Oooh this bag itched something I didn’t know I needed to scratch. The Slabtown Backpack by Klumhouse isn’t just a bag pattern, it isn’t just a kit, it isn’t just an online course, but rather a full-on, comprehensive, beautifully curated making experience. Read on for my review, but I think you just got the TLDR already.
The Details
- Pattern is Slabtown Backpack by Klumhouse
- All fabric, leather, hardware, notions, and tools provided in the Slabtown Backpack Full Maker Kit, provided and gifted by Klumhouse.
- All necessary tools (and some nice-to-haves) are available on their site
- Leather straps from the kit are pre-punched and edges are rounded.
- Waxed canvas and canvas lining from the kit is all pre-cut!
- Online Slabtown Course is available for free with purchase of the Full Maker Kit through June 30, 2020. All Slabtown products are 10% off until then too.
- There is also an option to source your own fabric and use their Slabtown leather/hardware kit.
What hurdles?
Sometimes I put off a project when I start thinking about all the steps leading up to the sewing that I just don’t feel like doing. Hello, pre-washing fabric. Hello, taping PDFs. This full maker kit takes it to the top floor penthouse suite. I am seriously so impressed. The kit comes in a nicely organized tube package and you can basically open it and have zero hurdles between you and getting right down to sewing. Little labels for all the pieces were included and so I took 5 minutes to identify and clip the labels to the pieces and jumped right TF in. It was awesome. No printing, taping, cutting, poking holes in leather, none of that. I was spoiled and enjoyed it.
The Online Class
Take a peek at the trailer for Klumhouse’s Slabtown Online Course. I really enjoyed jumping between the videos and the written instructions. Sometimes I would let the videos keep running in the background, even though I was a few steps behind, because it was great to see what was coming up, and not going to lie, it’s nice to have a bit of ‘company’ in the sewing room. When Ellie asked me mid-course if I had a drink of water lately, she was speaking directly into my soul.
Fully lined
The Slabtown Backpack is fully lined in durable canvas and the seams are bound with matching twill tape, as pictured below. Until this project, I had never thought to use double sided tape for securing binding to the seams, but I am never going back! I learned lots of great tips from the instructions and the course.
Sneaky vintage sewing machine pic
I love my cute little office clips – I have a ton of them and they are cost-effective and nice and strong for the multiple layers. I used a top-stitch needle for the entire project, and regular thread. Speaking of thread, I LOVE the “Klumhouse Method” for top-stitching: two all-purpose spools threaded through the machine and into the top-stitch needle, and regular thread in the bobbin. 3mm stitch length was just right. It looks super sharp.
My machine doesn’t have _________. Can it be done?
My vintage Singer machine doesn’t have a free arm. Can it be done? Yeah, awkwardly. See the photo below. I was sweating, but took it slow. All good!
I also don’t have a walking foot for my slant-shank machine. I didn’t have any issues with this either. The online course tip to dynamically move all layers through (pushing and pulling) helped a lot!
The Slabtown Backpack Features
I have to sing this one thing from the rooftops: zipper access to the main compartment without unrolling the top! So brilliant. I have two roll-top backpacks (Chrome brand) that do not have this feature and now it will forever drive me nuts. I absolutely love being able to easily dig in there without unsnapping and unrolling. The side pockets are perfect for a water bottle or my pocket U-lock.
Bike + Coffee Date
On the Slabtown’s maiden voyage, Nick and I went on a BYOCoffee bike ride. We’ve been doing this a few times to get out of the house during coronavirus while the cafes were closed. I packed our little camping stove, Bialetti Moka Pot, and mugs in the Slabtown and it was super comfortable on the bike.
Nick did a banging job taking a couple photos during the ride – even if all the outtakes were very bootylicious. All of these were captured while in motion!
Take my word…
I’m not doing any tutorial, supplementary instructions, hacks, or photo steps for you on this project, because I honestly don’t need to. Everything that Klumhouse has put together is organized, thoughtful, and detailed. I have nothing more to offer here besides my praises. I do highly recommend the Full Maker Kit if you’re looking to spoil yourself with a “win.” God, we all need a win right now, don’t we? If you want to check out my other waxed canvas bag-making win, I made the Oberlin Tote last year also from Klumhouse, check out that post here.
