Nine key sewing tips I taught while my laptop died during class
Published about 22 hours ago • 5 min read
the most colourful & cheerful bunting window in Sprudedale
Hello Reader
Quite a few things did not go to plan this week and even more things went wrong yesterday, including so many technical challenges with my Virtual Nova Coat class - who were so sweet and patient while I popped in and out of Zoom.
My laptop died mid sentence. Everything was lagging. My camera wouldn't connect. I restarted my computer mid-session and taught from my phone while it rebooted.
Here's what I was still able to teach anyway.
The seam allowance trick that makes bizarre shapes suddenly make sense
Opposing curves: the tension trick that coaxes them together
When to wing a pivot point (and do it accurately) and when to mark it
The one pinning rule that prevents extra fabric appearing out of nowhere at the end of a seam
The pattern said "trim in half" and why I did something different
The inside-out workaround for sewing a tiny tube
Understitching: what it actually does and why you can't skip it
Facings vs. bindings: which finish is older, which is better, and how to make your own in about two minutes
You are the cook in your own kitchen - having the confidence to choose your own version of instruction to get the result you want.
Sewing teaches you to work with what you have, adapt when things go sideways, and keep going. Turns out, so does teaching it online! No matter what's happening, I'm dropping valuable insights and lessons that don't appear on the pattern instruction page into every session.
Every session is recorded - yes, including this one - and posted into the Class Resources Library with detailed notes. The resources are always there when you're ready for them.
TRULY TGIF, Karyn
p.s. Questions about the Handmade Wardrobe Year or any of the upcoming virtual workshops? Just reply to this email - I'm happy to help you figure out which ones are right for you.
p.p.s the workroom Sprucedale is closing an hour early tomorrow Saturday May 2 at 2pm. Visit us 11am-2pm!
I posted a quick video of the Stripology Ruler which we've got up for preorder again for the upcoming Flower Branch Embroidery Quilt Sew Along. This ruler is clever and truly makes repetitive cutting tasks faster and more accurate. Finishing my test unit was something that also didn't go according to plan this week. I mixed up two fabrics, got off track and then had to attend to other pressing matters for the week. I'm back at it this weekend and I'll report on my progress. I can tell you that I did love using the Stripology Ruler for the quick cutting I had to do for this first unit.
UPDATE : We are currently sold out of the Chambray Kits. It's possible we may have just a few more available, so set an email alert if you missed out on the preorder. Anyone can still register to join the Sew Along. I've just posted a list of matching Kona Solids inside the online Sew Along Space for those who are using their Kona Colour Society Bundles as a starting point.
My Jacquard Esme Cardigan + Linden Sweatshirt + Ginger Jeans
Happy Me Made May! It's that time of the year when the sewing community wears and shares our handmade wardrobe on Instagram. This month is a great opportunity to get inspired and to discover new makers and patterns you'd like to try.
I'd love to encourage you to participate, in whatever way you like - that may be as simple as simply working on or finishing a garment project. As an incentive you can save 15% off A0 pattern printing and PDF patterns this week! Discount will apply automatically when added to cart.
I'm really proud of what we've been able to accomplish together in our virtual workshops in just under a year. Every single session is recorded and posted into the Class Resources Library for you to access at anytime - along with detailed notes on what we covered and key details, techniques and insights we learned. Our students keep telling us how valuable it has been to have these resources to walk them through every step of the project, during and even after the class has wrapped up.
We've got seven new garment workshops coming up over the Spring/Summer and we've opened up limited registration for our all access pass Handmade Wardrobe Year 2026-2027 for anyone who wants to commit to their sewing practice in an immersive way. Read our blog post on the program here.
Nevis Skirt - Saturdays, May 9, 23 & June 7
Scout Shirt & Dress - Thursdays, June 18 - July 23
Cassidy Jumpsuit - Tuesdays, June 2 - 23
Shepherd Skirt - Thursdays, May 21 - June 11
Honey Dress - Saturdays, July 11, 18 & 25
Sanda Jacket - Tuesdays, July 7 - 28
Quinn Pants - Tuesdays, August 4 - 25
the workroom studio members save $25 on every class.
Bunting Kits We just installed a colourful new window display at the workroom Sprucedale made with our Kona Bunting Kits. This is a fun and easy way to add a cheerful hit of colour to any room or event. Choose from one of our premade colour palettes or pick a custom palette based on one of our existing bundles or send us your theme!
May Mending Challenge : Machine Mending Join us for our May Mending Challenge. We'll be meeting up for three relaxed Monday evening Zoom sessions starting Monday May 4! This week, I'll demonstrate a machine mending technique that I've been using for years to fix my jeans with a more 'invisible' repair. Ask me how I know! Twenty years ago, I shipped a pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans to a Denim Doctor in California and paid for them to be repaired. I studied that repair and have done it myself ever since.
This mending challenge is a chance for you to set aside just an hour a week to focus on fixing and repairing any special items you've got that need some love. Members are encouraged to share their mending tips, process and questions inside the community space for this challenge so we can all learn from each other. This bi-monthly series is part of our 2026 Year of Intentional Making.
ps. if you're already logged in to the Mighty Network from a previous workshop or challenge you've taken, just log out and follow the link above to join or sign up here instead.
Helen's Weekender with Contrast Base
Mary Beth's Weekender on the train
Jazz's Weekender
CONGRATULATIONS WEEKENDER MAKERS! Our first official Community Sew Along for the Merchant & Mills Weekender Bag wrapped up on Monday with several bags completely finished and already packed and out on trips. Thank you to everyone who joined us in our weekly Zoom sessions and shared your process and fun customization ideas. It has been so fun to see all these bags come together. We're taking suggestions for our Fall Community Sew Along project. What would you like to make next?!
Pro Tip! Want to get first dibs on the news that matters most to you? Use the 'Update your preferences' link below to tell us what you're interested in. Don't miss out on the updates you care about - let us know today!"
