This bag was one of the first Swoon bags I made, and I still use it today.

The Vivian bag has a classic vintage style with a modern appeal. The bag comes in two sizes; the handbag version is 12” wide, 9” tall, and 5” deep, and the traveller is 17” wide, 12.5” tall, and 7” deep. It has two exterior slip pockets for quick access to keys and phones and one zippered pocket in the lining for extra organization.

The handbag size is ideal to use daily as your ‘go-to’ bag or could be made to match an outfit for a special occasion. The traveller version is perfect for an overnight stay. We have even enlarged the pattern and used this bag as a sewing machine bag.

You will need some sewing experience before making this bag. You don’t need to have made bags previously but will need to be able to use a zig-zag (regular foot), a zipper foot and a walking foot on your sewing machine and make or buy pre-made piping before we start.

I split this bag over two days (23rd & 24th March) to make the class less hurried and more fun. There will be a maximum of 10 places in the class so I can help each person individually. On day one, we will work from 10 am-4 pm and on day two, from 10 am – 3 pm (we may finish sooner).

In December, you will receive the requirements list, the full-size pattern with detailed instructions and a video tutorial on how to make piping. I will also list suppliers of premade piping.  This bag lends itself to using bold fabrics where you could choose to fussy cut some aspects for your bag – or is equally as beautiful with plain or straightforward all-over fabric designs.

In early February, I will hold a pre-bag-making call to discuss fabrics, interfacing and fussy cutting options and ensure you can ask any questions before the class in late March.  I will record this pre-call and send it to all participants.

The class is held over Zoom to allow you to see how I sew each element of the bag while enabling you to stay in your sewing area. After six years of running Zoom classes, I have extensive experience moving between three cameras to allow you to see all the action. My style of teaching is relaxed, and we never leave anyone behind. With all classes, each participant sews at their own pace, but my teaching will be in time with each person wherever you are and repeating elements and answering your questions is what the weekend will be about.