OUR TEACHERS

Chris Murphy is a pattern designer, bag making educator and founder of Simply Classic. During her 30 years as a partner in her CPA firm, Chris discovered her passion for creating functional, sophisticated handbags at a fraction of designer prices. This love for design and teaching led her to launch Simply Classic in 2020, providing sewists with the patterns, materials and education needed to craft high-end bags.

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Chris believes that everyone is capable of creating high-quality handbags — they just need the right resources. She teaches bag makers of all experience levels through tutorials on the Simply Classic YouTube channel, online classes and in-person workshops around the U.S. Chris enjoys working with a variety of materials but is especially passionate about leather bag making by machine.

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When she’s not sewing, Chris enjoys playing tennis, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with her husband.

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 If you’ve ever wanted bag-making techniques to feel less overwhelming and more doable, you’re in the right place. Leslie of Joleelee Creations focuses on simple, approachable steps that lead to clean, polished results, without the stress. You’ll leave class with new skills, more confidence, and excitement to keep creating.

When the world slowed down in 2020, I rediscovered sewing through online quilt retreats and machine appliqué. It wasn’t until a simple drawstring bag came off the machine that I discovered how thrilling 3D sewing could be. One purse in February 2021 led to many more—and a full-blown love of bags was born.

I now share that passion through teaching bag-making to makers of all backgrounds. From totes and slings to organizers and handbags, classes focus on skill building, smart construction, and approachable techniques for working with quilting cottons, faux leather, vinyl, and hardware. My instruction is lively, encouraging, and confidence-boosting—students consistently leave learning new techniques and the inspiration to explore more.

Kassiah is the owner of the online shop Siah Swag Bags and the magic behind the YouTube channel of the same name.  Susan is Kassiah's sister and does amazing work behind the camera, and shows off her stuff during Sister Sews.  

Hi everyone! I'm Ravon Clark and I reside in Houston, Tx (originally from Louisiana... go Saints!) with my daughter, her father and our dog.

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I started sewing during the pandemic and was instantly addicted.​

My love for sewing and creating led to the inception of my business Luv Lola, and now I extend my knowledge through tutorials on how to make bags via my YouTube channel

@LuvLolaLooks.

Luv Lola has branched out and now offers unique hardware, vinyl, canvas, webbing and patterns.

My specialty? I love modifying and creating simple bags in a way to make them stand out, in the easiest way possible!

See you all in August!

Katie is a mom, former elementary school teacher, and the founder of My Little Shindig, a custom fabric business focused on creativity and community.

In 2021, Katie started Wingo (fabric bingo) as a way to connect people during the pandemic. It quickly gained popularity and is now hosted twice a year online, as well as at vendor and retreat events.

Katie combines her love of teaching and crafting by offering sewing classes in her local community and at sewing events. Through custom fabrics and interactive activities, she helps others explore their creativity and build their skills.

A little about me if we haven't met yet — I'm the owner and designer behind Wonderground Fabrics, which I've been running for 11 years now. Sewing has been part of my life since I was 8 years old, and I grew up as the daughter of a fabric shop owner as well 😊 (fabric roots run deep over here!)

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I'm really looking forward to meeting you, sharing what I've learned over the years, and spending some creative time together. It's going to be a fun one! ✨

My first sewing project was a windsock in Home Economics—not the most practical creation, but a start. Soon after, I asked my aunt to teach me to sew. She toured with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, making her own clown costumes, and while she insists she did most of the work on my first project, I remember it a little differently. 

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Sewing has always been part of my life. My mom was an incredible seamstress—she made much of her own clothing, along with my sister-in-law’s wedding dress and all of the bridesmaid dresses. When she passed away in 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, there was a major mask shortage. I found her sewing machine in the garage and thought, what would my mom do? She would get to work.

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So my wife and I did just that. While furloughed, we began sewing and donating masks—eventually making thousands. That experience sparked something in me, and I’ve been sewing ever since. With time at home, I dove in—taking online classes, then in-person classes, and teaching myself along the way (including learning the hard way what interfacing is!).

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What I’ve learned is this: we all come to sewing from different backgrounds, but anyone can learn. My goal is to make sewing approachable, practical, and fun—and to show you how I do it so you can find your own rhythm.

Hi I'm Renee Sullaway (and will be teaching the Hinterland by Erica-Lee Helgerson at this year's Expo.) ?

I started sewing with my Nana on her mom's Singer treadle machine when I was about 8 years old. My first project was a simple quilt for my Barbie doll and from there I've never looked back.

Over the years I've made quilts, ranging from from simple to intricate, learned and still enjoy free-motion quilting. 

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While hunting fabric at my favorite quilt shop I spotted a simple handbag on display and enrolled in the class on the spot. From there, I was hooked on bags and quickly found my bliss in the bagmaking process and of course collecting all of the beautiful materials and hardware.

I'm very excited to make my Expo teaching debut at Sac Bag 'n Sew this year!

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