Columbia River Sewing - Portland, Oregon chapter of ASG

Sew the Oberlin Tote with Klum House – 2025

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Back by popular demand! Columbia River Sewing Guild is thrilled to welcome Ellie Lum of Klum House back for a 2025 all-day bag-making workshop. This year, participants will create the Oberlin Tote—a new project for our guild—at the Mill End Store in Beaverton.

Last year’s Fremont Bag workshop was a hit. Members walked away with beautiful, finished bags and glowing reviews of Ellie’s teaching. This fall, we’re thrilled to welcome her back for a new hands-on experience with the Oberlin Tote, known for its clean design, everyday utility, and high-end materials.

Oberlin Tote in navy waxed canvas with leather straps

Ellie Lum’s Oberlin Tote: durable, refined, and designed for standard home machines.

 

Ellie Lum, founder of Klum House, brings expert instruction and premium materials. Her Oberlin Tote is made with high-quality waxed canvas and leather, and it sews beautifully on a standard home machine—no special equipment required. She’ll guide you step by step through the construction process and show you how to work confidently with rivets, snaps, and other hardware.

Workshop Details

  • Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
  • Time: Doors open at 9:30 AM
  • Location: Mill End Store – Beaverton (Kaiser Room)
  • Cost: $200 (includes all materials, pattern, hardware, and instruction)
  • Instructor: Ellie Lum, founder of Klum House

What You’ll Learn

You’ll go home with a finished, professional-quality bag and the skills to replicate it again and again. The class is paced so that everyone can keep up, and Ellie’s hands-on approach makes working with leather and hardware surprisingly accessible—even if it’s your first time.

Please note: Ellie will be teaching the standard Oberlin Tote only. Pendleton wool or zipper/lining expansions will not be covered due to time constraints. Students are welcome to explore those options independently after the class.

Two-tone Oberlin Tote with leather handles

Creative color-blocking adds style to this customizable design

Registration Timeline

  • June 10: Early registration opens for CRS members
  • July 1: Registration opens to the public (if space is available)
  • July 31: Final day to meet the 20-person minimum

We must have 20 paid registrations by the end of July to hold the workshop. If that number isn’t reached by CRS members alone, we’ll open registration to Willamette Valley ASG and then to friends of participants. If the event is canceled due to low enrollment, all payments will be refunded.

Why You’ll Love It

This class is more than just a project—it’s an empowering, skill-building experience. You’ll learn how to install professional hardware, handle leather confidently, and produce a finished tote that looks and feels like something from a designer shop.

Model carrying the Oberlin Tote in everyday use

See it in action—versatile, stylish, and ready for everyday use

Registration opens soon! Check back here on June 10 to reserve your spot. Registration and payment will be handled online through our website, and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

We can’t wait to sew with you this fall.

(Registration is non-refundable unless the event is canceled by CRS. Online payment is required at time of registration.)