From Nurse to Quilter: Sandra Smith Brings Her Signature Bag to the Handmade Collective

August 29, 2025
Posted by Brett Lamoreaux

Meet Sandra Smith, the creative force behind Ginger Bloom Quilts. After a career as a Registered Nurse, Sandra turned her passion for sewing into a full-time creative journey. From making home décor and costumes for her kids to falling in love with quilting 15 years ago, Sandra’s path has been stitched with creativity and heart.

What started on a Bernina Artista 730 quickly grew into a love for free-motion quilting, and today Sandra runs a thriving longarm quilting business, offering both edge-to-edge and custom designs.

This September, Sandra is sharing one of her favorite projects with the Handmade Collective: The Ginger Bloom Fold and Sew Bag.

Make the Ginger Bloom Fold and Sew Bag

Sandra’s class will guide you through each step of creating this versatile bag, perfect for organizing your quilting and sewing essentials. She’ll use a staged approach to show different phases of the process, so you can follow along with confidence. Expect a little cutting, a little stitching, and a whole lot of fun!

“I love projects that are practical, beautiful, and approachable,” Sandra says. “This bag checks all the boxes.”

What You’ll Need & Learn:

How to create the Fold and Sew Bag
Tips for working with fabric in structured projects
How to use cutting and lighting tools for precision

Sandra will feature some of her favorite CutterPillar tools, including the Flip and Fold 48, Clamp Light, Mini Quilting Clamps, and Flex Light making each step easier and more efficient.

Shop & save on Sandra’s must-have CutterPillar tools!
CutterPillar Affiliate Link
CutterPillar Affiliate Code: GINGERBLOOM

Special Freebie!

Download the PDF pattern for FREE until the end of the month using code GINGERBAG.

Giveaway Alert!

One lucky winner will take home a Fold and Sew Vintage Quilt Sewing Bag, complete with a vintage button and crochet purse strap—a smaller version of the full bag, perfect as a stylish hipster for your sewing essentials.