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INSTRUCTORS
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denise
DENISE Founder & Managing Director
FIRST PROJECT: I made the standard boxers and apron in home ec, but my first real project was a brown plaid button-down shirt, complete with a collar and cuffs. Although I chose the pattern and the fabric myself (even before the days of grunge) and couldn’t wait to finish it, I think I wore it only once. And then I tossed it.
Favourite stitch: stitch-in-the-ditch (to do and to say)
Bad sewing habit: I rarely pin. But don’t follow my bad example—it leads to a lot of stitch ripping.
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Gift idea: Aprons are great to give. They’re easy to make, don’t require a lot of fabric, and everyone loves to get one that actually looks good. Personalize it with a patchwork monogram, embellish it with appliqués, and make your own bias tape (with a bright-coloured or bold-patterned fabric) to use for the trim and ties.
In school: I had a great time in my sewing classes. My teacher made us do endless demos (which made the quality of my garments so much better) and I made lots of things that I loved—and kept—for many, many years.
Now: I dream of finding the time to make things for myself. Every year I start, yet don’t finish, a new winter jacket. My fix-this-now pile is out of control and I have endless patterns and piles of fabric that I have yet to use.
Sewing tip: Cut the pattern pieces for your favourite garment out of oilcloth—the pattern's tissue pieces won’t last through repeated use. Drape the oilcloth pieces over a hanger and file the directions and the original tissue pieces in a plastic folder for safekeeping.
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denise
ELIZABETH
FIRST PROJECT: I was first introduced to sewing in elementary school hom ec class with the customary apron, which I embellished with glue and sparkles! My first “real” project was a lined wool skirt with a really cool pleat in the
Favourite stitch: blind hemming stitch—if it can be done on the machine, I love it.
Bad sewing habit: Jumping in without thinking the whole project through, then realizing I’ve missed a very important step.
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Gift idea: A simple lavender eye pillow. I use lavender from my garden and mix it with flax seed. I use silk, satin, or velvet to make the pillow, and since you don’t need much material, it’s an affordable indulgence.
In school: I have never been in a sewing class where I didn’t say to myself, “Oh, now I get it.” I love exploring new classes and one of my favourites was pattern drafting. It really laid the groundwork for understanding how simple changes can affect the entire project—for the better or the worse.
Now: : I would love to design my own fabric.
Sewing tip: Try to be as accurate as possible when cutting your pattern pieces. 1/4” or 1/8” doesn’t seem like much on its own, but when it’s added to each pattern piece, it can add up quickly.
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denise
KRISTINA
FIRST PROJECT: Clothes for my Barbie! I started on a little plastic toy machine when I was about five, and quickly moved to my mother’s Singer. She would sew cloths for my sister and I, and I would use the scraps for doll cloths and take turns on her machine.
Favourite stitch:backstitch (Who doesn’t like the backstitch lever?)
Bad sewing habit:Name one and I have it! If I use pins (I hardly ever do) I sew over them and ruin my needles. I also draft straight onto my fabric (but I use tailor’s chalk so it does come off when it’s washed). And I don’t like to read or follow instructions—that way I don’t make any mistakes! These bad habits all get me into trouble so don’t pick them up.
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Gift idea:Handbags always make nice gifts! And you can create you own patterns and make them one of a kind!
In school:I studied interior design. There was no sewing in that school, but I did take textile classes and also worked in a sewing room on Queen Street for a few years. We specialized in sewing for the home: roman shades, duvets, shams etc. So you could say I learned to sew on the mean streets of Toronto!
Now: : Currently I am sewing lots of home décor items for my clients. But I always have other projects on the go, like quilts and diaper bags. And I have this great ottoman I need to re-upholster.
Sewing tip:If you like exploring and making your own patterns (which isn’t that hard) have a bunch of muslin or broadcloth around to make your pattern templates out of. Then sew them together and adjust them as you go. Then you can see if it works without sacrificing your fabric.
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