Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure
Under the weather and housebound can have pluses! At the end of 2008, I gave myself permission to indulge and rediscover old (but not sufficiently explored hobbies, like cooking and sewing. Usually, with a rigorous work schedule there’d be no time…
Lev and Sage agreed to assist me with projects—new designs for their dog clothes and matching beds:
Getting going with sewing, I found out that Toronto is quite a hub for those looking to learn more about this craft. There’s a bunch of facilities and teachers to suit all interests and budgets! Here’s what I came across, more or less accidentally, not far from home:
• The Sewing Studio
• Sew Be It, Studio Workshop
• The Workroom
• Creative Sewing School (Barbara Hobbs, 416 483 6102, Avenue and Lawrence)
Denise, from the Sewing Studio, provided motivation with easy assignments, like the beds above!
Also, for supplies and equipment, I discovered a variety of options:
• For equipment and accessories, there’s the Sewing Centre (416 487 4438, 2144 Yonge Street). Great customer service and lessons from Joe Murphy!
• For fabrics, Designer Fabrics on Queen is recommended by the trade, with the best prices, and most interesting offerings, off sale.
• For the best one-stop shop and discounts (with membership) Fabricland seems to dominate—though shopping there might be a fun experience.
• The Dollerama on Queen (close to Designer Fabrics) has some interesting accessories and tools.
