Make A Bag Chapter 1: Introduction

Well. Here we are, finally, at the beginning.

The beginning of the year always make me a little missful of my teaching days. Our school year in Singapore began in January with the chronological year. Start-of-the-year staff meetings were always exciting because everything was new and wide open and everyone was (ostensibly) refreshed from the long December break (equivalent to summer vacation here). This was the time when we'd get our new class lists, record books, office supplies and extra-curricular assignments. This was also the time when I got my first look at my time-table for the next ten and a half months - meaning I'd know which were my half-days off so I could schedule in after-school swimming and beach workout stuff. Which other job offered the possibility of swimming afternoons (no- stay-home-motherhood did not count)? And you all thought I was in it just for the altruism of the profession. Ha! 

Summary: I miss my teaching days. So- guess what - I'm going to pretend I'm still a teacher. This means a curriculum and assignments and exams and everything. Those of you who thought you were getting spoonfed entire tutorials are welcome to snort in outrage and leave the class now. Off you go! For the other brave and motivated souls who've chosen to stay, may I present:  Bag Making 101.

The course objective:

At the end of the series, students should be able to look at practically any finished bag and explain its structure, its construction sequence and how to make a template (aka pattern) in desired dimensions. The aim of this approach is to help students visualize the structure of a bag and thus reproduce this structure in a pattern.

The course content includes:

1. Basic bag shapes and categories
2. Straps and handles
3. Structure: Layers, Support, Reversibility and Finishing
4. Bag 1: Flat Lined Tote
5. Bag 2: Flat Unlined Tote
6. Bag 3: Darted Tote
7. Bag 4: Gussetted Tote
8. Bag 5: Wrapped Tote
9. Bag 6: Blocked Tote
10. Bag 7: Bucket Tote
11. A Case Study In Reversibility
12. Quiz (maniacal laughter)

The following are NOT included in this course:

• Sewing techniques
• Instructions for hardware installation
• Guidelines for the selection of fabric and notions
• Detailed tutorials on making particular bags
• Bag pockets and details other than straps

Class Assignment:

On your next trip out of the house*, look at as many bags (including -if you can be discreet -those carried by other people) as you can and try to classify them into categories. Ask yourself what features led you to your decision to put them in a particular category. Look at the list of 7 bags in the Course Content paragraph if you need inspiration for possible categories. Based on the criteria you choose, your categories may be different from mine.

* Or raid your own bag closet. Don't be shy. I know you have one. Every woman does (and some men).