You're not gonna believe it but, I made this bag in an afternoon!

Me, Chloé, famous for starting sewing projects and waiting for her mom to come visit to finish them!

Sweater (Everlane) | Jeans (Vintage) | Boots (c/o Fortress of Inca) | Bag (Klum House - DIY)

A couple weeks ago, I attended a Pendleton Maywood Totepack Class at Klum House, a studio that offers sewing workshops and bag patterns that empower you to create handcrafted goods with “I made this!” bragging rights, owned by my friend Ellie.

Ellie and I have some kind of a work for trade agreement, so I have the opportunity to take sewing classes and spent time with the amazing Klum House community.

Actually, you might remember this tote I made last year.

The Maywood is an amazing bag. As you see on my pictures, it's a backpack, but if you look closely, you'll notice a handle tucked into the front pocket.

Its clever design allows from the backpack to convert into a tote bag, and vice-versa!

I still feel so much pride even writing this. In only one afternoon, I made this with my own two hands - and the support of my fellow classmates. I should actually give a proper shout-out to Jessica, who was sitting next to me, and who allowed me to look over her shoulder (she's got her own line of bags, so she knew what she was doing).

I should also probably say that I did not need to copy anyone's work, as Ellie's directions were very clear and she was available to give one-on-one tips if needed, but I did love the supportive atmosphere of the class, the "we're all in this together" feeling, the "community over competition" atmosphere. Everyone was raving about each others colors choices, from fabrics to hardware. It was so fun to see a mother and her adult son take the workshop together, a group of knitters challenging themselves to learn a new skill and coordination-challenged people like me, who simply need the structure of a class to complete a project.

I wish I had taken a picture of the whole group with our bags, but this one might give you an idea of how eclectic our creations were.

The next Maywood Totepack class in on January 12th.

As for me, I'm regularly checking Klum House's calendar, but I think that the Slabtown Rolltop Backpack is calling my name!

And for those of you who do not live in Portland, don't fret. Klum House sells Maker Sewing Kits & Patterns and will ship them straight to your house!

Do you love to take classes as much as I do? What's the latest thing you've made? Or what's one think you wish you'd know how to make?