the way. It is one of my favorite parts, but now let's talk about my top three memories! Top 3 Moments from AQS QuiltWeek Paducah 2024 1. Teaching the 3 Ts of leather I had an amazing opportunity to give a short presentation on the “3 Ts” of leather: Type, Temper, and Thickness. This is also a topic I plan to talk about on the blog soon. I love teaching and helping others follow their passions.  It fuels my soul. The attendees asked fantastic questions — and guess who attended? The eight ladies from next door! 2. The welcoming community AQS stands for American Quilter’s Society. Yes, we were a vendor at a “quilting show.” It was a little bit of a gamble, but AQS was so excited for us to be there. Our goal is to give all sewists another avenue to explore outside of their comfort zone, whatever that may be. The show coordinators were so welcoming, the other vendors were amazing, and the attendees were very responsive and excited for the new opportunities. The AQS community was very welcoming, and we are excited for the new opportunities that it will bring. 3. Last but definitely not least — meeting all of you! I am very grateful and very humbled with the outpouring of support. I hope that as we continue to travel, teach classes, and attend events that we get to meet each and every person that has supported, and continues to support, Simply Classic. Thank you again to everyone who stopped by the Simply Classic booth at QuiltWeek. I can’t wait to see what you make! Join Thousands of Sewists and Makers in Our Facebook Group Now, let’s keep the energy from the show going in a supportive online space. Join the Simply Classic Inspiration Group on Facebook to share your creations and connect with other makers. We have thousands of members who use the group to share inspiration, show off their creations, give suggestions and tips, and get their questions answered. It’s a supportive environment for sewists of all experience levels, and we would love to have you. Join the Simply Classic Inspiration Group on Facebook.

April has come and (almost) gone, and we have finally made it to the end of our April Sew Along for the Gemella Wallet. Last week, we created our flap, snap tab, credit card slots and ID window. You can check out that blog post here if you missed it. Everything is really starting to come together! This week, we will bring the Sew Along to a close and finish constructing our wallets. By the end of these final steps, you will have a totally unique wallet that you created yourself. This week, we will need: Gemella Wallet pattern Completed Main Body 1 from last week Remaining pieces we cut in week 1 #3 zippers and pulls Wonder Clips Scissors Double-sided tape Fabric pen Ruler Basecoat and edge paint Hole punch Sewing machine Here is the full video tutorial for the Gemella Wallet. For each step below, I also include links to jump to the applicable timestamp in the video. Step 3: Construct the Wallet Exterior Click here to jump to this step in the video tutorial (55:05). First, let’s construct our second Main Body piece, which is essentially the exterior of the wallet. We’ll start with the zippers: pinching the ends, trimming the zipper tape, adding the zipper pulls, and stitching the zipper tabs in place. Zipper pulls are a great opportunity to add a unique touch to your Gemella. They come in all kinds of shapes, colors, and materials, so you can stick with something classic or get creative. Then, we’ll move on to the cell phone pocket (timestamp: 1:00:42). We will construct the cell phone pocket, stitch the pocket to the body of the wallet, and add the snap tab (timestamp: 1:15:49). Make sure to leave a little slack in the snap tab for thicker phones. Then we will attach the zippers (timestamp: 1:19:27) and add our lining (timestamp: 1:21:50). As I explain in the video, the pattern has the zippers facing each other, zipping toward the center of the wallet. You can definitely adjust this based on your preferences. I say it every week: a pattern is just a suggestion! Step 4: Assembly Click here to jump to this step in the video tutorial (1:28:38). It’s time to put all the pieces together! There’s not much to say here — just a lot of stitching and a little trimming. Then we’ll apply basecoat and edgecoat, attach our snap, and finish off by attaching the flap. Tip: To make your Gemella a little extra special, you can use rivets instead of stitching when you attach the flap. I talk about that in the video at 1:38:47. And that’s it — you did it! In three weeks, you created a unique, high-quality wallet from scratch. Thank you for sewing along with me this month! Show Off Your Gemella for a Chance to Win I hope you enjoyed making the Gemella with me! I can’t wait to see your finished products. As a reminder, if you share a photo of your Gemella Wallet, you’ll also have the chance to win an exclusive 25% discount at the Simply Classic online store. There are two ways to enter: Option 1: Post in the Simply Classic Inspiration Group on Facebook. Join the Simply Classic Inspiration Group and create a new post to show us your Gemella Wallet. Option 2: Leave a comment on this blog post. Leave a comment on this post that includes a photo of your creation. In May, we will randomly select one entrant to win a 25% coupon to Simply Classic. That’s 25% off patterns, leather, fabrics, hardware, tools and notions — everything you need for your next project. (Read the official rules here.) Happy sewing!

How Much Should I Charge for My Handbags? It’s no secret that luxury designer handbags are wildly overpriced. On the other end of the spectrum, anyone can buy a low-quality purse for cheap at a fast fashion retailer. The middle ground is the sweet spot! Independent designers, bag makers, and small businesses can offer high-quality handbags at a more affordable price than prestige brands. Unfortunately, I’ve seen a lot of talented designers and makers undercharge for their work. You might be asking: What does a fair price actually look like? How can you make sure you’re charging what you’re worth while also being competitive? In this blog post, we will answer those questions in detail. I also made a video about this topic a while back. Watch the video below, and keep reading to: Understand all the factors that impact pricing. Learn how to calculate your prices. Get a pricing worksheet to make the process easy. 5 Steps to Pricing Handbags When you’re deciding what to charge for your creations, there are a lot of factors to consider. Let’s break it down into five steps to make the process easier. Step 1: Understand Your Costs Before you do anything else, it’s crucial to understand your costs. There are two main types of costs to consider: direct costs and overhead costs. Direct costs are the tangible expenses directly associated with making a handbag. That includes materials such as leather, fabric, hardware, interfacing, and stabilizer. Any materials that you use to create a bag should be included in your direct costs. Overhead costs are the indirect expenses that contribute to the overall cost of production but are not directly tied to any single handbag. Examples include rent, utilities, labor, supplies, machine maintenance, and marketing. Some costs might be a little more ambiguous. For example, things like double-sided tape, thread, edgecoat and basecoat, and rivets are part of constructing a bag, but they can be difficult to measure because you use small amounts at a time. You might choose to factor these into your direct costs or your overhead, depending on your preference and the volume of bags you’re creating. Step 2: Calculate Direct Costs Now that you understand the various costs associated with producing each handbag, it’s time to calculate your direct costs. This involves determining the cost of materials used in the bag's construction. Be sure to account for the quantity of each material used and its corresponding cost per unit. For example, you may puchase a large roll of faux leather, but you only use some of it to create your bag. You will need to determine the cost of the material that you actually use. The same is true for interacting, stabilizer, hardware, and any other materials needed. Then, you will add up the direct costs to get your total. This is where a spreadsheet can come in handy. You can make your own, or get my Excel Pricing Sheet & Conversion Table to quickly calculate the costs for you. In the video above, I share an example of how I use this worksheet to determine exactly how much I should charge for a bag (timestamp: 5:28). Step 3:  Determine Your Pricing Multiplier to Cover Overhead Costs Once you've determined your direct costs, it's time to factor in overhead costs. Overhead costs include expenses such as labor, machine maintenance, utilities, payroll taxes, marketing, and other operational costs. Don’t worry — you don’t need to calculate exactly how much of each utility bill, marketing expense, and other overhead cost goes into each individual bag. Instead, you can use a pricing multiplier to estimate your overhead and determine your bag’s price. A pricing multiplier represents how much you'll mark up the total cost to arrive at the final selling price. A common multiplier in the industry is two, but it can vary depending on factors like location, competition, market demand, and brand reputation. Someone who lives in New York City, for example, might use a pricing multiplier of three to account for higher rent, labor, and other operating costs. Step 4: Finalize Your Pricing Once you've calculated your total costs and determined your pricing multiplier, you can finalize the pricing of your handbag. Let’s look at an example. If the direct cost of making a bag is $100 and you use a mulitplier of two, you will be factoring in $200 for overhead. $100 + $200 = $300, which will be the final selling price for your bag. Need help with this? When you plug your costs and pricing multiplier into the Pricing Worksheet, these numbers will calculated for you. Step 5: Adjust Prices as Needed Pricing is not set in stone and may need to be adjusted over time. For example, you might adjust prices based on changes in material costs, labor costs, market trends, and customer feedback. Stay flexible and be willing to reevaluate your pricing strategy as needed. Get the Pricing Worksheet and Conversion Table As you can see, pricing handbags requires careful consideration of both direct and overhead costs, as well as market factors. By following these steps, you can confidently set prices that reflect the value of your handcrafted creations. To get started, you can use my Pricing Worksheet & Conversion Table to assist you with determining how much to charge for a bag you have made.  These tools make it easy as all of the math is done for you. Simply enter the total you paid for your materials, the length and width of the product, and the amount of material you used. The conversion table will do the rest! (Note that the worksheet requires Microsoft Excel, which is not included with this purchase.) As always, don't forgot to join the Simply Classic Inspiration Group to share the bags you've created and connect with other makers!

Welcome back to week two of the Gemella Sew Along! If you are just joining us, make sure to check out last week’s post, where we cut out the materials and fused the stabilizer. Now let’s get sewing! This week, we will construct the flap and the snap tab, the credit card slots, and the ID window. You will need the following materials, tools, and notions: The Gemella Wallet pattern The pieces you cut last week Double-sided tape Scissors or rotary cutter and ruler Fabric pen Ruler Edge punch (optional — see pattern for details) Basecoat and edge paint Sewing machine Here is the full video tutorial for the Gemella Wallet. For each step below, I also include links to jump to the applicable timestamp in the video. Step 1: Flap and Snap Tab Click here to jump to this step in the video tutorial (14:14). First, we will need to cut your Flap and Snap Tab pieces. I recommend using an edge punch to get the Snap Tab shape just right, like I do in the video (timestamp: 16:36), but scissors or a rotary cutter will also work. Then, it’s time to stitch the pieces together (timestamp: 19:50), trim the edges, and apply our basecoat and edgecoat. One important note: You can use a magnetic snap, press snap, twist lock, or any similar type of fastener to securely close the flap and snap tab. If you’re using a magnetic snap, be sure to install the male portion of the snap prior to sewing the pieces together. Step 2: Credit Card Slots and ID Window Click here to jump to this step in the video tutorial (22:45). For this step, you will need ⅛” double-sided tape. I like AJ Sign World’s 1/8" Double-Sided Tape because it’s not super sticky. It allows you to rip it by hand as you go instead of having to stop and cut it. First, we will use clear vinyl to create the ID window. When we stitch around the ID window, instead of backstitching, we will pull the threads through to the back and tie them off (timestamp: 25:09). Then, we’ll add the Window Lining (timestamp: 25:42) and use the same technique of pulling the threads to the back and tying them off. Then, we will finish making our credit card slots (timestamp: 32:14). This is where you can start to customize the wallet to fit your needs. For example, you can flip the direction of the credit card slots on one side, or you can move the phone pocket to the inside if you don’t need all the credit card slots. As I always say, a pattern is just a suggestion. Consider this pattern to be a starting point, and you can get as creative as you’d like! For the credit card slots, I recommend using adhesive lining to make the process easier. You can use a ruler to help you fold the adhesive lining, which you can see in the video at 39:25. Follow the steps in the pattern and the tips in the video, and your credit card slots will be complete in no time. Join Me Next Week to Complete Your Gemella Wallet We did it — two weeks down and one to go! Next week, we will finish constructing the wallet and give it some finishing touches. In the meantime, my team and I will be at AQS QuiltWeek in Paducah, KY. Make sure to stop by Booth 4502 and say hello if you’re attending too! Remember to Share Your Photos for a Chance to Win I love seeing all of your creations, so don’t forget to share how your Gemella is coming along. When you share a photo of your hard work, you’ll also have the chance to win an exclusive 25% discount at the Simply Classic online store. There are two ways to enter: Option 1: Post in the Simply Classic Inspiration Group on Facebook. Join the Simply Classic Inspiration Group and create a new post to show us your Gemella Wallet in progress. Option 2: Leave a comment on this blog post. Leave a comment on this post that includes a photo of your progress. Remember, you can enter once per week until the end of the Sew Along. Then, we will randomly select one entrant to win a 25% coupon to Simply Classic. That’s 25% off patterns, leather, fabrics, hardware, tools and notions — everything you need for your next project. (Read the official rules here.) Happy sewing!

Choosing the right materials for a sewing project can be daunting. Should you use natural or synthetic fabrics? Bright or muted tones? Prints or solids? And maybe the toughest one of all: genuine or faux leather? I have been sewing for decades, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I started making handbags. Since then, I have experimented with all types of leather, both genuine and faux. In this blog post, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the advantages and disadvantages of both. We will cover: Leather FAQs Differences between leather and faux leather Pros and cons of each Leather and Faux Leather FAQs Before we get into all the specifics, let’s cover the basics. These are the most frequently asked questions from people who are new to crafting and sewing with leather, both real and faux. What Is Genuine Leather? Leather is a material that is made from the skin of an animal through the process of tanning.  The skin from mammals, reptiles, birds or fish can all be turned into leather. The most common types are cattle, sheep and goats. Birds, reptiles and fish tend to be classified as “exotic leathers.” Examples are ostrich, crocodile, python or salmon skins and are most often used for luxury goods. How Is Genuine Leather Made? Tanning is the process of treating the skins of animals to produce leather. There are two main ways to tan hides.  You may have heard the terms veg tanned and chrome tanned.  Let's review the meaning of these terms. Vegetable tanned hides, more commonly known as veg tanned, are hides that are processed with natural materials like vegetable-based oils, waxes, and tree barks. The process can take up to two months to complete as the hides are soaked in large tubs. Chromium tanned hides, more commonly known as chrome tanned, are hides that are processed using chromium three sulfites.  It is a much faster process, as it only takes a few days to process.  Because of this, chrome tanned hides are much more affordable than their counterparts and are much more plentiful, making up over 90% of all leather hides. There are pros and cons to both types of hides, but we will save those facts for a later blog. What Is Faux Leather? Faux leather is a man-made, synthetic material that resembles leather. It goes by a lot of different names: vinyl, PU leather, PVC leather, vegan leather, pleather, synthetic leather, imitation leather, leatherette, or artificial leather. (Wow, that’s a mouthful!) No matter what it’s called, though, all faux leather is man-made. How Is Faux Leather Made? Most faux leather is manufactured using plastic — specifically, polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). A base fabric is coated with PU or a PVC mixture, which is dried, cured, and treated to create the finished product. During this process, the faux leather is embossed to give it that signature leather grain. New types of faux leather have also been popping up. Over the past few years, scientists have found ways to manufacture it using a combination of plastic and plant-based materials. Believe it or not, PU-plant blend faux leather can be made out of mushrooms, pineapple leaves, cactuses, and more. These unusual varieties are still not readily available to buy, but it will be interesting to see how they develop over time! What Is Bonded Leather? Bonded leather is a blend of genuine and faux leather. It’s manufactured with leather scraps and other fibers, which are broken down and reconstituted into a composite material. The result is a PU-based material that’s made of about 10 to 20% leather. What Is the Difference Between Genuine Leather and Faux Leather? The biggest difference between leather and faux leather is that genuine leather is a natural material that comes from animal hides, while faux leather is manufactured using synthetic materials. As a result, they differ in appearance, performance, and cost. In the video below, I explain the biggest differences between leather and faux leather. I also give examples of when to use each one. Watch the video or read on for more details. Appearance of Real vs. Faux Leather When it comes to appearance, the differences between genuine and faux leather are evident upon close inspection. Leather boasts a more organic and supple look, with variations in texture and color that add character to each piece. Its unique grain patterns and subtle imperfections contribute to its charm. Faux leather mimics the appearance of real leather, but it tends to have a more uniform texture and color due to its synthetic composition. Crafting with Real vs. Faux Leather Crafting and sewing with real leather offers a tactile experience like no other. Its supple yet sturdy texture makes it a joy to work with, allowing for intricate detailing and shaping. However, real leather can also present challenges, such as its weight and thickness, which may require specialized tools and techniques. Faux leather, being lighter and more consistent in thickness, is often favored by beginners or those looking for a more forgiving material to experiment with. Its predictably sized rolls make it easier to plan projects and minimize waste. Faux leather also offers a wider range of colors and patterns, catering to diverse creative tastes. Performance of Real vs. Faux Leather When it comes to performance, real leather wins in terms of durability and longevity. With proper care, genuine leather can last for years, developing a unique patina that adds to their beauty over time. Faux leather, on the other hand, shows more signs of wear and tear, such as fading and cracking. Both materials are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Faux leather is more water resistant, but it’s not totally waterproof. Genuine leather does require occasional conditioning to preserve its suppleness and prevent cracking. Cost of Real vs. Faux Leather Cost is a significant factor to consider when choosing between real and faux leather. Genuine leather typically comes with a higher price tag due to the labor-intensive tanning process and the quality of the material. Faux leather offers a budget-friendly alternative, but it is less durable and won’t last as long as the real thing. Should You Use Leather or Faux Leather for Your Next Project? Leather and faux leather are both great options for making beautiful, high-quality handbags. Ultimately, the material you choose will depend on your budget, the look you’re going for, and how you plan to use the finished product. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both! Pros and Cons of Leather Pros and Cons of Faux Leather So, which option is right for you? If you’re making a tote for your teenage granddaughter to bring on the school bus, you may want to use faux leather. If you’re creating a timeless handbag that you’ll keep for decades, then buttery Italian leather could be the best choice. There you have it: a complete guide to the differences between leather and faux leather. Now you can feel confident selecting the best material for your next project. Happy sewing! Shop Simply Classic Leather and Faux Leather Here at Simply Classic, we offer a wide range of genuine Italian leather, faux leather, and other fabrics. Whether you want classic black leather, pink faux snakeskin, or something in between — we’ve got you covered. Explore the store now to get inspired. Shop leather and faux leather.

I love sharing in-depth sewing tutorial videos that show every step in the process of making a bag. When you watch my videos, I want it to feel like you’re sewing along with me. So, I thought, why not take that to the next level with a monthly Sew Along? A Sew Along is an opportunity to give sewists of all experience levels a chance to make something new with the support of a community. The beauty of a Sew Along is that you have a group of makers who are creating the same thing at the same time, so you can ask advice, share your progress, and get inspiration. For each Sew Along, I’ll break a pattern down into steps that we will follow week by week. Read on to learn more about the April Sew Along schedule, the materials you’ll need, and how to participate. April Sew Along Schedule For the next three weeks, I’ll be posting on the blog every Monday with a new part of the process. Each week, participants will work at their own pace each week to complete the same part of the pattern. Here’s what you can expect: Monday, April 15 – Cutting & Fusing Monday, April 22 – Steps 1 & 2 Monday, April 29 – Steps 3 & 4 Follow along, and by the end of April, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind wallet that you created yourself! About the Gemella Wallet The Gemella Wallet is chic, practical, and customizable. It has a unique design featuring 15 card slots, one ID slot, two zipper pockets, and one cell phone pocket. The wallet folds in half lengthwise and has a flap closure that yearns for a decorative touch. You can make the Gemella your own by adding unique hardware, reducing the number of card slots, moving or removing the cell phone pocket, or adding an additional ID slot. The possibilities are limitless! What Will You Need for the Gemella Sew Along? The Sew Along is free to join, but you will need the Gemella Wallet pattern to follow along. The pattern is available in PDF format for $14.95. You will also need to prepare your materials and supplies. The Gemella Wallet pattern was designed to be versatile, and you can use leather, faux leather, or cork. Here is a detailed breakdown of the materials you’ll need. Materials 1/4 yard of material for the exterior (1/2 of a roll of 18” cork or faux leather) 1/4 yard stabilizer 1 yard of lining material 1/2 yard of woven interfacing if using cotton, linen, or other similar fabric for the lining 4” x 2.5” of clear vinyl 🛒 Shop Simply Classic’s fabrics and leather. Hardware 2 – #3 zippers cut to 9” 2 – #3 zipper pulls 1 – Magnetic snap or twist lock (Try the Magnetic Concho.) 1 – Push snap or other similar closure (I’m using these snaps from Amazon.) Base coat and edge paint as indicated 🛒 Shop Simply Classic’s hardware. Tools and Notions Craft knife (I like the Zoid Gripped Art Knife.) Double-sided tape (I use this one from Amazon.) 1" rounded leather end punch (Mine is from Tandy Leather.) 🛒 Shop Simply Classic’s tools and notions. Share Your Progress and Win To get the most out of the Sew Along, join the Simply Classic Inspiration Facebook Group. That’s where you can share your progress throughout April and get inspiration and advice. You’ll also have the opportunity to win a 25% off coupon for the Simply Classic store. When you share your Gemella Wallet progress photos in the Facebook Group, in the blog comments, or on Instagram with the hashtag #SimplyClassic, you will be entered to win. I’ll share more details in next week’s post. I’ll see you next Monday, April 15, for the first part of the Sew Along! In the meantime, don’t forget to purchase the pattern and get your materials ready.

Sometimes the hardest part of a project is just getting started. This week, we’ll conquer that challenge together by tackling the first steps in the Gemella Wallet pattern. If you missed last week’s announcement about the April Sew Along, make sure to read this blog post first. You will learn more about the Sew Along, the Gemella Wallet, and the materials you will need. If you’re just joining us, don’t worry — it’s not too late to get started! One of the best parts of a Sew Along is that you can work at your own pace while getting support and inspiration from other participants in our Facebook Group. Remember, the Sew Along is free to join, but you will need the Gemella Wallet pattern to follow along. The pattern is available in PDF format for $14.95. Now, let’s get to the fun part! Sew Along Week 1: Fabric Cutting and Fusing This week, we’ll be focusing on cutting out the materials and fusing the stabilizer. Not all of the stabilizer pieces get fused immediately, so be sure to read over the pattern before getting iron happy! I designed the Gemella Wallet to work with a variety of materials, from leather to faux leather to cork. For the Sew Along, I’ll be demonstrating the Gemella in two different materials. In the video clips, I’m using our faux snakeskin in Pink/Black. This textured, geometric print material is 0.9mm thick and easy to work with. In some photos, you’ll see me using our dark purple faux ostrich. I love the elegant amethyst color and the fabulous texture. Keep in mind that it is a little bit thicker, so it’s best suited for those with a semi-industrial or industrial sewing machine. When you have your materials ready, it’s time to get started. Begin by taping the pattern pieces together at the indicated points, then cut out your materials. In the video tutorial below, we review the pattern pieces and I show you some tips on how to cut out the credit card slots. From there, the pattern will walk you through every step of the cutting and fusing process. You can also follow the video to see the process and get tips for customizing the pattern to your liking. Tips for Cutting and Fusing Selecting Your Lining: Adhesive vs. Regular You can use your favorite cotton, linen, or other lining material in your Gemella Wallet, or you can save a step with adhesive lining. This 0.1mm thin nylon fabric has an adhesive backing, so you won’t need to cut interfacing for your credit card lining pieces. I talk more about this in the video, from the 04:33 mark to 05:28. Another good option is landscape fabric, the kind used for weed control. It is thin, cheap, and easily found at local hardware stores or on Amazon. If you choose to use anything besides the adhesive lining, I suggest using a little extra double-sided tape to help hold everything in place. Cutting the Credit Card Slots Did you know you can use a leather hole punch to improve your credit card slots? All you need is a hole punch, a pencil, and a craft knife (I use the Zoid Gripped Art Knife). Watch the video starting at 10:10 to see how it’s done. This technique is surprisingly simple, looks lovely, and allows your cards to slide in and out of the wallet more easily. Once all of the pieces are cut out and the stabilizer is fused, go have a night out with your children, grandkids, or that special someone (maybe even Fido). We will regroup next week and move onto constructing the flap and snap pieces and the construction of the credit card slots and ID window. Share Your Photos for a Chance to Win I’m excited to see what you create! Take a moment to show off your hard work, and you’ll have a chance to get an exclusive 25% discount at the Simply Classic online store! There are two ways to enter: Option 1: Post in the Simply Classic Inspiration Group on Facebook. Join the Simply Classic Inspiration Group and create a new post to show us your Gemella Wallet in progress. Option 2: Leave a comment on this blog post. Leave a comment on this post that includes a photo of your progress. It’s as easy as that! You can enter once per week until the end of the Sew Along. Then, we will randomly select one entrant to win a 25% coupon to Simply Classic. That’s 25% off patterns, leather, fabrics, hardware, tools and notions — everything you need for your next project. (For the official rules and legal mumbo-jumbo, click here.) Happy sewing!

No matter what kind of sewing you do, having the right tools for the job is essential. Over many years of sewing, I have found some tools and notions that I really love, and others that I’ve found pretty useless. The only time I will ever share a notion with you is when I use it myself and love it. You will see all of the tools and notions we sell in my sewing videos, as I use them regularly. Here are a few of my very favorites! 1. The OESD Expert Point and Press Tool for Perfect Corners The OESD Expert Point and Press Tool is one of my favorite tools to turn points and curves with precision and ease! I use this tool regularly when turning slip pockets for bags. It is an essential companion for all your bag making projects. It features a fabric-safe stiletto with two point sizes and a comfortable, non-slip body. 2. Kai 9” Scissors for a Smooth Cut Every Time I use many different kinds of scissors during my videos, and they all have a different job. The ones I reach for the most, however, are the KAI 5230 9" Bent Handle Scissor. It has an ergonomically soft handle, which allows for fatigue-free cutting on all types of fabric. It cuts multiple layers of denim with ease and trims cottons without fabric slippage. If you’re also a quilt maker, it features a tailoring bend for stand-up pattern cutting and for trimming batting from quilts. The bent handle keeps the edge of the quilt flat on the table for accurate trimming. 3. Hugo's Amazing Tape to Keep Your Space Organized The story behind Hugo’s Amazing Tape goes like this: “The son of a printer, Hugo Maisnik, grew up being an inventor. After a happy accident at the print shop one day Hugo turned a plastic spill into a delightful, magical whoopsie into an amazing tape that allowed you to stretch, wrap and pull holding almost anything together with ease.” Hugo’s Amazing Tape is a self-clinging transparent tape that’s adhesive-free, so it won’t leave any residue behind. I use it regularly in my workroom. It’s ideal for holding the thread end on my large Tex 70 spools. We also use it to wrap around leather hides rolled on kraft tubes. The uses for this tape are virtually unlimited. More Sewing Tools and Notions Making high-quality bags requires high-quality tools — but quality doesn’t have to mean expensive. Simply Classic sells a variety of affordable and effective tools and notions, from practical bobbin boxes to beautiful handmade seam rippers. Shop all Tools and Notions. Now it’s your turn! What’s your favorite sewing tool or notion? Let me know in the comments.

Hello! My name is Chris Hall Murphy, and I’m the founder of Simply Classic. For me, sewing has always been more than a hobby. It’s been a journey — one that started in my teenage years, when I created my very first hand stitched stuffed animal.  It was a stuffed dog that sat on my bed for years to come. That journey has led me here, to Simply Classic. Our Story: How Simply Classic Got Its Start Sewing is my passion, but it hasn’t always been my career. For 30 years, my husband and I were partners in our CPA firm. During that time, I found that functional and sophisticated handbags at an affordable price were hard to come by. I turned that into a personal challenge to create my own at a fraction of what they cost in retail stores. The first bag I made was the AllyBee, a bucket style bag that can be worn as a shoulder bag or a sling. My inspiration came from a Brahmin bag that I fell in love with, and I was excited to create my own version. When I created the AllyBee, I knew I wanted to focus on craftsmanship — the quality that comes from creating with passion, care, and attention to detail. And it was a success! When I carried my AllyBee, I got compliments from friends, families, and strangers — and there’s something so gratifying about saying “Thank you, I made it!” In 2020, I took the leap and started a business selling handcrafted bags and accessories. I quickly realized, however, that my true love was the design process. That’s when I began writing and selling my patterns, creating YouTube tutorials, and hosting in-person classes to educate others on how to create their own one-of-a-kind handbags. When I founded Simply Classic, I had one goal: to create a community that inspires sewists of all abilities to explore and nurture their passion. Over the past four years, Simply Classic has grown into something truly unique. It’s more than a small business; it’s a community of sewists and friends. We’ve also expanded our store from a few varieties of faux leather in 2020 to hundreds of products today, including: 11 (and counting!) patterns Leather, faux leather, and other textiles Maker’s Kits Tools and notions And more! It has been a joy to bring Simply Classic to life, and I’m excited to connect with even more makers with this blog. I’ll be sharing tips and tricks, hosting Sew Alongs, and giving a behind-the-scenes look at Simply Classic. Stay tuned! Join the Simply Classic Community Even though our small team (including my dog, Jed) operates out of a workshop in Appling, Georgia, we are so grateful to be surrounded by an incredible community of makers from all around the world. So, whether you’re a seasoned sewist or just starting out, I invite you to join us on this journey. Together, let’s explore the world of sewing and chic handbags, one stitch at a time. ✨ Join the Simply Classic Inspiration Group on Facebook. 🎦 Subscribe to Simply Classic on YouTube. 📧 Sign up for our mailing list in the footer and be the first to hear about sales and new products.

Simply Classic's brand new blog is almost ready, and we can't wait to share it with you! You can expect a lot of fun and helpful information from categories including All About Leather, Chris' Corner, Sew Alongs, and Sewing Tools & Tips. Keep your eye out for your favorite new blog — coming in April 2024!