I’m not sure how many times I’ve taught our popular Sewing Machine Essentials workshop over the years, but I do know this: every single time, every student has had at least one light bulb moment.
That moment where something truly clicks and makes sense.
Last year I created my Sewing Machine Essentials ebook so you’d always have a clear, thoughtful reference at your fingertips. But I’ve also been wanting to expand our original three-hour workshop into something that goes even deeper.
This new version is a 6-week course, thoughtfully broken into short, focused video lessons and weekly live Zoom sessions. The lessons are bite-sized and specific, so you can easily find exactly what you need later and truly understand each topic before moving on.
Sewing Machine Essentials is for you if…
You’ve been sewing for years, but still feel unsure adjusting tension, stitch length, or choosing presser feet.
You freeze when something goes wrong at the machine.
You rely on the same settings because the rest feel mysterious.
You’ve learned through trial and error and you’re ready to understand what’s actually happening.
You want to feel confident at your machine, not just relieved when things turn out well.
For so many of us, sewing didn’t begin with a full understanding of our machines. The issue with that is we often feel like we're 'winging it'.
Over six weeks, we’ll cover threading, tension, stitches beyond straight and zig zag, presser feet, precision techniques, and simple maintenance that keeps everything running smoothly.
+ If you’ve been sewing for years but still feel unsure sometimes, this is for you. + If you’re brand new and want a strong foundation, this is also for you.
The full course includes lifetime access to the video lessons, instant access to my Sewing Machine Essentials ebook and a dedicated online classroom space to post your questions. If you're already inside our Sewing Machine Essentials Club - congratulations! You'll get access to all of these new lessons as they are released. As a bonus for signing up before Sunday February 22nd midnight, you'll get an automatic $25 discount when you add this workshop to your cart.
Our focus this year is building community and confidence through our virtual workshops, challenges and sew alongs. No matter where you are you can be a part of the workroom community. Take a peek below for this week's new workshop dates and online events!
Can't wait to sew even more with you! Karyn
p.s. Just a quick reminder to our Kona Colour Society members that we'll be meeting on Sunday at 10am for our final lesson and a wrap up celebration. The official Zoom link will be emailed directly to you tomorrow morning.
NOVA COAT + ESME CARDIGAN We've just posted new dates for the Nova Coat & Esme Cardigan virtual workshops. Both of these projects have been extremely fun to work on together. For anyone who is holding on to some Merchant & Mills Jacquard - both of these projects are the perfect opportunity to make something you will love and wear so much with this special fabric. In particular the Esme Cardigan workshop now covers some fun new options that are not even included in the original pattern - like adding a lining or bias bound seams.
Linden Sweatshirt + Structured Sweatshirt! I posted a quick reel this week showing six of my Linden Sweatshirts (& I have more!) Unlocking the Sweatshirt category opens up a fun section of clothing that you will truly reach for all the time. Cozy clothes bring so much comfort both in sewing and in wearing. If you've never sewn knits before, I'll be teaching you all the tricks and tips whether you are just using a sewing machine or if you're finally using your serger for more than just finishing raw edges.
I wanted to offer a new workshop that featured Sweatshirts with Set in Sleeves (as opposed to the Raglan Sleeve of the Linden). So I'm excited to share my new workshop the Structured Sweatshirt that will feature the Named Clothing Sloane Sweatshirt & the Merchant & Mills Sidney Sweatshirt. These two patterns offer very different silhouette and fit options depending on your preference. Can you tell how much I love a good sweatshirt?! I promise, you can never make enough of them.
NEW! Sewing Machine Essentials If you’ve been wanting to really get to know your sewing machine or you’re ready to start from the very beginning, registration is now open for our NEW & EXPANDED Sewing Machine Essentials workshop.
This six-week deep dive covers the foundations of everything you need to feel calm, capable, and confident at your machine. We’ll meet weekly starting Tuesday, March 31, from 7 - 8pm ET, with a blend of clear video lessons and live Zoom office hours. Already part of the Sewing Machine Essentials Club? You’ll automatically get access to the new video lessons plus the weekly live support.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT! Save $25 automatically when you register before Sunday February 22 midnight.
MARCH SCRAP CHALLENGE We'll be meeting up on Monday evening for another bonus Finish It Zoom session. These one hour gatherings have been very productive and inspiring! We're about to jump into the next challenge in our series with the theme of scraps. Over three relaxed Zoom gatherings, we’ll share scrap systems, work on scrap-based projects, and finish with an hour of improv patchwork, giving ourselves time to sort, sew, and exchange ideas in community.
Part of our 2026 Year of Intentional Making, this bi-monthly challenge series is designed to help you slow down, work thoughtfully with what you already have, and reconnect with the joy of making. The series is FREE for members of our online community or you can join a single challenge for just $25.
Printed & Inspired : This Week’s PDF Pattern Picks We’re constantly discovering new indie PDF sewing patterns through your A0 Wide Format print orders. Bags have been especially popular recently as well as patterns for some of our upcoming classes & sew along. Here are a few that caught our eye, maybe they’ll inspire your next make too!
All of these patterns came through our A0 PDF pattern printing service - a wonderful way to explore new designers and level up your handmade wardrobe. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s simple to upload your files and we’ll print, fold, and ship them right to you or choose local pick up at our Parkdale Pick up Point or here in Sprucedale.
Jade Green & Poppy Red Denim
PREORDER! Merchant & Mills Denim, Twill & Weekender Kits Our Merchant & Mills Community Preorder has been confirmed and is heading our way. We've updated all the yardage on the denims, twills and jacquards - they are available once again if you didn't get a chance to reserve the piece you wanted for your next workshop or project. There are now just a handful of Weekender Bag Hardware Kits and Project Kits left if you were thinking about joining in on our upcoming Sew Along. Don't forget! If the paper copy of the Weekender pattern sells out, you can always order the pdf version for instant access with the option to have us print & send you an A0 printout.
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