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Celebrating its first anniversary, the Bag Makers Workroom shares Simply Classic's latest products, patterns, events, and a warehouse update. Features interviews, skill-building tips, and a dive into bag history.
As Simply Classic marks its one-year anniversary of the Bag Makers Workroom, we reflect on a remarkable period of growth, innovation, and community engagement. This past year has been a testament to our dedication to the art of bag making and leather crafting, bringing new products, exciting events, and invaluable educational content to our cherished community. From expanding our product lines with essential bag making supplies to hosting inspiring retreats and workshops, the journey over the last twelve months has been filled with significant milestones and shared passion.
The anniversary marks a special moment, celebrating not just the passage of time but the vibrant contributions and enthusiasm of every bag maker who has joined us. It’s a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come, the skills sharpened, and the many beautiful leather bags and accessories created. This reflection period also serves as a springboard for future endeavors, promising even more innovative solutions and engaging experiences for the craft of leather bag making.
During this foundational year, Simply Classic made significant strides in enhancing the range and quality of bag making materials available to artisans and enthusiasts. A highlight was the collaboration with PhilTech in 2024 to develop a brand-new line of Text 45 thread. This robust sewing thread now comes in an impressive palette of 25 different colors, including the much-loved "Cotton Candy" shade, providing bag makers with expanded creative possibilities for their leather and fabric projects. This commitment to diverse and high-quality thread options underscores our dedication to supporting intricate leather crafting and durable bag construction.
Further enhancing our offerings, we introduced six new webbings to the shop, featuring distinctive designs such as the vibrant peacock pattern and the intricate zignit pattern. These webbings provide crucial functional and aesthetic elements for bag straps and accents, allowing for personalized and professional finishes. Additionally, our product innovation extended to hardware with the release of the new lacing clasp posting. This clasp stands out for its unique design, incorporating decorative leather lacing throughout the entire bag, adding a bespoke touch that elevates the overall look and feel of any handmade leather bag.
Another major development was the creation of Classic Fuse woven interfacing. Recognizing a gap in the market for a specific type of interfacing, Simply Classic developed its own solution to meet the needs of bag makers seeking particular characteristics not readily available in stores. This proprietary woven interfacing is designed to provide the ideal structure and stability for a variety of bag styles, making it an indispensable component for professional-grade leather and textile projects. The transition of our Tech70 thread to Fusion 70, accompanied by exciting new thread colors, further exemplifies our continuous effort to refine and expand our range of bag making supplies.
The anniversary year was also marked by a flurry of new pattern releases, catering to diverse skill levels and style preferences within the bag making community. We were thrilled to introduce the Lusso pattern, released ahead of schedule to the delight of our crafters. Following this, the Madison, a super cute, easy, and scrap-busting slim card holder wallet, was launched as a free pattern, making it accessible to everyone. Our brand new Kaplan pattern offered a roomy crossbody satchel, perfect for those seeking a practical yet stylish everyday bag. More recently, the Zara pattern, inspired by the distinctive Loe Bay Puzzle Bag, showcased our commitment to bringing sophisticated and unique designs to the fore, inviting bag makers to explore advanced leather crafting techniques.
Beyond patterns, Simply Classic invested heavily in educational initiatives and community building. We proudly announced a bag making retreat in Ruskin, Florida, located in the scenic Tampa area, where Barbie Taylor from Genie's Designs and Chris collaborated to teach inspiring workshops. In the preceding weeks, Chris traveled to Tennessee to lead two successful workshops at Chattanooga Sewing Machines, engaging directly with enthusiastic participants. The presence at key events like the Sack, Bag, and Sew Expo in Sacramento, where four classes including the Simply Classic Clutch and Sorrella class were taught, and the Houston Quilt Festival, provided invaluable opportunities for connection and hands-on learning within the sewing and bag making communities.
Our commitment to education extended through regular segments like the "Thursday Thread," where we delved into fascinating sewing stories and the rich history of bags, leather crafting, bag making in the United States, and even faux leather. These discussions enriched the understanding of the craft's heritage. The "Sharpen Your Skills" segment offered practical tips and tricks, covering topics such as creating seamless handles, crafting bows, utilizing fabric scraps for punches, replicating frayed webbing techniques, exploring essential tools and notions for leather bags, mastering the mystery braid, and developing inspiring color palettes using Simply Classic materials.
A significant undertaking during the anniversary year was the acquisition and renovation of a warehouse and offices in Thompson, Georgia. This pivotal move signifies Simply Classic's expansion and long-term vision. Located in a small, quaint town just west of Augusta, the new facility is poised to become the operational headquarters, with the warehouse serving as a central hub for product storage and distribution. The renovation process was extensive, involving taking down the entire warehouse, repouring concrete, and meticulously rebuilding the structure, transforming it into a ready-to-use space for our growing operations.
This expanded infrastructure is crucial for supporting increased product orders and streamlining the distribution of our high-quality bag making supplies. The warehouse ensures that products like the Text 45 thread, Fusion 70 thread, various webbings, and Classic Fuse interfacing can be efficiently stored and shipped to meet the demands of our customers who are eager to embark on their next leather crafting projects. The enhanced operational capacity positions Simply Classic to continue its trajectory of growth, ensuring that our products and patterns reach bag makers across the United States and Canada, as evidenced by our successful visit to Bernina University in Salt Lake and the subsequent expansion into numerous new and restocking shops.
Beyond the physical expansion, Simply Classic also enriched its content by featuring interviews with prominent figures in the crafting world. Discussions with Tiffany Tanass, owner of Test Patch Studio, offered advice on courage and passion for those starting out in bag making. Similarly, an interview with Rock Bush from Rock Leather Works provided insights into the meticulous process of bag creation, from initial paper mock-ups to working with expensive leather hides. These features not only celebrated the skills of fellow artisans but also provided invaluable inspiration and practical guidance to our community, further cementing Simply Classic's role as a comprehensive resource for all things leather and bag making.
Simply Classic continually demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation, enhancing the bag-making experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike. From the development of unique materials and hardware to the release of fresh, inspiring patterns and the expansion of their operational footprint, Simply Classic consistently introduces advancements that empower creators. The brand's dedication extends beyond product development, encompassing strategic growth through educational retreats, workshops, and extensive industry presence, solidifying its position as a forward-thinking leader in the leather crafting and bag-making community.
At the heart of Simply Classic's innovative spirit lies a dedication to improving the fundamental elements of bag construction. A significant stride in this area was the collaboration with PhilTech in 2024 to develop a new line of Text 45 thread. This specialized thread, now available in 25 different colors, including the popular "Cotton Candy," offers bag makers enhanced durability and a wider palette for their creations. Beyond threads, Simply Classic has expanded its material offerings with six new webbings. These include distinct peacock and zignit patterns, providing bag makers with fresh aesthetic choices and opportunities to personalize their designs with unique accents.
Perhaps one of the most exciting material innovations is the Classic Fuse woven interfacing. This product was conceived and developed by the brand's founder, Chris, out of a personal need when existing market options proved insufficient. Classic Fuse stands apart, offering a solution specifically tailored to the rigorous demands of bag making, ensuring structure and longevity. Furthermore, the brand introduced a unique new clasp posting, aptly named "the lacing." This innovative clasp is distinguished by its design, which seamlessly incorporates leather lacing throughout the entire bag, presenting a novel way to integrate hardware with the leather medium. This blend of functionality and intricate design elements showcases Simply Classic's ingenuity in redefining bag hardware. In a continuous effort to refine their product lines, the Tech70 thread has also undergone a transformation, now known as Fusion 70, and includes an array of new thread colors, further expanding the creative possibilities for bag makers.
Pattern releases are always a source of immense excitement for the Simply Classic community, reflecting the brand's ongoing creativity and responsiveness to design trends. Demonstrating agility, the Lusso pattern was released ahead of schedule, underscoring Simply Classic's eagerness to share new designs with its audience. This commitment to fresh ideas is further exemplified by the introduction of the Madison, a new free pattern. The Madison is a slim card holder wallet, lauded for being super cute, easy to make, and an excellent "scrapbuster," making it accessible and appealing to both novice and experienced crafters looking to utilize leftover materials efficiently.
Expanding on their diverse offerings, Simply Classic also launched the Kaplan, a brand new pattern designed as a roomy crossbody satchel. This addition caters to the demand for practical yet stylish everyday bags. The Zara pattern, inspired by the distinctive Loe Bay Puzzle Bag, showcases the brand's ability to draw inspiration from high fashion while translating it into accessible patterns for the home bag maker. These patterns are not just designs but educational tools, as demonstrated by the classes taught at various expos, such as the Simply Classic Clutch and Sorrella classes at the Sack Bag and Sew event in Sacramento. Moreover, Simply Classic provides free tutorials and cutting charts for some of these creations, like the Symbol Tote, reinforcing their commitment to empowering bag makers with comprehensive resources.
Beyond product and pattern innovations, Simply Classic has made significant strides in operational expansion and community engagement. A major undertaking has been the purchase and extensive renovation of a warehouse and offices in Thompson, Georgia. This project involved a complete overhaul, including taking down the entire warehouse, repouring the concrete, and rebuilding the structure from the ground up. This new facility, located in a quaint town just west of Augusta, will serve as the company's office headquarters with the warehouse situated behind it, marking a substantial investment in the brand's infrastructure and future growth.
Simply Classic actively fosters its community through various events and educational initiatives. They hosted a bag making retreat in Ruskin, Florida, within the Tampa area, featuring Chris alongside Barbie Taylor from Genie's Designs as instructors. This retreat provides an immersive learning experience, bringing bag makers together. Workshops at Chattanooga Sewing Machines in Tennessee also provided hands-on learning opportunities, drawing appreciation from all attendees. Furthermore, Simply Classic's presence at major industry events, such as the Sack Bag and Sew Expo in Sacramento, the Houston Quilt Festival, and Bernina University in Salt Lake, has been instrumental. These events not only allow them to teach classes, meet old friends, and make new ones but also significantly expand the reach of Simply Classic products into shops across the United States and Canada, ensuring their innovative offerings are accessible to a broader audience.
Simply Classic, a prominent name in the world of bag making and leather crafting, maintains a vibrant presence within the community through a diverse array of events, workshops, and retreats. These gatherings serve as crucial platforms for enthusiasts to connect, learn new skills, discover innovative products, and immerse themselves in the craft. From hands-on workshops designed to sharpen specific techniques to large-scale expos showcasing the latest trends and materials, Simply Classic actively engages with its audience across the United States and Canada, fostering a supportive and creative environment for all skill levels. The team, led by Chris, consistently participates in and hosts events that bring the passion for bag making to life, ensuring that both novice and experienced crafters have opportunities to expand their knowledge and network with fellow artisans.
One of the most anticipated offerings from Simply Classic is its immersive bag making retreat. These retreats provide a unique opportunity for crafters to step away from daily distractions and dedicate focused time to their passion. For instance, Simply Classic announced a significant bag making retreat set to take place in Ruskin, Florida, nestled within the picturesque Tampa area. These events are designed to be comprehensive learning experiences, where attendees can delve deep into various aspects of bag construction and design. Expertise is a cornerstone of these retreats, with Chris from Simply Classic often co-teaching alongside other renowned figures in the industry, such as Barbie Taylor from Genie's Designs. This collaborative teaching approach ensures a rich and varied educational experience, covering everything from fundamental techniques to advanced finishing touches.
Beyond the structured learning, retreats are invaluable for community building. Participants share ideas, overcome challenges together, and form lasting connections with like-minded individuals who share a passion for creating beautiful leather bags and accessories. The serene setting of locations like Ruskin, Florida, further enhances the experience, allowing for both creative inspiration and a refreshing getaway. Such dedicated environments are perfect for mastering new patterns, refining existing skills, and gaining personalized feedback from expert instructors, all while surrounded by a supportive network of fellow bag makers. These retreats are not just about making bags; they are about fostering growth, creativity, and camaraderie within the leather crafting community.
Simply Classic makes a point of being present at major industry expos and festivals, offering both an opportunity to showcase their extensive product line and to engage directly with the crafting public. These events are pivotal for launching new products and establishing connections. The Sack, Bag, and Sew Expo in Sacramento, California, for example, has been a significant new event for the brand. During such expos, Simply Classic not only runs a booth but also contributes to the educational programming, with Chris teaching multiple classes, including the popular Simply Classic Clutch class and the Sorrella class. These classes allow attendees to get hands-on experience with Simply Classic patterns and materials, learning directly from the creator. The Sacramento event proved to be a fabulous opportunity to see old friends and make new ones, solidifying Simply Classic’s presence in the West Coast crafting scene.
The brand’s reach extends further, as evidenced by its participation in the Houston Quilt Festival. This large-scale event provided Simply Classic with an amazing platform, complete with a huge booth strategically located by the food court, making it easily accessible to a large number of attendees. Such visibility allows for direct customer interaction, product demonstrations, and the unveiling of exciting new arrivals, like the new text 45 thread from PhilTech in 25 colors, including the favorite Cotton Candy, or the new Fusion 70 thread (formerly Tech70). Similarly, attending Bernina University in Salt Lake was instrumental in expanding Simply Classic’s wholesale partnerships. This event resulted in numerous shops across the United States and Canada either restocking or newly carrying Simply Classic products, significantly broadening the brand's accessibility. These expos are vital for introducing new materials such as the unique Classic Fuse woven interfacing, which Chris developed to meet specific quality needs not found elsewhere in the market, allowing crafters to experience the difference firsthand.
Beyond large expos and retreats, Simply Classic is deeply committed to local engagement and direct skill development through workshops. Chris frequently travels to teach specialized workshops, offering personalized instruction that helps crafters hone their bag making abilities. A recent example includes teaching two workshops at Chattanooga Sewing Machines in Tennessee, where attendees had the chance to learn specific techniques and complete projects under expert guidance. These workshops are crucial for providing practical, actionable skills that participants can immediately apply to their own crafting endeavors. The interactive nature of these sessions allows for direct Q&A, troubleshooting, and tailored advice, which is often difficult to replicate in larger settings.
Whether it's mastering the intricacies of leather lacing for a new clasp design, learning how to create a seamless handle transition, or utilizing fabric scraps to make a Simply Classic punch, these workshops cover a wide range of topics. The focus is always on empowering bag makers with the knowledge and confidence to tackle various projects, from simple card holders like the free Madison pattern to more complex designs such as the Lusso or the roomy Kaplan crossbody satchel. Such educational initiatives underscore Simply Classic's dedication not just to selling supplies, but to nurturing a skilled and passionate community of makers. These hands-on experiences are invaluable for anyone looking to elevate their bag making proficiency, offering a direct pathway to improving craftsmanship and expanding creative horizons. The enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from attendees at these workshops consistently highlight their impact on the individual journeys of bag makers.
At Simply Classic, the journey behind every exquisite leather bag begins with a blend of inspiration and innovation, celebrating both timeless design and contemporary flair. The "Bag Makers Workroom," now marking its one-year anniversary, serves as a hub for enthusiasts and seasoned artisans, fostering a passionate crafting community. Recent pattern releases underscore this commitment to diverse creativity. The Lusso pattern, for instance, saw an early release, inviting makers to explore fresh designs. For practicality and elegance, the Kaplan offers a roomy crossbody satchel, while the Madison presents a super cute, easy-to-make slim card holder wallet – perfect for utilizing fabric scraps. The Zara, an exciting new pattern, draws inspiration from the distinctive Loe Bay Puzzle Bag, showcasing how high fashion influences home crafting. Simply Classic champions both historical depth and material advancement. Discussions within the workroom often delve into the rich history of bags, tracing their evolution from mere function to statements of design, highlighting iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Gucci, Hermes, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent. The history of leather crafting and bag making in the United States is also a celebrated theme, alongside explorations into faux leather. This holistic approach ensures makers not only create but also understand the legacy and future of their craft.
For every bag maker aspiring to refine their craft, Simply Classic offers invaluable resources and hands-on experiences. The "Sharpen Your Skills" segment provides tips and tricks designed to elevate bag making proficiency. Practical demonstrations cover techniques such as creating seamless handle transitions by expertly layering two sections, then four where the handle is wrapped, ensuring a professional finish. Makers can learn to create charming decorative elements like bows with free pattern pieces, or transform scraps into a Simply Classic punch. Details like the frayed webbing technique are demystified, showing how to achieve a stylish, distressed look. Beyond specific techniques, the emphasis extends to foundational knowledge, including essential tools and notions for leather bags, and exploring the intricate process of creating a mystery braid with two closed ends. Understanding color is another cornerstone, with inspiration drawn from works of art and nature to develop unique color palettes, which can then be brought to life with materials from the Simply Classic store. The workroom also hosts insightful interviews; Tiffany Tanass from Test Patch Studio encourages new makers to "have the courage to keep moving forward and doing it and following your passion," while Rock Bush from Rock Leather Works shares his meticulous process of drafting patterns in paper and practicing with canvas before cutting expensive leather hides. This dedication to education is exemplified by workshops and events, including sessions at Chattanooga Sewing Machines in Tennessee and classes taught at the Sack, Bag, and Sew Expo in Sacramento, covering designs like the Simply Classic Clutch and Sorrella.
The growth of Simply Classic is not just about new patterns or products, but also about building a robust foundation and a vibrant community for bag makers. A significant milestone has been the acquisition and extensive renovation of a warehouse and offices in Thompson, Georgia, a quaint town just west of Augusta. This ambitious project involved taking the entire warehouse down, repouring the concrete, and rebuilding the structure, showcasing a deep commitment to future expansion. The new facilities are now ready, poised to serve as the company's office headquarters with the warehouse behind it, streamlining operations and ensuring efficient fulfillment. A huge order of product recently arrived, much to the delight of customers. Simply Classic continually innovates its product line, such as collaborating with PhilTech during 2024 to develop a new line of Text 45 thread, now available in 25 different colors, including "Cotton Candy." Additionally, six new webbings, featuring captivating peacock and zignit patterns, have been introduced. The Classic Fuse woven interfacing, created by Chris due to a lack of suitable options in stores, further exemplifies the brand’s dedication to quality materials. Beyond infrastructure and products, Simply Classic actively engages with the bag making community through various events. From the Houston Quilt Festival, where they had a prominent booth, to Bernina University in Salt Lake, which led to Simply Classic products being carried by shops across the United States and Canada, the brand's reach is expanding. Future plans include a bag making retreat in Ruskin, Florida, near Tampa, where Chris will co-teach alongside Barbie Taylor from Genie's Designs, fostering deeper connections and sharing expertise. New clasps, like the lacing clasp perfect for integrated leather lacing, further enhance creative possibilities for makers, cementing Simply Classic's role in supporting the craft.
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