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!⬇️
Join me for a relaxed, beginner-friendly sewing class where we’ll make the Frankie Zipper Pouch together from start to finish. This fun project uses 2.5” squares for the exterior (no seam nesting!) and is a great way to learn the basics of sewing a zipper pouch without feeling overwhelmed.
We’ll focus on simple construction, clean finishes, and zipper tips you can use again and again. You’ll leave class with a completed pouch, the Frankie pattern, and the confidence to make more at home using any fabric style you love.
Ready to sew with me? Sign up through Bits & Bobbins and grab your spot or click the link below!
Let’s Sew This
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 This
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
This extra-large zipper pouch is the perfect catch-all for projects, sewing tools, or everyday essentials. In this class, you’ll learn how to sew a clean zipper, add interior slip pockets, and create a pouch with enough structure to actually hold its shape. This is a great next-step project for confident beginners who are ready to level up their bagmaking skills.
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.
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
This was fun to make and people really love it as gifts.
Love the look of the bag.
Nice basket. Easy to follow directions
I haven't had a chance to use the pattern yet, but the instructions seem to be very complete
Easy to follow even for this beginner. Great templates and pictures a of each step are included
Great pattern! Easy to follow directions.
