We've got to catch up on cutting some solid bundles this weekend, but I was able to build a batch of our newest Kona Colour Society release - the Nocturne bundle. This was one of my personal favourite palettes from the series.Nocturne is a tonal palette that explores the power of subtle colour.With deep indigos, faded denim, and warm neutrals layered together, with a hint of rose.
I'm especially excited to be hosting a very special Handmade Getaway this weekend with Jacqueline Sava (my co-author and owner of Soak) and my dear friends, Katherine, Katrina, Suzanne & Angelune who were the inspiration for our book and the retreats we now host here in Sprucedale.
I'm looking forward to a joyful weekend of Fabric, Friends and Food. (& Snow!)
Karyn
p.s. Check our Preorder section we've got some popular books, patterns and notions arriving shortly. The Halo Go Lights have already been snapped up, (within a couple hours of being posted) make sure you set an alert so you don't miss them in the next preorder.
Weekender Bag Community Sew Along! The Sew Along starts in just over two weeks. There's still plenty of time to grab a copy of the PDF version of the pattern and a hardware kit to join us for this fun, shared making experience.
This bag would also look amazing in one of the new coloured denims we just received, we're hoping a few of you will chose some unique fabrics from your stash to create this beautiful design collaboration from Merchant & Mills and Francli.
The Sew Along is free for members of the workroom studio community, but anyone else can grab a copy of the pattern (and a kit) and register here. You'll get access to our online sew along space, the zoom replays and the opportunity to ask questions and share your progress with your fellow makers.
If you ordered a project kit, they start shipping out today and over the weekend. Local pickup in Parkdale will be available for next Thursday & Saturday, look out for an email from Alexis to confirm next week.
p.s. there are just 2 Small Fern Project Kits left and a handful of the hardware kits as of this morning!
Sewing Machine Essentials Starting March 31st There are certain features or presser feet that most people avoid and buttonholes is one of them. Buttonholes have a reputation for being tricky, but what if you knew the right tricks to make them work for you?! Buttonholes can also be pretty (use variegated thread!) and satisfying to do when you know exactly what to do. I'll show you three different types of buttonhole feet and how each of them works in class.
Sewing Machine Essentials is six weeks, virtual, short focused lessons plus weekly live Zoom calls where you can bring any question, revisit anything that didn't click, or just hear it explained a different way. We'll be covering threading, tension, stitches, presser feet, precision techniques, and simple maintenance. You get lifetime access to everything.
HANDMADE WARDROBE ESSENTIALS You've chose a cute pattern you want to make, but what's next? One of the most common issues sewists run into is not making the right size. In an effort to be 'safe', folks will size up, which usually results in a garment that is much bigger than you hoped for. Learning how to read both size charts on the pattern can significantly change your results and your fit. Two sessions · April 18 & 25 · 9–11am EST Online via Zoom Session 1 - Monday April 18 · Before You Cut Reading a size chart and finished garment measurements · understanding ease · tools that actually help · pattern prep (tracing vs. cutting vs. PDF) · understanding your cutting layout · open conversation and questions
Session 2 - Saturday April 25 · From Cut to Ready to Sew Laying out your fabric carefully · pins vs. pattern weights · scissors vs. rotary cutter · efficient cutting · marking notches and darts · pre-finishing and serging · open conversation and questions
I'll be using the Merchant & Mills Cassidy Jumpsuit as my demo pattern throughout the April Session. If you'd like to follow along, it's available from us in PDF, wide format print, and paper versions.
ESME CARDIGAN The Esme Cardigan is a fun pattern that has the flexibility to be used in both a knit or woven fabric. In this updated workshop, we’ll sew the Esme from start to finish while also exploring new options that open up the pattern: a clever pocket-cutting tip for cleaner, faster prep, guidance for tailoring Esme to stable wovens like cotton jacquard, and elevated finishing choices like adding a lining or using a bias-binding finish for a beautiful interior. These details are not included in the pattern but have been co-created into this workshop by our last Esme cohort.
Merchant & Mills : Coloured Denim Here are some of the cuts of denim that are heading to you this week. We've got a few students in our current Harlene Dungarees workshop using these fun colours to make their overalls. Which colour is your favourite? The Jade Green has already sold out, which colour will be next?
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