Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE COURSE SCHEDULE?

The course will run from Feb 1st - Feb 22nd and will be broken up into three modules. Each module will include pre-recorded instructional videos to watch at your own pace and will conclude with a live Zoom session, where you’ll have a chance to troubleshoot any problems you’ve run into, ask Ellie questions, show and tell your work, and get to know your Beginner Bag Making cohort.

Welcome Gathering
Wednesday, Feb 1st, 5-6pm PST: Live Zoom 

Module 1: Sewing Machine 101
Feb 1st - 7th: Complete pre-recorded videos on your own time
Wednesday, Feb 8th, 5-6pm PST: Live Zoom 

Module 2: The Portsmith Tote 
Feb 8th - 14th: Complete pre-recorded videos on your own time
Wednesday, Feb 15th, 5-6pm PST: Live Zoom 

Module 3: The Woodland Dopp Kit
Feb 15th- 21st: Complete pre-recorded videos on your own time
Wednesday, Feb 22nd, 5-6pm PST: Live Zoom

WHAT KIND OF SEWING MACHINE DO I NEED?

A regular home sewing machine will be just fine for this course. You don’t need anything fancy or expensive—although if you have a machine like that, great! If you don’t yet have a sewing machine, a couple of our favorites for beginner bag makers are the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 and Janome HD 3000. You can read more about our favorite tools for beginner bag makers in this blog post.

DO I NEED ANY PRIOR SEWING EXPERIENCE?

Nope! This course is designed to start at the very beginning. If you’ve never used your sewing machine before, that’s okay! Our whole first module, Sewing Machine 101, is dedicated to giving you a thorough introduction. You’ll learn all the ins and outs of your machine, understand how it works, how to thread it, how to wind a bobbin, how to troubleshoot common problems. No previous experience required. 

If you do have previous sewing experience, that’s great too! Sewing Machine 101 will be a great refresher. You’ll probably have some big “Aha!” moments, understanding the inner workings of your machine in new ways.

WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE THE LIVE ZOOMS?

The live zoom sessions will be recorded and replays will be available for all course participants to watch at any time. There will be an opportunity to ask questions in the Beginner Bag Making community in advance of the Zooms, so you’ll still have an opportunity to get question(s) answered by Ellie!

ARE ALL OF THE TOOLS + SUPPLIES INCLUDED?

Aside from your sewing machine, a hammer, and fabric shears, we are taking care of everything. We want this course to be stress-free and all-inclusive. Before the course begins, you’ll receive all of the following, delivered to your home:

Tools + Supplies

• Fabric pencils

• Craft clips

• 3/32” drive punch

• Punching board

• Double-cap rivet setter

• Denim needles

• Seam ripper

• Flat-head pins

• 24" x 6" Ruler

Woodland Full Maker Kit

• Pre-cut waxed canvas

• Precut natural canvas lining

• Brass Zipper

• Leather tabs + zipper pull

• Double-cap Rivets

• Matching thread

Portsmith Full Maker Kit

• Pre-cut waxed canvas

• Pre-cut leather straps

• Double-cap Rivets

• Matching thread

HOW LONG WILL MY 15% OFF DISCOUNT BE GOOD FOR?

Beginner Bag Making students will receive their 15% off site wide discount code on the first day of the course, February 1st. The code will be active until the course ends on February 22nd. We want to make it easier for you to purchase any additional tools and supplies you’d like (maybe a Bakelite Mallet? Or a rivet removal tool?!), as well as additional kits, if you’re feeling inspired to make more bags.

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE VIDEOS?

You will have evergreen access to both the pre-recorded online classes, as well as the recordings of the live Zoom sessions, so you can return to them again and again.

WILL I GET DIRECT FEEDBACK FROM ELLIE?

Yes. Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions in the comments section of any of the lessons, as well as within the Beginner Bag Making community. Ellie and the Klum House team will be actively monitoring and responding to your questions throughout the course. You’ll also have a chance to ask Ellie questions in the live Zoom sessions. This is a rare opportunity to get to pick Ellie’s brain and take advantage of her two decades of bag making expertise!

WHAT IF I FALL BEHIND?

We’ve scheduled this course to give a generous amount of time for each module—about two weeks for each of the bag projects. We’re hoping that this should be plenty of time to move at a relaxed pace, but if you do find yourself falling behind, that’s totally fine. You’ll have access to the videos forever! Don’t stress if you haven’t completed your project by the time the module closes. Just carry on when you are able to and catch up at your own pace.

DO YOU HAVE A REFUND POLICY?

If you sign up for Beginner Bag Making and are unable to attend the live events or complete the course within the given timeframe, we unfortunately will not be issuing refunds. You will have evergreen access to all of the instructional videos and Zoom replays and a big package of bag making gear delivered to your home that will be ready and waiting for you whenever you are able to dive in.

WILL YOU BE OFFERING THIS COURSE AGAIN?

Yes, we definitely plan to offer Beginner Bag Making again. Depending on interest, we are hoping to offer another session later this year. We don't have the dates pinned down just yet, but if you're interested, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop!

I'M NOT A BEGINNER, BUT I'D LIKE TO TAKE A COURSE SOME DAY!

You're in luck! In April 2022, we're going to be offering Intermediate Bag Making course, where you'll make the Oberlin Tote, Maywood Totepack, and Naito Bucket Bag. This course will be the same format—a combo of pre-recorded videos, live Zooms, an online community, all of the supplies. Sign-ups will open in March. If that sounds like something you might be into, join the waitlist!