Fresno FiberArts Guild is also known as FFG
Members and non-members must preregister for the workshops. Sign-up forms are below:
*Workshop Sign-Up Form: Click here: class_sign_up.pdf
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May 17, 2025 Fiber Arts Festival and Sign Up Event
From 9 am to Noon with a Free Sew Day in the afternoon
View the new workshops and projects from the past; Demonstration and Make it Take it tables
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
This is a quick summary of the lectures and workshops for 2024-2025:
Fresno FiberArts Guild, Inc.
2025-2026 Membership and Workshop Sign-up Event
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center, 5340 N Fresno St., Fresno, 93710
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 9:00 am until 12:00pm
September 20, 2025 Janelle Ozeran https://www.fresnoideaworks.org
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Sartorial Clues for Dating Old Photographs
September 20-21 2025 Lora Wheeler
Workshop: Painting Faces for Those without Confidence; Tote Bag or Wall hanging
$40 + $20 kit fee to be paid to the instructor
October 18, 2025 Cindy Thompson https://www.instagram.com/cindyscatcreations
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Painting on Fabric. Who Knew?
October 18-19 2025 Pam Chavez
Workshop: Constructing a Paper Folio and a Writing Journal
$40 + $20 kit fee to be paid to the instructor
November 15-16, 2025 Marcia De Coster https://maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Playing with Possibilities
Workshop: Beaders Coat of Arms $75 + $65 kit fee to be paid to the instructor
January 17-18, 2026 Sonya Phillip https://www.100actsofsewing.com
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Creative Permission
Workshop: Simple Scrappy Shirt $95, includes a pattern
February 21-22, 2026 Toni Best https://tonibest.online
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Pine Needle Coiling – Listening to the Music
Workshop: Pine Needle Weaving on a Gourd $65 + $45 kit fee* to be paid to the instructor
(*all supplies are included in the kit)
March 21-22, 2026 Debbie Gira
Location: TBA
Lecture: An Exploration Hand Stitching Traditions in a Variety of Cultures
Workshop Creating a Scarf in the Japanese Boro Look $40 + 20 kit fee to be paid to the instructor
April 18-19, 2026 Kate Richbourg https://www.beadshop.com
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Bag Making for the Home Sewist
Workshop: Kate’s Crossbody Bag $50 + 20 kit fee to be paid to the instructor
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May 17, 2025 Fiber Arts Festival and Sign Up Event
From 9 am to Noon with a Free Sew Day in the afternoon
View the new workshops and projects from the past; Demonstration and Make it Take it tables
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
This is a quick summary of the lectures and workshops for 2024-2025:
Fresno FiberArts Guild, Inc.
2025-2026 Membership and Workshop Sign-up Event
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center, 5340 N Fresno St., Fresno, 93710
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 9:00 am until 12:00pm
September 20, 2025 Janelle Ozeran https://www.fresnoideaworks.org
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Sartorial Clues for Dating Old Photographs
September 20-21 2025 Lora Wheeler
Workshop: Painting Faces for Those without Confidence; Tote Bag or Wall hanging
$40 + $20 kit fee to be paid to the instructor
October 18, 2025 Cindy Thompson https://www.instagram.com/cindyscatcreations
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Painting on Fabric. Who Knew?
October 18-19 2025 Pam Chavez
Workshop: Constructing a Paper Folio and a Writing Journal
$40 + $20 kit fee to be paid to the instructor
November 15-16, 2025 Marcia De Coster https://maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Playing with Possibilities
Workshop: Beaders Coat of Arms $75 + $65 kit fee to be paid to the instructor
January 17-18, 2026 Sonya Phillip https://www.100actsofsewing.com
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Creative Permission
Workshop: Simple Scrappy Shirt $95, includes a pattern
February 21-22, 2026 Toni Best https://tonibest.online
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Pine Needle Coiling – Listening to the Music
Workshop: Pine Needle Weaving on a Gourd $65 + $45 kit fee* to be paid to the instructor
(*all supplies are included in the kit)
March 21-22, 2026 Debbie Gira
Location: TBA
Lecture: An Exploration Hand Stitching Traditions in a Variety of Cultures
Workshop Creating a Scarf in the Japanese Boro Look $40 + 20 kit fee to be paid to the instructor
April 18-19, 2026 Kate Richbourg https://www.beadshop.com
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Lecture: Bag Making for the Home Sewist
Workshop: Kate’s Crossbody Bag $50 + 20 kit fee to be paid to the instructor
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Lectures and Workshops for 2025-2026:
November 15-16, 2025
Marcia DeCoster
Lecture and Workshop November 15-16, 2025
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Marcia fell in love with beads and their capacity for personal adornment in the early 1990’s. As she taught herself the various bead weaving stitches, she began designing her own jewelry and ultimately teaching those designs beginning in the late 1990’s. She continued her national and international teaching career while writing three beading books, teaching a bead and button master class, and filming a definitive guide to Cubic Right Angle Weave with Interweave publishing.
https://maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com/
Playing with Possibilities
Lecture : November 15, 2025 at 10:30 - 11:30
During my bead career I often began the design process by using components to create beaded jewelry. I found this had the advantage of utilizing a known thread path where I could then put the focus on design by changing up, size, count, colors and type of bead to result in different design elements. In this lecture I describe this approach as well as many of the different design tools and concepts I use in designing beaded jewelry.
Workshop: Beaders Coat of Arms
November 15, 2025 - 12:30 - 3:30
November 16, 2025 - 9:00 - 3:30
Class fee: $75 + $65 kit fee to be paid to instructor on day of the class
Using the component design concept described in the lecture, two components will be started in the Saturday afternoon class. In Sunday’s class a coat of arms shape will be cut from cork to form the front and back of the pendant. The components will be attached as well as some simple bead embroidery. Foam sandwiched between the front and back give a nice dimensional shape to the pendant which is completed with a picot edge stitch. You can wear this beautiful piece on a chain or ribbon of your choice or learn the cubic right angle weave stitch used to create a pretty necklace. (Note: beads for necklace and clasp will be included in the mandatory kit.).
Supply list: small sharp scissors
Mandatory kit $65 Includes:
Full color directions to create pendant
Cork Foam Template for shape and bead placement
18 mm rivoli crystal
14, 3 mm crystals
12 mm briolette
12 Diamond duo two-hole beads
Small clasp
Round filigree 4mm loch Rosen Size 11 and size 15 seed beads in two colors
Lecture and Workshop November 15-16, 2025
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Marcia fell in love with beads and their capacity for personal adornment in the early 1990’s. As she taught herself the various bead weaving stitches, she began designing her own jewelry and ultimately teaching those designs beginning in the late 1990’s. She continued her national and international teaching career while writing three beading books, teaching a bead and button master class, and filming a definitive guide to Cubic Right Angle Weave with Interweave publishing.
https://maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com/
Playing with Possibilities
Lecture : November 15, 2025 at 10:30 - 11:30
During my bead career I often began the design process by using components to create beaded jewelry. I found this had the advantage of utilizing a known thread path where I could then put the focus on design by changing up, size, count, colors and type of bead to result in different design elements. In this lecture I describe this approach as well as many of the different design tools and concepts I use in designing beaded jewelry.
Workshop: Beaders Coat of Arms
November 15, 2025 - 12:30 - 3:30
November 16, 2025 - 9:00 - 3:30
Class fee: $75 + $65 kit fee to be paid to instructor on day of the class
Using the component design concept described in the lecture, two components will be started in the Saturday afternoon class. In Sunday’s class a coat of arms shape will be cut from cork to form the front and back of the pendant. The components will be attached as well as some simple bead embroidery. Foam sandwiched between the front and back give a nice dimensional shape to the pendant which is completed with a picot edge stitch. You can wear this beautiful piece on a chain or ribbon of your choice or learn the cubic right angle weave stitch used to create a pretty necklace. (Note: beads for necklace and clasp will be included in the mandatory kit.).
Supply list: small sharp scissors
Mandatory kit $65 Includes:
Full color directions to create pendant
Cork Foam Template for shape and bead placement
18 mm rivoli crystal
14, 3 mm crystals
12 mm briolette
12 Diamond duo two-hole beads
Small clasp
Round filigree 4mm loch Rosen Size 11 and size 15 seed beads in two colors
January 17-18, 2026
Sonya Philip
Lecture and Workshop January 17-18, 2026
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Sonya Philip is an artist, designer and teacher. Fourteen years ago, Sonya started 100 Acts of Sewing, making dresses while documenting the process. Since then, she has made it her mission to convince people to sew their own clothes. Sonya teaches workshops around the country. In 2021 she published The Act of Sewing, a collection of writing, patterns and instructions. When she is not covered in bits of thread, she can be found knitting or baking. Sonya lives in San Francisco with her family.
https://www.100actsofsewing.com/
Creative Permission
Lecture: January 17, 2026 art 10:30 - 11:30
In many crafts, especially sewing, there is the desire to 'get it right'. We find ourselves caught up in perfectionism, with how we expect something to look or fit. How often do we stop a project because of these roadblocks or don't even start? Creative permission is about experimenting and exploring, finding a way to get curious instead of hung up on a particular result. Sonya Philip has spent her life asking questions. She has written about craft in various publications, Making, Modern Daily Knitting, as well as in her book, The Act of Sewing. Learn how Sonya applies this practice in her own work.
Simple Scrappy Shirt
Workshop January 17, 2026 - 12:30 - 3:30
January 18, 2026 - 9:00 - 3:30
Class Fee: $95 ; no kit fee
Sewing with small pieces of fabric is fun and using what you have is more sustainable than cutting new yardage. Join fiber artist Sonya Philip for a basic garment sewing workshop. Students will learn strategies for pairing together large and small scraps to make a unique shirt, how to cut pattern pieces, as well as methods for combining prints.
The neckline is sewn with a simple bias tape facing. Instruction will also include modifications to the overall length and ways to alter the neckline depth. This class is open to all skill levels, the simple pattern offers an easy entry to those sewing clothes for the first time.
Supply List:
Large and small scraps light to mid-weight natural fiber woven fabric
1.5-2 yards in total
Matching or neutral thread
Pins
Scissors
Seam ripper
*The pattern will be included
Lecture and Workshop January 17-18, 2026
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Sonya Philip is an artist, designer and teacher. Fourteen years ago, Sonya started 100 Acts of Sewing, making dresses while documenting the process. Since then, she has made it her mission to convince people to sew their own clothes. Sonya teaches workshops around the country. In 2021 she published The Act of Sewing, a collection of writing, patterns and instructions. When she is not covered in bits of thread, she can be found knitting or baking. Sonya lives in San Francisco with her family.
https://www.100actsofsewing.com/
Creative Permission
Lecture: January 17, 2026 art 10:30 - 11:30
In many crafts, especially sewing, there is the desire to 'get it right'. We find ourselves caught up in perfectionism, with how we expect something to look or fit. How often do we stop a project because of these roadblocks or don't even start? Creative permission is about experimenting and exploring, finding a way to get curious instead of hung up on a particular result. Sonya Philip has spent her life asking questions. She has written about craft in various publications, Making, Modern Daily Knitting, as well as in her book, The Act of Sewing. Learn how Sonya applies this practice in her own work.
Simple Scrappy Shirt
Workshop January 17, 2026 - 12:30 - 3:30
January 18, 2026 - 9:00 - 3:30
Class Fee: $95 ; no kit fee
Sewing with small pieces of fabric is fun and using what you have is more sustainable than cutting new yardage. Join fiber artist Sonya Philip for a basic garment sewing workshop. Students will learn strategies for pairing together large and small scraps to make a unique shirt, how to cut pattern pieces, as well as methods for combining prints.
The neckline is sewn with a simple bias tape facing. Instruction will also include modifications to the overall length and ways to alter the neckline depth. This class is open to all skill levels, the simple pattern offers an easy entry to those sewing clothes for the first time.
Supply List:
Large and small scraps light to mid-weight natural fiber woven fabric
1.5-2 yards in total
Matching or neutral thread
Pins
Scissors
Seam ripper
*The pattern will be included
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February 21-22, 2026
Toni Best
Lecture and Workshop February 21-22, 2026
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
I am a basket weaver of over sixty years who specializes in coiling pine needles usually on a gourd base. One of the most important things in my creative process is the fabrication of smooth flowing coils which move and undulate with and around the pieces. Sometimes I start with a precise idea or plan, at others I let the basket "speak" to me. The concept of touching the art allows the inner vibration of the pieces to come through. The opportunity of weaving is to start with the inquiry "Can this be done?" Joy is in the problem solving and transformation potential.
https://tonibest.online
Pine Needle Coiling - Listening to the Music
Lecture: February 21, 2026 at 10:30 -11:30
This lecture is a brief overview of Toni's work which indicates her styles of weaving and the evolution of her creativity. Over the years, Toni’s work has been evolving by pushing limits and expanding possibilities. Although coiling is reinventing an ancient skill, the awareness of the natural materials has elevated my weaving by creating the coils in an expression of my emotions. She wants viewers to see the energy in each creation.
CREATING A SAMPLER BASKET
Workshop: February 21, 2026 - 12:30 - 3:30
February 22, 2026 - 9:00 - 3:30
Class fee $65 + $45 kit fee to be paid directly to the instructor
Utilizing glycerin treated pine needles, students will create a small basket by weaving on a class ready gourd. They will use different stitches on rows to show the variety of design.
Supply list: small sharp scissors and an apron
$45 kit fee includes all other materials needed.
Lecture and Workshop February 21-22, 2026
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
I am a basket weaver of over sixty years who specializes in coiling pine needles usually on a gourd base. One of the most important things in my creative process is the fabrication of smooth flowing coils which move and undulate with and around the pieces. Sometimes I start with a precise idea or plan, at others I let the basket "speak" to me. The concept of touching the art allows the inner vibration of the pieces to come through. The opportunity of weaving is to start with the inquiry "Can this be done?" Joy is in the problem solving and transformation potential.
https://tonibest.online
Pine Needle Coiling - Listening to the Music
Lecture: February 21, 2026 at 10:30 -11:30
This lecture is a brief overview of Toni's work which indicates her styles of weaving and the evolution of her creativity. Over the years, Toni’s work has been evolving by pushing limits and expanding possibilities. Although coiling is reinventing an ancient skill, the awareness of the natural materials has elevated my weaving by creating the coils in an expression of my emotions. She wants viewers to see the energy in each creation.
CREATING A SAMPLER BASKET
Workshop: February 21, 2026 - 12:30 - 3:30
February 22, 2026 - 9:00 - 3:30
Class fee $65 + $45 kit fee to be paid directly to the instructor
Utilizing glycerin treated pine needles, students will create a small basket by weaving on a class ready gourd. They will use different stitches on rows to show the variety of design.
Supply list: small sharp scissors and an apron
$45 kit fee includes all other materials needed.
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March 21-22, 2026
Debbie Gira
Lecture and Workshop
March 21-22, 2026
Location TBA
An active member of our guild, Debbie learned hand stitching as a child. She explored decorative embroidery during the hippie era of the late 1960s and has knitted and crocheted multiple garments and afghans. But when she took up quilting in 1992, it became a consuming passion and has won awards for her art quilts.
After retiring from her career in computer programming and data security for big business, her enthusiasm for hand-stitching was rekindled after taking a few Fresno Fiber Guild workshops. She was especially taken with the Japanese practice of Boro. She finds this method of simple stitches and patchwork both relaxing and satisfying.
After living for many years in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra, she now lives in Fresno and enjoys dancing as well as a variety of fiber arts.
An Exploration Of Hand-Stitching Traditions In A Variety Of Cultures
Lecture: March 21, 2026 at 10:30-11:30
Are boro, saskiko, kantha and bojagi basically all the same hand stitching? Can the names be used interchangeably? In this lecture, Debbie will lead you throughout the various hand stitching types and the cultures that created them. She will explore the history of each and how that practice cultivated into what we see today. Were these stitches just functional or were they decorative. Debbie will lead us to discover how these traditional stitches are still viable in our modern world.
Workshop – “Create A Scarf In The Japanese Boro Look”
March 21, 2026 -12:30 - 3:30
March 22, 2026 - 9:00 - 3:30
Workshop fee $ 40 + $20 kit fee paid to instructor
Class begins by sharing the squares of fabric you purchased or found in your stash.
With these fabrics, students will learn which threads to use, ways to mark your motifs, stitch techniques, and varying stitch patterns. Once you have your assorted patches embellished with Boro you will then experience multiple assembly options in creating your unique scarf.
Workshop Student Supply List - Required
1. One yard good quality quilting cotton in a shade of blue (to go with ultramarine blue flannel provided in the kit) NOTE: If you’re not sure what ultramarine blue is, you can look it up on the internet. It’s lighter than navy, but a little darker than royal.
Pre-wash then cut into 20 pieces of 8” squares to trade with classmates. We need a variety, so shades from light to dark are fine. More subtle prints are best; tone-on-tones will be easier to use than a bold high-contrast plaid or novelty print.
2. Other quilting cotton pieces in shades of blues for yourself. Include batiks and more open weaves to experiment as desired, plus some interesting printed motifs as desired. (Instructor will also provide cotton scraps for those who don’t have their own supply)
3. Scissors - large to cut patches and a small sharp pair that cut all the way to the tip
4. Sewing straight pins
5. Tape measure
6. A disappearing fabric marker in a light color (silver or white preferred)
7. Glasses and a light if needed.
Kit: FEE : $20 Mandatory
Kit will include a handout for reference. A flannel scarf base, chenille needle, a sampling of threads, fusible web sheet and water soluble stabilizer
Optional
Threads – embroidery threads and/or perle cottons in shades of blue/gray/white if you have them. Some will be provided in the kit.
Small detail iron if you have one, and an extension cord. Irons will also be available in the workshop.
Lecture and Workshop
March 21-22, 2026
Location TBA
An active member of our guild, Debbie learned hand stitching as a child. She explored decorative embroidery during the hippie era of the late 1960s and has knitted and crocheted multiple garments and afghans. But when she took up quilting in 1992, it became a consuming passion and has won awards for her art quilts.
After retiring from her career in computer programming and data security for big business, her enthusiasm for hand-stitching was rekindled after taking a few Fresno Fiber Guild workshops. She was especially taken with the Japanese practice of Boro. She finds this method of simple stitches and patchwork both relaxing and satisfying.
After living for many years in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra, she now lives in Fresno and enjoys dancing as well as a variety of fiber arts.
An Exploration Of Hand-Stitching Traditions In A Variety Of Cultures
Lecture: March 21, 2026 at 10:30-11:30
Are boro, saskiko, kantha and bojagi basically all the same hand stitching? Can the names be used interchangeably? In this lecture, Debbie will lead you throughout the various hand stitching types and the cultures that created them. She will explore the history of each and how that practice cultivated into what we see today. Were these stitches just functional or were they decorative. Debbie will lead us to discover how these traditional stitches are still viable in our modern world.
Workshop – “Create A Scarf In The Japanese Boro Look”
March 21, 2026 -12:30 - 3:30
March 22, 2026 - 9:00 - 3:30
Workshop fee $ 40 + $20 kit fee paid to instructor
Class begins by sharing the squares of fabric you purchased or found in your stash.
With these fabrics, students will learn which threads to use, ways to mark your motifs, stitch techniques, and varying stitch patterns. Once you have your assorted patches embellished with Boro you will then experience multiple assembly options in creating your unique scarf.
Workshop Student Supply List - Required
1. One yard good quality quilting cotton in a shade of blue (to go with ultramarine blue flannel provided in the kit) NOTE: If you’re not sure what ultramarine blue is, you can look it up on the internet. It’s lighter than navy, but a little darker than royal.
Pre-wash then cut into 20 pieces of 8” squares to trade with classmates. We need a variety, so shades from light to dark are fine. More subtle prints are best; tone-on-tones will be easier to use than a bold high-contrast plaid or novelty print.
2. Other quilting cotton pieces in shades of blues for yourself. Include batiks and more open weaves to experiment as desired, plus some interesting printed motifs as desired. (Instructor will also provide cotton scraps for those who don’t have their own supply)
3. Scissors - large to cut patches and a small sharp pair that cut all the way to the tip
4. Sewing straight pins
5. Tape measure
6. A disappearing fabric marker in a light color (silver or white preferred)
7. Glasses and a light if needed.
Kit: FEE : $20 Mandatory
Kit will include a handout for reference. A flannel scarf base, chenille needle, a sampling of threads, fusible web sheet and water soluble stabilizer
Optional
Threads – embroidery threads and/or perle cottons in shades of blue/gray/white if you have them. Some will be provided in the kit.
Small detail iron if you have one, and an extension cord. Irons will also be available in the workshop.
April 18-19, 2026
Kate Richbourg
Lecture and Workshop April 18-19, 2026
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Kate Richbourg has been creating jewelry for as long as she can remember. As a child, she spent hours threading beads, never imagining it would shape her future. After college, while considering a corporate career, she answered a bead store’s want ad - an impulsive decision that set her on a lifelong creative path. While teaching and writing about jewelry-making, Kate discovered metalsmithing in a community college class. The moment she saw metal transform under heat and hammer, she knew she had found her medium. She has since dedicated her career to sharing the magic of metalwork, inspiring makers to explore the artistry of soldering, shaping, and forging their own designs. Kate has appeared on DIY, HGTV, and PBS shows like DIY Jewelry, Craft Lab, and Beads, Baubles & Jewels. She is the author of two bestselling books, Simple Soldering: A Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Making and Metalsmithing Made Easy, both essential guides for aspiring metalsmiths. Today, she teaches live jewelry-making tutorials every Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am PT on youtube.com/@beadshopdotcom and occasionally on youtube.com/@KateRichbourg. As co-owner of beadshop.com and the creative force behind katerichbourgjewelry.com, she continues to craft, teach, and inspire—proving that creativity, like metal, is shaped by passion and fire.
https://www.beadshop.com
Bagmaking for the Home Sewist
Lecture April 18, 2026 at 10:30 - 11:30
Join Kate for an inspiring and informative talk designed to elevate your bag-making skills! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sewist, you'll learn valuable tips, tricks, and tools to enhance your journey in crafting beautiful and functional bags.
Drawing from over 25 years of experience creating bags and accessories, Kate will guide you through key aspects of bag making, including:
Kate Richbourg
[email protected]
Kate’s Crossbody Bag: A Bag-Making Basics Class
Workshop April 18, 2026 - 12:30 - 3:30
April 19, 2026 - 9:00 - 3:30
Class fee $50 + $20 kit fee to be paid directly to the instructor
Join Kate for a fun and approachable sewing session as she walks you through how to make her favorite go-to accessory: a stylish and practical crossbody bag. This project is designed with confident beginners in mind, but seasoned sewists will find plenty of joy in the process too. It’s a great way to dip your toes into bag making—or to refresh the fundamentals if you’ve been away from your machine.
In this class, you’ll learn essential bag-making techniques that can be applied to a wide range of projects. Kate will guide you step-by-step through adhering interfacing securely (and wrinkle-free!) using a steam press, how to confidently attach straps with hardware or rivets, and how to work with different materials like cotton, canvas, denim, vinyl or a combo!
Bring your favorite fabrics and your curiosity—this is a class full of practical tips, creative choices, and the satisfaction of finishing a handmade bag you’ll actually use.
Supplies for students to bring:
Students will provide their own fabric.
½ yard quilting fabric or exterior fabric
½ yard contrasting exterior fabric, woven, vinyl or cork
¾ yard lining fabric like quilting cotton or light canvas
2 yds 1” webbing
Your interfacing, bag hardware and pattern are all covered in the mandatory $20 Kit fee
Fee payable to instructor in class
For most domestic sewing machines, my suggestion for the best fabric combination is a light upholstery weight or canvas for the outer main and gusset and quilt cotton for lining.
Remaining supplies to bring:
Sewing machine in good working order that you are familiar with using and sews over mid-weight fabrics in several layers. Please note that this class is not a sewing machine trouble-shooting session. This will disrupt the timing and flow of class. Get your machine out and make sure it sews well over several layers of material. Don’t forget bobbins!
If your sewing machine has a walking foot this is extremely helpful when sewing bags. Walking feet can be found on Amazon that will fit most machines. Please make sure you match a high or low shank foot to the needs of your machine. You will need a small screwdriver to change from a regular foot to walking foot.
Lecture and Workshop April 18-19, 2026
Location: DHHSC, 5340 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA
Kate Richbourg has been creating jewelry for as long as she can remember. As a child, she spent hours threading beads, never imagining it would shape her future. After college, while considering a corporate career, she answered a bead store’s want ad - an impulsive decision that set her on a lifelong creative path. While teaching and writing about jewelry-making, Kate discovered metalsmithing in a community college class. The moment she saw metal transform under heat and hammer, she knew she had found her medium. She has since dedicated her career to sharing the magic of metalwork, inspiring makers to explore the artistry of soldering, shaping, and forging their own designs. Kate has appeared on DIY, HGTV, and PBS shows like DIY Jewelry, Craft Lab, and Beads, Baubles & Jewels. She is the author of two bestselling books, Simple Soldering: A Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Making and Metalsmithing Made Easy, both essential guides for aspiring metalsmiths. Today, she teaches live jewelry-making tutorials every Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am PT on youtube.com/@beadshopdotcom and occasionally on youtube.com/@KateRichbourg. As co-owner of beadshop.com and the creative force behind katerichbourgjewelry.com, she continues to craft, teach, and inspire—proving that creativity, like metal, is shaped by passion and fire.
https://www.beadshop.com
Bagmaking for the Home Sewist
Lecture April 18, 2026 at 10:30 - 11:30
Join Kate for an inspiring and informative talk designed to elevate your bag-making skills! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sewist, you'll learn valuable tips, tricks, and tools to enhance your journey in crafting beautiful and functional bags.
Drawing from over 25 years of experience creating bags and accessories, Kate will guide you through key aspects of bag making, including:
- Choosing the right stabilizers to add structure and durability.
- Maximizing the potential of your domestic sewing machine for bag projects.
- Practical techniques to make your bag-making process more efficient and enjoyable.
Kate Richbourg
[email protected]
Kate’s Crossbody Bag: A Bag-Making Basics Class
Workshop April 18, 2026 - 12:30 - 3:30
April 19, 2026 - 9:00 - 3:30
Class fee $50 + $20 kit fee to be paid directly to the instructor
Join Kate for a fun and approachable sewing session as she walks you through how to make her favorite go-to accessory: a stylish and practical crossbody bag. This project is designed with confident beginners in mind, but seasoned sewists will find plenty of joy in the process too. It’s a great way to dip your toes into bag making—or to refresh the fundamentals if you’ve been away from your machine.
In this class, you’ll learn essential bag-making techniques that can be applied to a wide range of projects. Kate will guide you step-by-step through adhering interfacing securely (and wrinkle-free!) using a steam press, how to confidently attach straps with hardware or rivets, and how to work with different materials like cotton, canvas, denim, vinyl or a combo!
Bring your favorite fabrics and your curiosity—this is a class full of practical tips, creative choices, and the satisfaction of finishing a handmade bag you’ll actually use.
Supplies for students to bring:
Students will provide their own fabric.
½ yard quilting fabric or exterior fabric
½ yard contrasting exterior fabric, woven, vinyl or cork
¾ yard lining fabric like quilting cotton or light canvas
2 yds 1” webbing
Your interfacing, bag hardware and pattern are all covered in the mandatory $20 Kit fee
Fee payable to instructor in class
For most domestic sewing machines, my suggestion for the best fabric combination is a light upholstery weight or canvas for the outer main and gusset and quilt cotton for lining.
Remaining supplies to bring:
- Thread (regular high quality sewing thread. Heavy duty thread is not needed)
- Clover clips. Lots of clips!!! At least 40-50 clips please.
- Fabric shears
- Cutting mat, ruler and rotary cutter if preferred (optional) Instructor will have one set up to share in class.
- Pattern weights or something similar to hold down fabric while cutting out the pattern. Pinning is not always optimal when cutting heavier fabric, but you may use pins if preferred. I use 8-Pack Premium Glass Fermentation Weights for Large Wide Mouth Mason Jars 2 3/4 Inch from Amazon and they work great.
- Tape measure
- Thread snips
- Sewing needles
- Thimble if you use one
Sewing machine in good working order that you are familiar with using and sews over mid-weight fabrics in several layers. Please note that this class is not a sewing machine trouble-shooting session. This will disrupt the timing and flow of class. Get your machine out and make sure it sews well over several layers of material. Don’t forget bobbins!
If your sewing machine has a walking foot this is extremely helpful when sewing bags. Walking feet can be found on Amazon that will fit most machines. Please make sure you match a high or low shank foot to the needs of your machine. You will need a small screwdriver to change from a regular foot to walking foot.
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