The Simply Classic EXPERIENCE.
Monday, June 8, 9:00 a.m. through Friday, noon Eastern, June 12, 2026
Thomson, Georgia Train Depot Annex
Our instructor, Chris Murphy of Simply Classic will guide you through creating The Talise using real leather. The details of the bag will be left up to you! Customize it to your liking with options including a cascading woven front accent, exterior slip pocket, and your choice of handle construction (just to name a few options). You will pick leather, fabric, hardware, and other supplies at the Simply Classic warehouse on Monday. Immediately after, we'll have a lovely, group lunch where we can get to know one another better. Then our little bag making group will meet at the small town's Train Depot to cut out and sew our bags. Chris will be there to guide you through each step. Industrial sewing machines and tools will be provided. Just bring yourself and your eagerness to create in a wonderful, nurturing environment.
Included:
- 4 and 1/2 days of education and sewing with Chris and a few friends
- The use of a THOR RE-0303 Top and Bottom Feed Walking Foot Sewing Machine provided by Danielle & Bryan from Measure & Cutt. Visit their Facebook page to see what others say about them. https://www.facebook.com/Measureandcutt
- Real leather, fabric, and hardware of your choosing from appropriate leather choices provided by Simply Classic
- Education about leather stiffeners, thickness, and temper
- The Talise Pattern, sent to you ahead of time to give you time to study if you wish
- Lunch all 5 days
- A chance to meet ladies that "get you" and this bag making obsession we have
Not Included:
- Travel to and from the venue
- Breakfast and dinners each day
- Accommodations, however, the nearby Hampton Inn has a block of discounted rooms available for us which includes hot breakfast or on the run breakfast bags ($135 + tax per night)
A private Facebook group will be available for each participant to join so that we can get to know each other and perhaps make arrangements to share rooms. The Facebook group will also be a place to ask questions and share information about the EXPERIENCE.
At least one Zoom call will be available before the retreat for all participants to introduce themselves, get to know one another, and chat with Chris Murphy.
We will accept requests to be placed on a waitlist. Life happens, and people sometimes have to cancel. Waitlist requesters will be contacted on a first come first served basis and will be given 48 hours to accept the offer to take someone's place. Refunds will be given to anyone who must cancel as long as we can find someone to replace your spot for the EXPERIENCE. Fortunately, in 2 years of hosting retreats, I've had 100% replacement rate for events with teachers. Unfortunately, a $50 credit card transaction fee will be deducted from your refund, as we are not able to recoup that charge.
I am Jan Banks, your hostess for the EXPERIENCE. Along with Taylor Ward from Simply Classic, we will do our best to make sure you have everything you need and feel comfortable in the environment.