Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really make this bag?

The Slabtown Backpack is heavy-duty and hella professional—but don’t let that intimidate you! It is a challenging make, and a solid couple of days of work, so the payoff is SO worth it. I (Ellie) will be your trusty guide! I’ll be there with you in real time, breaking it all down, answering questions, helping you troubleshoot. If you’ve been eyeing this project for a while but feeling a little scared, this is your moment. I’m going to get you there. 

That said, foundational sewing knowledge is pretty important for this project. If you’ve never used a sewing machine before, you’ll be in for a challenge. Doesn’t mean it can’t be done! I’ve seen it happen. But you’re going to have a much higher rate of success (and enjoyment!) if you go in prepared. If you’ve made any of our other bags before, you’ll be in great shape. Bonus points if you’ve made the Maywood Totepack, which also uses tubular rivets! The number one obstacle to your success is going to be having the correct tools and materials. If you don’t have one already, get yourself a good mallet! Find more details on that front below.

How will the live workshop work?

The live workshop will take place on Zoom. Before each session, you will receive a Zoom link and password via email to join us. All students will be invited to participate with their video turned on, so we can see each other’s faces and follow along with your progress. The workshop will consist of a combination of pre-recorded videos and Ellie’s live support, which will go above and beyond, delving deeper into knowledge about leather, hardware, and heavy-duty sewing techniques. You’ll be able to ask questions in real time in the chat, and there’ll be opportunities to “show + tell” via video with the group as well.

Note: you should show up on Saturday morning with all of your materials cut, prepped, and ready-to-make. If you purchase full maker kit, all of this work is done for you! If you are using a leather + hardware kit, you'll need to cut your fabric in advance. If you're making from scratch, you'll need to cut and hole-punch your fabric and leather in advance. In order to ensure that everyone has enough time to finish making their backpack over the course of the weekend, we will not cover cutting fabric or making leather straps in this workshop.

What if I can't make it to the live workshop?

This workshop is taking place in real time. We will not be recording the live event. (It would be 10+ hours of video footage!) If you sign up for the live workshop and end up not being able to make it, we unfortunately will not be issuing refunds. You will, however, still have evergreen access to the Slabtown PDF pattern and pre-recorded Slabtown online class, which includes amazing step-by-step video instruction that you can watch again and again.

What tools and supplies will I need?

In the following video, Ellie goes over all of the tools and materials you’ll need to make the Slabtown, whether you are making from a kit or sourcing and prepping materials yourself. She’ll also demonstrate how to personalize your Slabtown with leather stamps and how to test your home sewing machine to figure out which method of topstitching is best for you.

If you purchase the Slabtown Live Workshop + Maker Kit (The Works!), you’ll receive a Slabtown Full Maker Kit, which includes all of the pre-cut fabric, leather straps, zippers, and hardware you’ll need, as well as matching thread. This is the easiest, most luxurious way to make! All of the sourcing and prep work is done for you. You will need to source the essential tools needed to make this bag: tubular rivet peening tool, line 24 snap setter + dot anvil, and drive punch (you can add those above). You will also need a good, non-rubber mallet (essential for setting tubular rivets!), a hard surface for setting hardware, and a cutting board to punch holes on top of. 

To be extra sure you have everything you need, download the full TOOLS + SUPPLIES LIST

Do you have a refund policy?

If you sign up for the live workshop and end up not being able to make it, we unfortunately will not be issuing refunds. You will, however, still have evergreen access to the Slabtown PDF pattern as well as the pre-recorded Slabtown online class, which includes amazing step-by-step video instructions that you can watch again and again.

Does it matter what time zone I'm in?

Klum House is based in Portland, Oregon, so we’re on Pacific Standard time. All of the workshop times listed are in PST. If you’re on the East coast, everything will take place 3 hours later than what is advertised on our website. As long as you’re aware of this and plan ahead, you’ll be fine! If you are overseas, this live workshop may not be the best format for you—unless you are a night owl, in which case, see ya there!

How is this workshop different from the Slabtown Online Class?

The Slabtown online class consists of a series of pre-recorded video lessons, where I (Ellie) walk you through the whole process of making the Slabtown. It’s really awesome. The best online class we’ve ever made, if we do say so ourselves. This two-day, weekend intensive is different in the sense that it combines our amazing pre-recorded video lessons with a live, interactive experience with me, the pattern designer! It’s also an opportunity to virtually hang out with a bunch of other makers from near and far, who are there to inspire you and cheer you on. 

You’ll have the opportunity to make along with my instructions in real time, ask questions if you get stuck, and share your progress with the group via video chat. I’ll also go into greater depth on tips + tricks for heavy-duty sewing, as well as working with leather and hardware. We hope that this live format adds an element of personal connection, community, accountability, and greater confidence that you CAN in fact make this thing. (You really can.) 

Will the workshop be recorded?

We will not be recording the live workshop. It would be 10+ hours of video footage! In our experience, watching a replay of a live event, especially a long one, is not as fun or useful as experiencing it in real time. You will, however, have access to the pre-recorded Slabtown online class videos indefinitely. These step-by-step videos are quicker and easier to navigate when making on your own time.

What if I fall behind in the workshop?

The short answer is: you’ll be fine! I’ve taught this workshop to hundreds of makers at this point, and I’ve never had a student not finish in the allotted workshop time. I’ll support you in any way possible to bring you up to speed. That said, it is possible that you’ll make a mistake that sets you back a bit, such as having to seam rip or remove a crooked snap. If that happens, we’ll do our best to offer suggestions and help you troubleshoot, but you may need to pause the workshop to catch up and rejoin us when you’re ready. 

Outside of the livestream, you can watch the pre-recorded video lessons whenever you’d like. You might need to take some extra time Saturday evening to catch up to the group—we’ll have a common stopping point in the pattern, so we can reconvene Sunday morning on the same page. Mistakes happen. It’s all part of the process. If you have to hang back and then catch up later, it’s all good! No matter what, if you stick it out through any bumps, you’re going to have an amazing finished backpack by the end of the weekend.