Workshops
Survival hand sewing
Tired of paying a tailor for simple alterations and repairs that you could do at home, without using a sewing machine? In this basic hand sewing workshop you’ll learn to securely sew on buttons, tackle simple repairs and take up hems and cuffs on lightweight trousers and shirts. You’ll get a good start on your project in class and finish the rest at home using skills learned in class.
Please bring one garment to fix or adjust. NO DENIM, KNITS OR STRETCHY FABRIC, PLEASE. No previous sewing experience required.
PLEASE NOTE: This class does NOT use sewing machines or overlockers. If you’re an experienced sewer and are looking to learn more complicated restyling and alterations techniques, please sign up for our Creative Alterations workshop. If you’re looking to alter your denim, try our new Jeans Genius workshop.
- Level: All levels
Materials needed
Please bring the following supplies to class in order to complete your project:
*One garment to fix or adjust using hand-sewing skills. Please, no denim, knits or stretch jersey fabric. Bring the shoes you’ll wear with the item, if applicable.
Want this workshop? Contact us and we'll try to set up another one soon.
Additional information
Suzanne Cowan has been involved in both book arts and fashion design for over 10 years. As a bookbinder she has travelled throughout Canada, the United States, and Taiwan teaching bookbinding to people of all ages while maintaining an online store and gallery featuring her own book works. With a formal education in both textile and fashion arts, Suzanne is well versed in the art of fabric manipulation as well as fashion illustration, patternmaking, and garment construction and has sold her clothing at a variety of boutiques throughout Canada.
Ekaterina Ignatieva lives and breathes fashion – and has done so since she was a little girl in Moscow, refusing to wear warm clothes in winter just so she could look fashionable! Born in Russia, she inherited her love of sewing from her grandmother. She grew up in Australia where she recently completed a Diploma in Fashion Design and later moved to London to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She currently works for bridal wear designer Shane Ryding at Luella’s Boudoir and in time plans to start up her own label. Browse some of her designs here.
Laurel Waldron is a whiz with a needle, learning the tricks of the trade at an early age from her dressmaking mother. After studying GCSE and A Level textiles she was hooked and went on to study Fashion & Lingerie Design at DeMontfort University. After graduating, Laurel pursued a career in fashion PR and journalism, but is excited to return to her creative roots. She recently established her own eponymous lingerie brand and has also turned her hand to bridal wear. For more information visit her web site
