GET SCHOOLED: Leather Accessories at The Make Den (January-February 2012)

jen — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:16:23 +0000

Finding handmade stuff for men is an ongoing challenge, even in this crafty mecca we call Toronto. So kudos to The Make Den for putting together this series of workshops to create objects that will warm your dude (or leather loving lady)’s heart on Valentine’s Day.

Make (Den) it for your Mate with Cat Essieambre

Rock your own adorable and totally matching DIY accessory kit – or give the BEST handmade Valentines Day gift ever!

This winter, The Make Den is your one stop [...]

SPONSOR NEWS: December 2011

jen — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:34:24 +0000

This month’s TCA Sponsor News is chock full of great holiday activities, sweet sales and even a sound and craft installation. Read on & get out there and make stuff!

Please contact the sponsors directly to sign up for classes or with any questions related to their listings.

NANOPOD: HYBRID STUDIO
www.nanopod.tv
322 Harbord Street
647.780.4478
nanotopia@me.com

Wonderlandish
December 10 (11:00am-6:00pm) & 11 (1:00am-5:00pm), 2011
a nanotopian installation
Sound + Vision by Andrei Gravelle & Tosca Teran

nanopod: Hybrid Studio is taking part in this year’s City [...]

TCA POSTCARDS FROM THE ROAD: Harriet Tubman Quilt at the Reginald Lewis Museum, Baltimore, Maryland

tara — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:39:05 +0000

There is a long history of quilting in Maryland, from the Amish quilts of Southern Maryland to the spectacular Baltimore album quilts of the 1800s. I spotted a few quilts at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History a few weeks ago, among them was this quilt commemorating the inspiring life of the abolitionist Harriet Tubman, made in 2002. On a related note, for some unbelievably interesting reading, do a quick online [...]

GET TOGETHER: Create A Collaborative Fabric Sculpture With Amanda Browder For Nuit Blanche! (Sewing Days: September 27th & 28th, 12-5pm)

tara — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:28:08 +0000

Wanna find a way to take part in this year’s Nuit Blanche? Check out this call for fabric and makers to help with Brooklyn-based artist Amanda Browder’s fabric-ky take on the art car. Group sewing days will conveniently take place at The Workroom on the Wednesday and Thursday afternoons before the big (white) night. Find all the details you need below!

Amanda Browder’s Rapunzel courtesy of amandabrowder.com

Be Part of the…Chronomatic Hi-Five!
How to participate in Nuit Blanche? Participate!

Artist Amanda Browder is [...]

SUPPLY YOUR HABIT: the workroom Pop Up Shop – now open!

jen — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:02:22 +0000

Those of you reading from outside of Toronto will be excited to learn that the workroom has launched an online pop up shop. Karyn has put together a collection of the most requested items, plus some special things special for the shop, like the adorable bauble purse frames pictured above. Hop on over to the webshop to check out thier great selection of Japanese Dress books, sewing patterns, embroidery floss, and even workroom-made [...]

SPONSOR NEWS: June 2011

jen — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:20:53 +0000

Is it just me or does Spring make you want to make stuff?? Thankfully our stellar sponsors have a full roster of classes, events, and even camps for you to get busy with. For complete listings, head over here. Contact the sponsors directly to sign up for classes or with any questions related to their listings.

pinning up an Amish Bars Quilt at the workroom

NANOPOD: HYBRID STUDIO
www.nanopod.tv
322 Harbord Street
647.780.4478
nanotopia@me.com

SPONSOR NEWS: March 2011

jen — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:27:09 +0000

image courtesy of nanopod: hybrid studio

As the keenly observant may have noticed, some of the sponsors listed on the right sidebar have been with us for a very long time – keeping our fees paid for and our website free for all. We really couldn’t have made it this far without them, and we have invited these crafty heroes to share their monthly happenings with you guys. Here are a few highlights for March – the full listings can be found on our Sponsor News page which we will [...]

FOR SALE: White Speedylock Serger

rosalyn — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:55:28 +0000

White Speedylock serger for sale. $250 or best offer.
2/3/4 thread, differential feed. Adjustable stitch length and width, does rolled hems (although I have never figured out how, but with some patience I’m sure it’s easy), and it has very clear colour coded threading! Needles are also easy to change!

Great condition, works well, comes with cover and tray. There’s no issues with this machine I just need to upgrade! I’ve been using it for about 3 years.

E-mail me [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Beginner Sewing Lessons for Children (July)

rosalyn — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 14:23:07 +0000

In these classes, children will improve hand-eye co-ordination and fine motor skills.

They will learn hand sewing techniques from how to thread a needle, sewing on two and four holed buttons and easy basting stitches and more.

They will also learn basic operation of a sewing machine, including threading, needle replacement and bobbin winding.
Projects include:
Bookmark
Needle Book
Soft Toy

For more information on classes, go to sewintoronto.com
Location: Dundas West and Keele
Contact:

GET SCHOOLED: Summer Sewing at Scadding Court (June-July)

rosalyn — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 14:12:22 +0000

Learn to sew and brush up on your sewing skills this summer at Scadding Court Community Centre (707 Dundas Street West)

The following classes are great for beginners or anyone wanting to brush up on their sewing skills. All classes are $30 each.

Introduction to the Sewing Machine
Thursday, June 24, 6-9pm
Learn the basics and make a cutlery holder.

Basic Alterations
Thursday, July 8, 2010, 6-9pm
Save some cash by learning to hem your clothes and [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Summer Classes at Sew Be It Studio

angelune — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:24:31 +0000

New summer classes at Sew Be It Studio
call: 416-481-7784

Tailoring 101 – Tailoring is a craft that requires precision and attention to detail. In seven weeks, students will learn the fine art of tailoring to create the perfect jacket. Learn the tricks of the trade from a professional tailor!

This course will cover how to achieve the proper jacket fit, methods for inserting the set- in sleeves, shaping the collar, shoulder pads application, pad stitching, welt pocket, and properly attaching the [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Sewing Workshop at Freedom Clothing (June 6)

rosalyn — Mon, 31 May 2010 20:08:11 +0000

Freedom Clothing will be hosting a sewing workshop for beginners!!
This is a one day class from 10am-1pm on Sunday June 6th.

It will cover how to use a domestic sewing machine, read patterns and cut out a pattern in fabric. This will be a great first class for any beginner!!

The cost is $40 and the pattern will be provided all you need to bring is a yard of [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Sewing Classes at Scadding Court Community Centre (April-May)

rosalyn — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:51:15 +0000

Scadding Court Community Centre is offering two new classes this Spring, focusing on learning to sew garments. A two-week class (April 29 and May 6) will teach how to sew pajamas from a pattern and a three-week class (May 13, 20 and 27) will teach how to sew a skirt from your own measurements.

Details are at sewtoronto.blogspot.com.

To register or get more information, email sawitri@scaddingcourt.org or call 416-392-0335 ext. 233.

CRAFTY HAPPENING: SewFest West 2010 (April 30 & May 1)

rosalyn — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:06:24 +0000

SewFest West 2010
An exciting new sewing and needlework event!

The biggest and best sewing and needlework show in Southern Ontario this spring! Over 35 exhibitors, free seminars, make and take it! and classes.

Bingemans Conference Centre
425 Bingemans Centre Dr
Kitchener, ON N2B 3X7

Fri, Apr 30: 12noon to 8pm
Sat, May 1: 10am to 6pm

Admission $5 per day

Wheelchair accessible, snack bar, free parking, ATM on site

Contact address:
Joanne’s Creative Notions
P.O. Box 20071
8965 Chinguacousy Rd.
Brampton, ON L6Y 0L9
Toll Free: 1. 800.811.6611

Keynote [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Spring Class Schedule at the workroom (March-May)

rosalyn — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:25:18 +0000

the workroom‘s spring class calendar is filled with fun projects to inspire you.

Just in time for Easter, the workroom will be offering a Pysanky or Ukrainian Easter egg decorating workshop. Learn all about this traditional craft, while being guided through the process of designing your own pysanka egg. Students will also receive a tool kit to take home to make more pysanky on their own. This special class will be offered just twice before Easter weekend, space is limited.

Our brand new quilting class [...]

HELP WANTED: Seeking At-Home Seamstress/Sewer

rosalyn — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:48:20 +0000

A Toronto-based consumer product company is in need of an experienced at-home seamstress/sewer. The job involves very simple cutting following a template, and sewing zippers into vinyl material (that tends to warp/stretch with machines) so experience/knowledge with vinyl is a must. The first run will be a smaller quantity of approximately 100 with needs of up to 1000 in the near future.

If interested, please contact Steph at: stephguo@gmail.com

CRAFTY CONTEST: Peach Berserk Fashion Design Contest (deadline: April 15)

rosalyn — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:14:28 +0000

This contest is open to ALL elementary, high school and college/university students!

Here is what you need to do:
*Draw a prom dress, featuring fabric with a print designed by YOU. Your print can include drawings, found images, whatever! Or a combination of these things.

*Mail or email your submission to Peach Berserk to arrive by Thursday April 15th, along with proof of current school attendance.

*Winners announced Thursday April 22nd.

Prizes:

A custom made Peach Berserk silk party dress made with YOUR Dress design and YOUR fabric print, OR a Peach Berserk [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Make Your Own Prom Dress This March Break! (March 15-20)

rosalyn — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:36:11 +0000

Learn to sew while making your dream dress!

Classes run from March 15th – 20th
from 10-4pm

Design, Cut and Sew your very own Prom Dress just the way you want it this March Break! Beginners welcome, no sewing experience required! Basic sewing skills, simple pattern alterations and cutting techniques are all taught.

The Make Den
1207 Bloor St. West
www.themakeden.blogspot.com | irenestickney@hotmail.com

GET SCHOOLED: The Makings of a Teapot Pincushion (April-May)

rosalyn — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:20:16 +0000

Atelier Gwendolyne presents “The Makings of a Teapot Pincushion”
Cut and sew with felt to make your own!

This course takes place over 6 consequent Thursdays ~
April 22, 29
May 6, 13, 20, and 27.

Held in my Atelier at the 401 Richmond St West building ~ Studio 433
Classes begin promptly at 6:30 and end at 8:30 pm
Instruction Fee is $240 plus GST
Material fee is $25 incl. tax.

Enrollment is limited.
To reserve [...]

FOR SALE: Brother industrial 4-thread serger (located in Peterborough)

toronto craft alert — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:39:52 +0000

For sale: Brother industrial 4 thread serger in great condition. It is a fabulous machine but it is a bit more heavy duty than I require for my purposes.

This serger has enough power to sew through leather or carpet but it can also serge silk with nice, even stitches with no pulling. It would be ideal for a serious sewer who is already comfortable with a conventional home serger but would like more speed, power and durability.

The machine comes with its own sewing table which is about 3′ long X [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Learn English smocking in three sessions

toronto craft alert — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:36:13 +0000

This is a hands-on three part class which focuses on all of the basics you will need to make geometric smocking designs.
Come, learn and practice the basics of smocking on a sampler in a small class setting.maximum 5 students.

What you will learn:

Outline/stem, cable, flowerets, wave/chevron, trellis, lazy daisy, Bullion knot

Tension, starting and stopping. learn to read a graph or smocking plate.

We will also discuss fabrics, threads, colour choices and preparation before smocking.

Cost: $50 [pleated fabric for sampler included]
Duration: 3x 2 hour sessions.
Schedule: Tuesdays: 10:00am-Noon or Tuesdays: 6:30pm-8:30pm

Classes are ongoing. [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Sewing Classes at Scadding Court (February-March)

rosalyn — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:12:41 +0000

Scadding Court Community Centre has just released its Winter sewing class schedule.

The following classes are great for beginners or anyone wanting to brush up on their sewing skills. All classes are $30 each.

Introduction to the Sewing Machine
Thursday, February 25, 6-9pm

Recycle a Shirt – Easy Beginner Projects
Thursday, March 4, 6-9pm

Recycle a Shirt – Make a Girl’s Jumper
Thursday, March 11, 6-9pm

Recycle a Shirt – Make a Girl’s Peasant Dress
Thursday, March 18, 6-9pm

Basic Alterations
Thursday, March 25, 6-9pm

Pajama Pants
Thursday, April 1, 6-9pm

For more information about the [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Sewing classes @ The Make Den (Feb/March)

toronto craft alert — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:42:13 +0000

The Make Den’s Winter/Spring sewing class schedule is out now! We’re located at 1207 Bloor St. W, at 69 Vintage Collective! Classes are for absolute beginners and intermediate sewers who want to learn to make their own clothes. We also have a March Break camp for kids who want to learn how to sew.
Happy Crafting!

GET SCHOOLED: New winter classes @ the workroom

toronto craft alert — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:54:47 +0000

Due to the overwhelming response to our classes in the last couple weeks, we have updated the calendar with more sessions, now going though until March. the workroom’s newest updated calendar can be downloaded right here.

Our brand new class is the Button Down Vest. This class focuses on getting a nice tailored fit from a commercial pattern, clean lining a garment (no exposed seams!) and buttonholes.

Animal Softies returns for a weekend session that will have you designing your own pattern to create a creature from [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Hart House Craft Week (January 25 – 29)

jen — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:12:20 +0000

What: Crafting Workshop series – drop in anytime between 11:30 & 1:30!
Where: Hart House Reading Room
When: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm week of Jan 25 – 29
Why attend: Join us over lunch and learn a new skill or get help trouble shooting
Cost: It’s free! All materials are provided free of charge. You can even take your creations home with you.
Website: http://www.harthouse.ca/craft_night

SCHEDULE:

Monday, Jan. 25: Learn to knit
Hart House is offering a beginner knitting workshop for those who want to learn the basics. This will involve learning how [...]

CRAFTIVISM: Operation Sock Monkey, Sock-Monk-a-thon (January 19)

jen — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:15:04 +0000

Operation Sock Monkey, Sock-Monk-a-thon
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 / 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Where: Cultivate your skills and expand your mind at Harbourfront Centre’s Courses & Workshops

This February, Harbourfront Centre’s Courses & Workshops programme returns with an exciting array of innovative workshops for people who want to learn something new and develop their artistic talents. These fun and affordable classes are designed to boost your creativity and provide the perfect environment to expand your social circle with like-minded individuals.

The winter/spring semester of Courses & Workshops runs from February to May 2010. To register or for more information, call 416-973-4093 or visit harbourfrontcentre.com. Register early [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Fashion Merchandising and Styling at Sew Be It Girl (January-February)

rosalyn — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:22:05 +0000

Do you have flair and enjoy the changing world of fashion? Whether you want to become a stylist, a buyer, a designer, or just want to understand more about the backbone of fashion, than this course is for you!

Taught by Canadian fashion icon and entrepreneur, Marlene Shiff, Fashion Merchandising and Styling at sew be it girl, students will walk away with the fundamental skills of fashion merchandising, from the visual rules of presentation to the math of merchandising. In the styling portion of the course, students will be learn how [...]

GET SCHOOLED: Upcoming Classes and Events at The Workroom (January-March)

rosalyn — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:59:12 +0000

There’s really nothing like the clean slate of the new year to try something you’ve never done before and inspire fun crafty projects. the workroom’s updated winter calendar can be downloaded right here.

If you’ve been curious about quilting or perhaps wanting to expand your quilting repetoire, it’s not too late to sign up for our new Intro to Hand Work class. Learn key techniques and skills to piece patchwork and quilt designs by hand. Working [...]

VENDOR CALL: Sew Fest West 2010 (April 30-May 1)

jen — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:44:26 +0000

Looking for exhibitors for a brand new sewing and needlework event. Retailers who sell products that relate to sewing, quilting, stitching, weaving, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, dyeing fabrics and fibres, related notions, are invited to contact info@distinctivesewing.com for exhibitor information.

Dates: Fri, April 30 and Sat, May 1, 2010
Times: Fri 12noon to 8 pm; Sat 10am to 6pm
Place: Bingemans Conference Centre, Kitchener, ON

Up-to-date information is contained on our blog at http://sewfestwest2010.blogspot.com.

Event will be held in Kitchener April 30 and May 1, 2010.

Toronto Craft Alert » Sewing

GET SCHOOLED: Leather Accessories at The Make Den (January-February 2012)

SPONSOR NEWS: December 2011

TCA POSTCARDS FROM THE ROAD: Harriet Tubman Quilt at the Reginald Lewis Museum, Baltimore, Maryland

GET TOGETHER: Create A Collaborative Fabric Sculpture With Amanda Browder For Nuit Blanche! (Sewing Days: September 27th & 28th, 12-5pm)

SUPPLY YOUR HABIT: the workroom Pop Up Shop – now open!

SPONSOR NEWS: June 2011

SPONSOR NEWS: March 2011

FOR SALE: White Speedylock Serger

GET SCHOOLED: Beginner Sewing Lessons for Children (July)

GET SCHOOLED: Summer Sewing at Scadding Court (June-July)

GET SCHOOLED: Summer Classes at Sew Be It Studio

GET SCHOOLED: Sewing Workshop at Freedom Clothing (June 6)

GET SCHOOLED: Sewing Classes at Scadding Court Community Centre (April-May)

CRAFTY HAPPENING: SewFest West 2010 (April 30 & May 1)

GET SCHOOLED: Spring Class Schedule at the workroom (March-May)

HELP WANTED: Seeking At-Home Seamstress/Sewer

CRAFTY CONTEST: Peach Berserk Fashion Design Contest (deadline: April 15)

GET SCHOOLED: Make Your Own Prom Dress This March Break! (March 15-20)

GET SCHOOLED: The Makings of a Teapot Pincushion (April-May)

FOR SALE: Brother industrial 4-thread serger (located in Peterborough)

GET SCHOOLED: Learn English smocking in three sessions

GET SCHOOLED: Sewing Classes at Scadding Court (February-March)

GET SCHOOLED: Sewing classes @ The Make Den (Feb/March)

GET SCHOOLED: New winter classes @ the workroom

GET SCHOOLED: Hart House Craft Week (January 25 – 29)

CRAFTIVISM: Operation Sock Monkey, Sock-Monk-a-thon (January 19)

GET SCHOOLED: Fashion Merchandising and Styling at Sew Be It Girl (January-February)

GET SCHOOLED: Upcoming Classes and Events at The Workroom (January-March)

VENDOR CALL: Sew Fest West 2010 (April 30-May 1)