Discover sewing tips, bag-making tutorials, class updates, creative inspiration, and more from the Nina Jo community. Whether you're just getting started or growing your skills, you'll find helpful guides, projects, and ideas to keep you creating.
I made this Mini Market Tote with my beginners in mind. When I was planning out projects to teach in class, that Trader Joe’s tote was everywhere—and the markup on it? I couldn’t believe it. So I took that general idea and created my own version. I wanted something with a classic shape that would be beginner-friendly, but still give my students a chance to learn real bag-making techniques. It needed to fit into a 3-hour class block, but still cover things like boxing corners,
This year, I’ve placed a much stronger focus on bag making. We’re still in the first quarter, and I’ve already made more than sixteen bags, many of them in preparation for the bag-making classes I teach at a local sewing school. It was a bit of a realization as I was planning out my classes. If I hadn’t already made the bag I planned to teach, I probably should. Not only to have photos and examples of what my students will aspire to create, but also to ensure I can troublesho
This dress came with a mix of highlights, outtakes, and a healthy lesson in patience. This was my second time sewing Simplicity S9539 , this time using Minerva’s Exclusive Timber Tiger viscose challis , and while I went in knowing what to expect, the pattern still asked for my full attention. It’s one of those makes that looks simple at first glance but really shines only after you put in the work to make it your own. THE PATTERN: This dress is Simplicity S9539 , and this was
