Sep

The idea for the workroom hatched out of my desire to make a change in my work life and my frustration with the lack of availability of cool fabrics and craft supplies in Toronto. Having my own business is definitely something I’ve always wanted for myself. The problem was figuring out just what that business would be. A couple years ago, I was working in an office. I had taught sewing classes on the side when I lived in New York City and I realized that I missed it.  I quickly realized that there was also no place to take sewing classes downtown and it was almost impossible to buy printed fabrics, quilting supplies, sewing patterns and other crafty supplies in Toronto. It seemed to make perfect sense to create a space that would offer classes, events, supplies and an open studio in Parkdale. I can’t imagine doing anything else now.

2. What are your favourite crafts personally?

 

 

 I’m currently very obsessed with sewing clothing from Japanese Pattern books. It’s a bit of a challenge not being able to read all the instructions, but the diagrams are detailed and I’m learning a bit of Japanese along the way. Quilting is also a new hobby for me and it’s very addictive. I currently have four quilts in various states of progress right now – a huge Queen-sized quilt for my bed, a Double Wedding Ring quilt, a Sampler Quilt , and a Log Cabin Quilt . If you love colour, print and fabric, this is the perfect outlet. It’s very magical to see all your bits of fabric come together to create a larger masterpiece. The last thing that I’ve just learned is Natural Dyeing. To me learning to dye my own fabric just ties all these crafts together. I made a dress from a Japanese Pattern book that I dyed with indigo using Shibori that I’m so proud of.

 

 

3. Where did you learn to sew? Is it just something you’ve always done?

 

 

I grew up in a house with a sewing machine. My mom and grandmother did a lot of sewing when I was younger. I always felt very comfortable on a sewing machine, but never had any formal lessons until I took a job in New York after University. I started taking classes at a local place and fell in love with making my own clothes and accessories. I have always been very creative and crafty. I absolutely love taking classes and have done everything from bookbinding, gocco printing, stained class, neon sign making, wood working, bead making and paper collage. Sewing was something I could do creatively that was so practical because I could actually wear the things I made. 

4. Do you sell your own crafts outside of The Workroom? If yes, where? Do you have any favourite one-of-a-kind stores in Toronto?

 

 

Most of the crafts I make, I make for myself or my family and friends for gifts. Although, I do make laser cut cross stitch pendants that we sell at the workroom and perhaps one day when I have more time I’d love to develop some other crafts to sell. Right now, I’m very focused on developing new classes to teach people to make things for themselves. We have so many incredible classes on our roster now, everything from Baby Ring Sling, DIY Maternity Wear, Pattern Drafting, Animal Softies, Natural Dyeing, Pickling, Quilting, and Leather Clutches from recycled leather.

To support local crafters,  we hold Trunk Shows at the workroom on a regular basis that bring together groups of talented local craft artists for a one day show.

This is where I do most of my crafty one of a kind shopping. My other local favourites would be my next door neighbour, Shop Girls who feature Canadian designers and Kid Icarus in Kensington. Also, City of Craft is a big indie craft show that is happening in December for two days where I plan to do most of my holiday shopping.