This too-much-fun set of bags is the most popular of the By Annie bag pattern line. It features five sizes of clam-shaped bags that nest perfectly together. Ingeniously designed, they have stable bases, open wide, and have side panels to help contain items when bags are open. There are endless uses for them: toiletries, sewing notions (the size small holds 50 Wonder Clips), baby items, small toys, trinkets and treasures, electronics, and you-name-it. They make wonderful gifts, individually or as a set.

Plan on making one bag in this class, and starting with a size Large or Extra Large size is recommended so you get the knack of how it goes together. Using fabrics with all over and non-directional designs is also the least complicated. Various quilting patterns will be covered. If you want a bit more of a challenge, we will be covering the use of directional fabrics and fussy cutting with this pattern. Our shop samples feature a bias zipper binding that is not in this pattern, and this technique will also be taught in this class. Many find this actually makes the zipper installation easier.

Some previous bagmaking experience is helpful. Skills you will build on include working with foam stabilizer in a quilt sandwich, installing a zipper and adding zipper pulls, working with thick layers, and maneuvering what you may find new and unusual shapes and construction techniques. No need to start any of the project ahead of time.

This is a delightful pattern and odds are good that the bag you make in this class will be the first of many!

Bring a sack lunch and/or snacks, if you wish.

Instructor: Cyndy White

Email: cykre8@aol.com (feel free to contact with questions)

Supplies to bring to class

-Clam Up By Annie pattern and all listed materials. If you purchase one of our kits, it contains

the pattern and all you need except the foam stabilizer (we recommend By Annie’s Soft and

Stable). Note: zipper sizes called for are larger than finished zipper openings; this is necessary for the construction.

-If you are planning to include binding for your zipper, you will need a 2¼” bias strip twice the length of your zipper (or two strips the length of your zipper).

-To determine the exact amount of Soft and Stable you will need, there is a chart on page 2 of the pattern that contains this information for each bag size. (You will be starting with a rectangle sandwich of your exterior and lining fabrics with the stabilizer which you will quilt, then cut your bag pattern from that).

-Recommend that you photocopy page 8 of the pattern – labels to cut apart to mark all your pieces.

-Thread to match bag fabrics, you may want several. Polyester or poly-covered cotton is recommended for bag construction, although cotton is fine for the quilting part.

-Sewing machine and attachments

-Usual presser foot

-Walking foot for your machine, with guide if it has one

-Quarter inch foot

-Edge stitch foot, if you have one

-Rotary cutter and ruler(s)

-Size 90/14 Topstitching needles (Not universal or ball point tip. The topstitching needle is sharp

 and sturdy to better go through the multiple layers of the bag).

-Basic sewing tools including bobbins, thread snips, seam ripper, straight pins, small ruler or seam gauge, hand stitching needle

-Wonder Clips – pretty much a must

-Stiletto, By Annie’s is highly recommended

-Fabric shears and small detail scissors

-Sturdy scissors for trimming thick seams and zippers (opt.)

-Chalk marker or removeable fabric marker of your choice

-Notetaking materials

-Bias tape maker if you are making the fabric zipper pulls, size 12mm - 1/2” (opt.)

-505 temporary spray adhesive (opt.)

(Anything listed as optional - instructor will have available to use in class)