Sew a Leather Tote Bag

Overall, I am very happy with the bag I made. Eli had a some great leathers to pick from and all the tools and materials needed. She offered good advice and helped when needed. Eli was lovely to chat to. However, there are a couple of things that made me give the workshop 3 stars. The main one being that I felt like the workshop could have been better prepared - having a clean work space, tools ready, machine ready, other examples to show different styles. Eli felt a bit scattered and unorganised, meaning that I didn't get to properly finish the straps as this step was forgotten. The workshop was freezing. We used heaters but it was so cold and a note to bring layers would have been very helpful. And lastly, the description says: Drinks and a snack are included in the price, they were not. I paid for a tea for Eli. There was also no time for a lunch break, so I'd encourage the description to be changed or for a proper break to be factored into the timing. I am very happy with my creation and did have a nice time, but feel that for the price of the workshop more thinking and attention could go into the overall experience!

Thank you Eli for reigniting my love of making! This was a brilliant workshop to attend, in a well equipped space, surrounded by people who were all willing to help. I am delighted with my completed saddle bag, & great to be able to customise this to what I wanted too! Thank you for all your expertise, good humour & patience - you are a brilliant teacher!

Great session, and I love the finished bag. Lisa was very helpful and even stayed late so that I could finish.

It was a fantastic experience! I went alone and met lovely people there and made a fantastic quality bag! We could pick the style of the bag we wanted and the colours. Eli was really lovely - what I enjoyed most is that she supported all creative ideas, even if they didn’t fit the standard approach. She was super enthusiastic and supportive! The location was a little out of the way and not too easy to find, but it was totally worth it once there! Looking forward to going back for another class!! Thank you Eli!

Eli was really informative and helpful. I made a great tote bag and my daughter a stunning saddle bag. Nothing was too much trouble. Good to have some time just to make something that's lovely and also practical. Need to make some shoes now!

Excellent workshop. I really enjoyed the day and made a fantastic bag. The tutor, Eli, was very good. I highly recommend making a tote bag workshop

Excellent workshop. I really enjoyed the day and made a fantastic bag. The tutor, Eli, was very good. I highly recommend making a tote bag workshop

I had a great day with Eli! I learned so much about working with leather. What once seemed daunting to me ended up seeming so simple and easy under Eli's great tuition. I ended up with a gorgeous yellow bag that I proudly use on a daily basis. (Eli has so many lovely leathers to choose from) And I look forward to making more bags using the knowledge I gained from my day with Eli.