May 2024

 
New Seraflex colours!

You asked and we heard you! We have expanded our colour selection of Seraflex thread! If you aren't familiar with seraflex, you want to be if you work with knits. We have tried and tested it, and LOVE working with Seraflex. See what they have to say about themselves:

"Highly elastic and versatile: with our SERAFLEX sewing thread, you are buying exactly the right thread for all stretch fabrics. The secret is its special composition: The innovative raw material PTT allows the sewing thread to stretch up to 65%. We recommend using the sewing thread exclusively for straight stitches. When used as needle and bobbin thread and with a thread tension as loose as possible, its full elasticity comes into effect. This way, SERAFLEX even achieves a sewing elasticity that is twice as high as that of conventional sewing threads."

Shop Seraflex thread here.

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Pop-up Baby Card - Jenn

How sweet is this pop-up baby card? The design is the Baby Box Card from Dreaming Tree. Jenn used the Brother Scan'N'Cut to cut out her cardstock. You put in effort to pick out, or make the perfect gift...so why not make a special card to match your perfect gift? There are endless downloadable designs to cut with your Scan'N'Cut for every occasion you need.

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Hot Air Balloon Tealight - Jenn

Another fun craft you can make with the Brother Scan'N'Cut! Papercraft is so much fun, especially when you can make useable free-standing decorations. This tealight is made from cardstock and vellum. The design is from Dreaming Tree found here.

Learn more about the Scan'N'Cut and how it will fit into your craft room here!

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Vintage Tote from Sweet Pea Machine Embroidery made by Lea

This is the 5"x5" version of the Vintage Tote from Sweet Pea Machine Embroidery. This is a great bag for a sewing kit, supply bag, makeup or lunch bag. This pattern comes in a variety of sizes to fit your needs. Gorgeous colour choice Lea!

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Most of us are familiar with fast fashion, and the impact it has on us personally as well as globally, however it is something we feel is important to discuss.

Fast fashion is exactly what it sounds like. Clothing and accessories made in a hurry, without thought of the longevity of the garment or environmental impact that is inflicted from the manufacturing end of disposable fashion. Although it is an easy and cost-efficient way of jumping from trend to trend, it is not environmentally sustainable, and really not financially stable either for the long term.

So, what can WE do about it? There are so many ways to avoid contributing to the problem. We know you are all here and reading this because you sew or are interested in sewing. Sewing and mending your own clothing gives you the freedom to choose fabric that is produced in an environmentally conscious way, and when you have a unique piece of clothing you cherish it won't easily end up somewhere in a landfill.

Wait! THERE'S MORE!

Soak has a fantastic article about slow fashion which yes, you guessed it, the reverse of fast fashion. It gives practical ideas we can all easily do to reduce our fashion throw aways, as well as how to preserve your clothing longer. Who doesn't want their clothing to last longer?!?

Without Further ado, please take a few minutes to check out Slow Fashion, Extend The Life Of Your Clothes With Soak. We hope you are as inspired as we were!

Be sure not to miss out on Soak School. Here you will learn all about soak, and why you need it, how to use it and more! Shop Soak and Flatter here.

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NEW FABRIC!

River

Textured woven fabric. 63% Lyocell, 37% Viscose. Weight: 176 GSM, 5.19 OZ/SQ.YD. Width: 53/54”, 135/137 CM.

River is gorgeous textured woven fabric that is soft, breathable and has a lovely drape. It is just waiting to be your next flowy blouse, skirt or dress!

On the left is River Emerald, in the middle is River Fuchsia, on the right is River Grape. See all River here.

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Zola

Organic cotton double gauze. 100% Organic Cotton. Weight: 125 GSM, 3.68 OZ/SQ.YD. Width: 52”, 125 CM

Our planet does a lot for us, organic cotton is a way of saying thank you! Organic cotton is grown with non-GMO seeds and without synthetic pesticides nor artificial fertilizers. This can help benefit workers’ health, community access to clean water and supplies, and agricultural land lifespan.

Project Inspiration: Swaddling blankets for baby, beach cover up, Pyjama's, lightweight summer wear.

On the Left is Zola Candy, in the middle is Zola Denim, on the right is Zola Grape. See all Double Gauze here.

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Reese

58% Cotton, 38% Modal, 4% Spandex. Weight: 220 GSM, 6.48 OZ/SQ.YD. Width: 52/54”, 132/137 CM.

Reese is a fine rib-knit which is lovely and soft with a great stretch. Perfect for Pyjama's, loungewear or shirts.

On the left is Reese Vanilla, on the right is Reese Ocean. See all Reese here.

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Royce

Ponte De Roma. Content: 65% Viscose, 30% Nylon, 5% Spandex. Weight: 300 GSM, 8.84 OZ/SQ.YD. Width: 58/60”, 147/152 CM.

This is a gorgeous lightweight Ponte De Roma that is so versatile! Ponte De Roma is a stable knit and really lovely to work with.

Project inspiration: dress pants, dress, skirt or shirt!

On the left is Royce Azure, in the middle is Royce Fuscia, on the right is Royce Iron, see all Royce here.

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Jubilee

100% Cotton with sand wash finish. Weight: 160 GSM, 4.71 OZ/SQ.YD. Width: 57/58”, 140/142 CM.

Project inspiration: Cool summer overalls, skirt, dress or loose shirt.

On the Left is Bluestone, In the middle is Mist, on the right is Pear. See all Jubilee here.

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LINEN - Utopia Denim

Linen/cotton blend with washed finish. 80% Linen, 20% Cotton. Weight: 155 GSM, 4.57 OZ/SQ.YD. Width: 54/55”, 138/140 CM

Made for slow fashion! Linen is a durable fibre derived from flax, a hardy plant that requires less water than cotton and no fertilizers nor pesticides to grow. Flax plants are also extremely versatile, meaning the entire plant can be used (did someone say minimal waste?). The flax used in this quality is imported from Europe, cultivated without irrigation, and is GMO free.

Project Inspiration: Perfect for a light summer shirt or lounge set, beach cover up and more!

On the left is Utopia Denim Blue, on the right is Utopia Denim Navy.

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Porter

Yes, we heard you! New heavyweight organic cotton. 100% Organic Cotton. Weight: 240 GSM, 7.07 OZ/SQ.YD. Width: 57/58”, 145/147 CM. Organic cotton is grown with non-GMO seeds and without synthetic pesticides nor artificial fertilizers. This can help benefit workers’ health, community access to clean water and supplies, and agricultural land lifespan.

Project ideas: pants, overalls, apron or light fall jacket.

On the Left is Porter Iron, and the right is Porter Plum.

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See machines here, or check out all the offers and details here.

 

See All Classes HERE

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Big Brother Club

Choose your own projects and accomplish them in-class with expert guidance. This club is for Brother sewing & embroidery machines that have an embroidery hoop of 6"x10" or larger.

This is the perfect opportunity to work on your own projects and complete the pile of UFO'S (un-finished objects), or to learn something new from what the others are working on.

Cost: $25

Dates: Wednesday May 22, 2024 10:30am-3pm.

REGISTER HERE

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Donation sew for Markham Stouffville Hospital

Bring your sewing machine and other tools to help sew and Iron swaddling blankets and double sided blankets for the Markham Stouffville Hospitals N.I.C.U. Pattern Provided to specific requirements for the Hospital. We will be sewing with some donated Terry cloth fabric. If you have 100% cotton fabric that you would like to donate please let us know. The measurements should be 30" x 30".

This is by volunteer only. Lunch will be provided. If you have any questions, please call the store.

Please REGISTER HERE so we know how may volunteers are joining to ensure enough space for everyone.

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Introduction to Artspira and Your Scan'N'Cut

In this beginner class you will personalize a water bottle with water proof vinyl, make a pretty bookmark and decorate a shirt or sweater with some heat transfer vinyl. You will practice importing a design to your machine, creating your design and be inspired by the Artspira app from Brother.

Please bring one shirt and one water bottle you would like to personalize to class. Designs will be provided for you in class.

Cost: $25

Date: Saturday June 01, 2024 from 1-3pm.

REGISTER HERE

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Barnyard Blues Storybook Quilt

Suzy Bee made her start in painting her lovable cute animals on the walls of hospitals and now has a fabric line that allows for making beautiful quilts like this one and more. A nice quilt for any new baby or small child. This quilt is made with a fabric book panel with enough pages to place on the back as well as the front of the quilt.

This small sized quilts finished size is approx. 46 x 51''.

Cost: $50 plus materials available at a 15% discount after class registration

Dates: Friday June 14, and 21, 2024 from 10:30-12:30

REGISTER HERE

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Time for U.S. (Uninterrupted Sewing)

Join other like-minded sewists and take advantage of Uninterrupted Sewing (U.S.) time in our classroom between 11am and 3pm on these posted in-store sew-days!

You can choose your own project and pace. Start new projects or catch up on the "work in progress" pile. This is independent sewing time (no teacher supervision) but of course our staff will be available to assist, and your fellow sewists love to chat and help each other.

Cost: $25

Dates: Thursday June 6, 20, July 4, 18 from 10:30-3pm.

REGISTER HERE

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Market Bag

A great way to upcycle a favorite pair of denim or pants that no longer fit from your kids or yourself. Use your bag to run to your favorite farm stand or the beach. Easy to sew and a great beginner sewing pattern. Add a pocket to the inside and the outside and even customize with some decorative stitches. A roomy bag that finishes approx. 18" h x 17" w

The pattern can be downloaded for free at Sharonhollanddesigns.com found here.

Cost: $25

Date: Saturday June 22, from 1:30-4pm

REGISTER NOW

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Beginner Adult Sewing 1

This project-based beginner-level class for adults will start the students building a solid foundation in the world of sewing. Each of the three projects have been selected to focus on a different sewing skill and the students will complete this class understanding the basics of sewing machine safety and operation. Please bring your own sewing machine to class.

There will be homework in between classes.

Cost: $150 plus materials available at a 15% discount with the class.

Dates: Tuesday May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, from 10:30-12:30pm.

REGISTER NOW

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Beginner Adult Sewing Level 2

This six week class is secondary to Beginner Adult Sewing 1. In these classes you will build on the skills you learned in Beginner Adult Sewing 1, and prepare you for Intermediate Adult Sewing.

This class is a good option for students who have a basic sewing knowledge, but are still working towards completion of the pre-requisites for Intermediate Adult Sewing.

Not sure which class will be the best fit for you? Please contact the store to find out more information so we can help place you in the appropriate class.

Cost: $150 plus materials available at a 15% discount after registration.

Dates: Saturday July 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17, 2024 from 1:30-3:30

REGISTER HERE

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Summer Sew Beginner Camp

What's Happening: Students will enjoy 5 full days of sewing projects that they will be proud to take home. Students will to learn how to personalize the projects they have made. This week we hope to foster creativity , a wee bit of patience and a sense of accomplishment in our students.

Ages: 9 - 12 years
Date: July 15th to 19th or August 12th to 16th 2024
Time: 10am - 3pm  There will be two 15 minute breaks and one 30 minute lunch break.

Students are to bring their own nut-free snacks and lunch.

An email will be sent out before start date with release forms that need to be signed and brought to the first day of class. The email will also contain supply list.

Cost: $225 plus materials which are available at a 15% discount after registration

REGISTER HERE

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Summer Sew Intermediate Camp

What's Happening: 5 half days of sewing customized projects that they will be proud to take home.

Ages: 12 - 15 years
Date: July 22nd to 26th 2024
Time: 12pm - 4pm  There will be two 15 minute breaks.
Students are to bring their own nut free snacks and water bottle.

An email will be sent out before start date with release forms that need to be signed and brought to the first day of class. The email will also contain the class supply list. More details to follow.

*Just added - Scan'N'Cut Friday. Students will be able to personalize their items with our pre-cut Heat transfer vinyl designs for back to school.

Cost: $225 plus materials available a ta 15% discount after registration

REGISTER HERE

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Binder Pencil Pouch

A nice customizable project with eyelets for a child's homework binder or make one for yourself for work or home. Beginner friendly for any age sewer.

Finished size is 7.5 x 11 " to fit in any standard binder.  Please download and print the free pattern instructions from Sharonhollanddesigns.com. Find it Here

Cost: $25 materials available at a 15% discount after registration

Date: Thursday July 30, 2024 from 2-4pm.

REGISTER HERE

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Embroidery Travel Patches

Embroider a colorful patch for your backpack or jacket of a favorite city. Choose from a collection of 9 designs from The Whiskey Ginger including destinations like Tokyo, Paris and Rome.

The design pack will need to be purchased before class. Find it here on the OESD website.
Largest design is 5.34" x 4.13"

Cost: $25 material available at a 15% discount after registration

Date: Wednesday August 7 2024, from 1-4pm.

REGISTER HERE

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Memory Quilt

Learn to make a memory quilt with Barb Thistle. A nice way to preserve memories. You will need a selection of T-shirts, sports jerseys or any special fabrics you have. Fabrics should be in good condition and you will need 9 different items. Please note that sewing through vinyl on shirts is not recommended.

Finished Quilt size is approximately 60"h x60"w .

Cost: $75

Dates: Saturday September 21, October 5, and 12, 2024 from 1:30-3:30pm

REGISTER HERE

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Knitting or Tote Bag

A great beginner sewing project complete with an inside pocket for any age sewer. This portable tote can be used for yarn storage, craft items, picnic tote or use as a gift basket.

The pattern is included with the class price.

Cost: $25 plus materials available at a 15% discount after registration

Date: Saturday October 19, 2024 from 1:30-3:30pm

REGISTER HERE

Kaylee asked: "I'm having trouble with darts. They never seem as smooth as they should be!"

Answer: Hey Kaylee, darts can be tricky! There is a really good article from Bernina entitled How To Sew A Dart that dives deep into how to sew the perfect dart. In short, as before you begin sewing your dart, mark 3/8 back from the end of the dart. After preparing your dart by perfectly matching dart arms and finger pressing (or pressing with a dry iron) you will sew to that marking. Shorten your stitch length and then stitch as close to the fold as possible. Now you never have to worry about that dimple at the end of your dart ever again! You should have a beautifully smooth and shaped dart. Be sure to check out How To Sew A Dart. It is so well written and you don't want to miss all the little details.

Curved Tailors Awl. "It picks out stitches like nobody's business!" - Lea. The tool that is walked by a thousand times without a second glance, yet is really useful! This tool is great for feeding fabric while sewing, and for pulling out stitches, pulling out corners and more! Check out the Curved Tailors Awl here.

The ergonomic handle provides better grip and comfort for controlled results. The curved tip ensures beautiful curves on pockets and collars. The special tip also allows you to easily get under seams and stitches. When using the awl as a stiletto the curved tip also means higher visibility for every application.