I was lucky enough to get to know Karen Whooley earlier this year at a Craftsy instructors event, so I knew she had a new class coming out. And when I saw what it was, I had to take it! So here's my review of Mix & Match Crochet Bag Techniques, taught by Karen Whooley!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.
In Mix & Match Crochet Bag Techniques, Karen teaches us 2 bag patterns - a round bag called "Mother Earth" and a rectangular bag called "Blue Skies." Both lovely!
But it isn't "just" a couple of bag patterns! There are a lot of lessons to be learned within these patterns: measuring gauge, working in the round, seaming, stabilizing bag bottoms, and creating custom handles are all part of the journey.
And there's more! How about customizing your bag with pockets and embellishments, so it's exactly what you've been looking for!?
Ah, but mixing and matching is the name of the class, so you get to pick your favorite stitch patterns too! Which are also taught in the class!
Both written instructions and stitch charts are included for both patterns, and of course they are demonstrated right in class - so no matter how you like to use patterns, Karen has you covered! She goes through the patterns in detail, teaching you how to read the patterns as well as the charts.
Karen really breaks the bags down step by step, starting with the magic circle or magic ring for the round bag. You do need to have basic crochet skills for this class, and some basic pattern reading skills are helpful of course.
I loved Karen's drawstring technique and her tubular handles (so clever)! But most of all I love that she includes the "whys" as well as the "hows" - when you finish Mix & Match Crochet Bag Techniques, you'll have two great looking bags, and the knowledge you need to create your own custom bags!
Like all Craftsy classes, enrolling in Mix & Match Crochet Bag Techniques means you get to watch the class at your convenience, whenever you want, and as many times as you want! It's yours forever, so you can reference it as needed - no time limits or restrictions. You can enroll today (and watch whenever you want!) - just click here!
And to make it even better, when I messaged Karen to tell her I was reviewing her class, she offered to give one away here on Moogly! Exciting, and so generous! Enter the rafflecopter giveaway below for your chance to win!
The Mix & Match Crochet Bag Techniques Giveaway on Moogly is open worldwide and ends 8/18/16 at 12:15am Central US time. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. If you are on mobile and have difficulty entering, please use a desktop computer to enter. Only the email option is mandatory – all other tasks are optional, for bonus entries only.
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Jamie
I have already taken this class, and I have to say that I absolutely love it. I have so many ideas of how I want to make my next bag that I need write them down and sort them out before designing and then creating it. I would highly recommend this class (and perhaps the sewing counterpart class - "Design Your Own Handbag" with Brett Bara for some additional bag design ideas) if you want to make/design a truly unique bag.
Tamara Kelly
Oh I'm so glad to hear it Jamie! Thank you!
Barb
Would love to take this class
Bonny
Took Karen whooley's class on craftsy unlimited. Found her very confusing she would start off explaining one thing and then say I'll get back to that in a moment. She made many mistakes that she corrected on camera but that was also confusing. I like Craftsy a lot and there customer service is tops. With that said I'm surprised they would have Karen do a class for them. Also that there are others that said she was great. Came to Moogly to see if I could find a pattern to make the round bag, sorry to see only Karens round bag.
Tamara Kelly
I'm so sorry to hear you didn't enjoy her class! I did find quite a few free patterns for round drawstring bags on Ravelry - here are a couple you might like!
https://rabbithookercrochet.wordpress.com/2017/08/11/fairy-pouch-pattern/
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/yarn-bowl-bag