Join Amanda of Be Mandy Things for fun, beginner-friendly sewing workshops. Learn to sew tote bags and more in a supportive, hands-on class environment.
Want to sew a bag that looks store-bought, even as a beginner? Join me for in-person workshops where I’ll guide you step by step. No fancy machine required — just bring your supplies, and I’ll help you create a tote you’ll love.
Scroll down to see current classes I'm teaching!⬇️
Skill level: Advanced Beginner
Ready to move beyond “soft and floppy” and into real structure?
In this extended 5-hour class, you’ll sew the Let’s Eat Lunchbox — a fully structured bag designed to hold a lot of lunch while keeping its shape.
This class focuses on shaping, structure, and hardware, making it a great next step if you’ve sewn bags before and want to level up your skills. We’ll walk through techniques that help your bag stand tall, feel sturdy, and function beautifully.
✨ Best for sewists who:
🚫 Not for first-time sewists or first bag projects
You’ll leave with a polished, practical lunch bag — and a much better understanding of how to build structure into future bag projects.
Ready to sew with me? Sign up through Bits & Bobbins and grab your spot or click the link below!
Let’s Sew This
Skill level: Beginner-Friendly
Sew the Kathy Tote in this hands-on class designed for confident beginners who want to build bagmaking skills without feeling overwhelmed.
You’ll be guided through the construction of the Kathy Tote while learning practical techniques that help bags come together cleanly and hold their shape. This class is paced, supportive, and focused on learning as you sew — not rushing to finish.
Best for you if you:
You’ll leave with a finished tote and techniques you can use on future projects.
Ready to sew with me? Sign up through Bits & Bobbins and grab your spot or click the link below!
Let’s Sew ThisMy classes are designed for beginners — I’ll share tips I wish I had when I started, and make sure you leave with a bag you’ll love.
I love bringing bagmaking to new sewing communities! If you’d like me to teach a class at your quilt shop, guild, or event, please fill out the form below. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Even if you can’t make it to one of my in-person classes, you can still sew right alongside me at home. I’ve got patterns, tutorials, and resources that make bagmaking fun and beginner-friendly.
Love the patterns, they are well written and accurate!
Within a day after leaving a review "Never received so cannot give it a good review. I sure would like to get it." Amanda from bemandythings.com contacted me and then sent me the missing items. Fantastic service. Thank you, thank you. A site like yours is so much appreciated and I'm sure to be dealing with you again.
Mandy's patterns are very clearly written.
Love this pattern- so straight forward I’ve already made five! Using as gifts to those hosting us; house warming; and “just because”. Definitely the most straight forward construction instructions I’ve ever followed!
Very helpful - great information
I made the large Heartfelt pouch as a present and it turned out very well. I have only ever made simple patchwork squares before so this was quite a challenge but I followed each step carefully and it was easier than I thought it would be. I made a tissue holder to match. I think the recipient was happy!
I love all 3 bag styles.
Beautiful pattern with excellent instructions for a fairly new sewer
Such a simple pattern for a cute little pouch. Instructions were comprehensive and though I’ve made a few pouches previously some of the finer points explained and made the finished pouch look so much better. Zips, the bane of my life, are really not so hard I’ve found.
This was very helpful for me.
Wonderful pouch with clear instructions and lots of amazing tips. After the holiday crazies, I am taking it slow on this one to concentrate on all the suggestions instead of typically rushing thru some projects. The visuals are terrific also especially for us “visual learners”
Looking forward to enjoying each step of the process.
Terry
Easy to follow and takes the scary out of zippers.
Pattern is very easy to follow and the results are a stunning tote bag
