This one day class is perfect for the beginner sewer. Students will be introduced to sewing and pressing equipment and will create a small library of samplers before making a custom-designed tote bag in Nicola Cerini designer fabric. Students will learn a variety of techniques and skills including basic seaming, hemming, zip insertion, elastic casing, patch pocket and hand-sewing skills that will provide a solid foundation to undertake basic sewing projects beyond this class. All materials are included in the class fee as well as resources for learning sewing terminology, fabric and textile technical information and recommendations for books and other resources for further learning. Participants will take home their completed designer fabric tote bag, their sample library and further information resources. Held at Ballarat's Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, a world-class facility dedicated to learning and preserving Australia’s rare arts and trades through a series of workshops, masterclasses, events, and residencies.