Chambray Grey + all the colours for the Flower Branch Embroidery Quilt
Hello Reader
It's a big week at the workroom! New workshops are live, the Handmade Wardrobe Year is opening for a new cohort, the Flower Branch Sew-Along kit Community preorder closes Monday, and I'll be spending the weekend at the my sewing machine sewing & refining my NOTES for the Sew Along.
Since January, our current Handmade Wardrobe Year cohort has been working through eleven workshops together — Handmade Wardrobe Essentials, Esme Cardigan, Lander Pants, Cuff Top, Woven Tee, Charlie Caftan, Florence Top, Linden Sweatshirt, Structured Sweatshirt, Harlene Overalls, and this week we started the Nova Coat. We're building a handmade wardrobe and all the skills to go with it, one pattern at a time.
The program gives full access to every virtual garment workshop I run - the flexibility to make what you want live in class, with replays and resources for everything else. A library of options, at your own pace. Honestly, the momentum this group has given me has allowed us to do more than I anticipated.
The feedback has been amazing -
Rebecca Z:"I joined the Handmade Wardrobe Year this year and I think it's the best thing I've ever done. I'd taken classes before in person and a couple virtually, but I find that I'm learning so much more."
Cathy M:"I'm also a part of the Handmade Wardrobe Year and it's just been fantastic. I love having all of the videos that I can refer to."
Jeneane W: "It's just like my sewing space is alive. ... I already told Alexis: if we're doing this next year, I'm in."
A number of people told us they wished they'd joined in January - so we're opening ten spots for a June 2026 through May 2027 cohort, with bonus access to any new May workshops for anyone who joins now.
The new workshops posted this week were a direct result of your conversations in class and your comments on Instagram. Thank you for helping shape what we make together.
Have a good weekend. I can't wait to show you my first unit from the Flower Branch Embroidery Quilt.
Karyn
p.s. Questions about the Handmade Wardrobe Year or any of the upcoming workshops? Just reply to this email - I'm happy to help you figure out which ones are right for you.
I'll be spending this weekend sewing my test unit and sharing as I go. I'm making the Putty Background version and I'll be using the Stripology Ruler. I've been wanting to try it out and this is the perfect project to push efficiencies even further. I'll be keeping track of my time on the first unit.
That said, the fancy ruler is not essential. A standard quilting ruler (6" x 24" or similar) works perfectly with your rotary cutter. Our strip-piecing method is the key.
Community preorders to save 10% for the Quilt Kits close Monday at midnight. We've added the option to choose from Putty or Grey Chambray as your background colour based on your requests. We think the workroom Notes - our efficiency guide that reorganizes the entire construction process are included with every registration.
Kits ship the week of May 15, giving you plenty of time to prep before our first session on June 8.Save $30 when you add any kit + the Community Sew-Along to your cart.
Double Time Solids Bundle + Templates The Double Time Quilt bundles are back. This colourway of 20 was inspired by the colours in the original Double Time Quilts. We've also got the templates in stock and you can grab the pattern as a PDF or in a copy of our book - Handmade Getaway.
May Mending Challenge Do you have a mending pile that needs some attention? Join us for our May Mending Challenge. We'll be meeting up for three relaxed Monday evening Zoom sessions starting May 4 - machine mending denim, hand mending with patches and decorative darning, and seams and hems. This bi-monthly series is part of our 2026 Year of Intentional Making.
CONGRATULATIONS HARLENE MAKERS! I just had to call out my amazing Harlene Dungarees students who truly knocked it out of the ballpark. This six week workshop just wrapped up and everyone did an incredible job with this detailed project. There were more finished pairs that I don't have photos to share but I hope this inspires you to sign up for one of our upcoming classes. I'm so proud of what we've been able to sew together virtually. I can't wait for this next round of workshops.
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