Making Friends with Klum House: Woodland Dopp Kit

Last month, I had the opportunity to work with Klum House Workshop. It was an absolute dream and came at the perfect time. It was the first month of quarantine and the new normal was setting in. The invitation was like a light and I couldn’t wait to work on a wish list project.

*The kit and pattern were provided to me for free. All views and opinions are my own.

A woman holding up a brown waxed canvas Woodland Dopp Kit with a brass zipper and black leather tab

Klum House has an interview with me on their blog. Here’s an excerpt:

I originally turned to sewing when I was feeling aimless and unsure of what I wanted to do with my time. My kids were in school full time and weren’t as dependent and I was honestly feeling depressed and lonely. I turned to sewing to help me through it and I find myself turning to it whenever I’m going through a rough time.

About Klum House

Klum House offers kits for all their patterns, ranging from full maker kits to hardware kits. They make it super easy to customize everything so you can use what they offer or use what you already have. The first time I made a Klum House pattern was the Portsmith Tote back in 2018 (pictured below) and their strap kit was worth every penny. I actually regret not getting the full maker kit so if you’re on the fence, grab the kit!

Klum House also offers classes and workshops, both online and in-person at their Portland location. I actually almost attended one when I was visiting the area last year, but the dates didn’t line up. Hopefully next time!

A woman holding a gray and black leather tote bag with tan straps in front of a white garage door

Making My Woodland Dopp Kit

The full maker kit comes with paper instructions, but I was also provided with the PDF pattern and access to the online class. The online class is super beginner friendly and I only needed to look at the instructions when I was double checking measurements. Almost everything you need is included in the kit (pictured below). The only things you’d want outside the kit is a jeans needle and thread for sewing and a mallet or hammer for the hardware.

Maker kit laid flat: black tube labeled “Dopp Kit” and “The Woodland”, rust canvas, brass zipper, leather pieces and booklet

The sky’s the limit with personalizing this bag. I chose to use everything in the kit, but you could easily change out the lining or just grab the hardware kit to use with your own fabric. I chose to hand stamp the leather tab to give it a personal touch.

Close-up of a rust waxed canvas Woodland Dopp Kit with a brass zipper and a black leather tag stamped “Simone”

The full process of making this was highlighted on an Instagram stories takeover day, which I really enjoyed doing. I was a goof and forgot to share all the stories on my own page, but here’s what I have saved in the highlights of my Instagram.

End view of a rust waxed canvas Dopp kit with a brass zipper, black leather pull and riveted black leather tag

Overall Thoughts

The only commitment I had to this collaboration was to make the Dopp Kit, do the interview, and takeover Klum House’s Instagram one day. That’s an easy ask especially since I am obsessed with this company. If you are new to sewing, making bags, or this company, I cannot recommend Klum House enough. Getting a chance to work with them helped me see just how amazingly thoughtful they are. The kits are all encompassing, the instructions are super clear, and the online classes make everything even more accessible.

A woman in glasses and a black top unzipping a rust waxed canvas Dopp kit with a brass zipper beside a window

The Woodland Dopp Kit itself is also a clear winner. I loved the process, the size, and how useful it is. I can already see myself making a tower of them: for myself, for my family, and for endless gifts. I would highly recommend this pattern as a jumping off point for new sewists and new bag makers!

Have you made anything from Klum House yet? What pattern is on your list?

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