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Privy Bag Workshop
The privy bag is Lancaster County’s more humble contribution to Pennsylvania German folk art. Learn the history behind the bag while embracing the art of quilting as it was done in the 19th century. Your finished project may be used in multiple ways today but its history will always spark curiosity and conversation. Click here to get privy bag details.
Offered by Sue Bishop as a two-session workshop
Session 1: Sat., May 10, 2025, 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Session 2: Sat. May 24, 2025, 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
$120.00*
*Includes both sessions and all materials including fabric, batting, pins, needles and thread.
Sue Bishop
About the Instructor
Like many young girls with Pennsylvania German heritage, Sue was introduced to needlework by her mother and grandmother. She was taught the art of piecing and hand quilting to create a quilt for her doll. As a young adult she would make her first full-size quilt and following tradition, would teach her own daughter the art—beginning with a doll quilt. After retiring in 2017 from her 30-year career as a sales and managing director for a tour and travel business, little did she know that she would return to quilting with a passion. She has since pieced and hand-quilted 19 quilts and lovingly gifted to family and friends. Sue holds a BA in English from Millersville University, Millersville, PA.
Sue Bishop
What is a privy bag?
In an effort to brighten up the most private of domestic spaces, the privy bag would accompany you or your guest to the “privy”—the more general term used outside of the Pennsylvania German community was the “outhouse”. While functional, the privy bag reflected the Pennsylvania Germans’ tradition of embellishing everyday objects with folk art. Today, the bags are largely held in private collections and range from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Fun fact, today at auction their value ranges between $125 - $600.
Creating this piece of folk art will introduce you to the history of quilting in 19th century America. Your instructor, Sue Bishop, will teach you the multi-step process and techniques of early American piecing and quilting using only a needle, thread and fabric patches. This will allow you to make your own piece of folk art—the “privy” bag.
The small class size allows for personalized interaction with the instructor and fellow classmates. We believe this this workshop is perfect for the novice as well as the crafter, needleworker or textile artist interested in early American regional folk art.
Privy bag