Here are a few things I didn’t expect when I began teaching workshops online.
I didn’t expect that I’d actually be able to demonstrate more clearly than in person, but I can. With three camera views that I switch between (work table, close-up at the sewing machine or serger, and front-facing), you see every step and detail of the project as it happens.
And I’m not just teaching the pattern.
You’re seeing my personal approach to sewing - how I think through each detail, how I decide which presser foot to use, which technique might work better, and how I troubleshoot when something inevitably goes off course. Because it always does. It’s not uncommon for me to reach for a seam ripper in class.
This is real sewing. And more importantly, real problem-solving. This is where the gold lies in the tips I share during each class. Details you'll never get in a pattern.
If you’ve never taken a virtual workshop in this format before, here’s what makes it special:
You have indefinite access to the Zoom replays. Whether you miss a session, want to revisit something next week, or rewatch it a year from now, everything lives in your online classroom space, along with all the resources and a place to ask questions anytime.
Students join from all over - from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, Spain and France, San Francisco and New York State.
And yes, you can come to class in your pajamas. Stay off camera. Eat dinner while you tune in. Show up from the comfort of your own home, wherever that happens to be.
We've also been co-creating the curriculum inside each workshop - my recent Esme class was full of great ideas that were not included in the pattern like adding a seam binding, or a custom lining and we tackled all these extra details together and the results were really inspiring. You can see my deluxe Esme in Viridian Green Jacquard in this post on Instagram here.
Every workshop is designed to build real, lasting confidence, not just in finishing a project, but in understanding your machine, your fabric, and your own decision-making. If you've been thinking about one of our online workshops, or perhaps our upcoming Weekender Bag Sew Along, I hope you'll join us.
Ready to sew with you, Karyn
p.s. If you ever have any questions about our workshops, our online community or sewing in general, just hit REPLY and let me know! I'm always here to help.
WEEKENDER BAG SEW ALONG The response to our Community Sew Along has been incredible and I can’t wait to see a whole collection of Weekenders come to life.
We’ve opened up a small number of additional patterns, Hardware Kits, and Complete Project Kits in the preorder, if you’ve been hoping to join us and make this beautiful carryall for yourself.
We begin Monday, March 30 and will sew together over four weeks. Each week includes a live Zoom session (with replay available), plus a dedicated online space to share progress, ask questions, and cheer each other on as we go.
This is going to be a truly special experience, the kind of project that’s even more meaningful when made alongside others.
And a lovely reminder: the Sew Along is free for our Online Community Members. Join the community here.
NOTE : All other Merchant & Mills items from the preorder are temporarily unavailable until they are officially confirmed and in transit to us. Set an email alert and you'll know when we release the additional yardage/quantities soon.
My First Camber Tee circa 2014 - I'm still wearing it!
The Woven Tee Workshop I’m constantly amazed when I check the dates on some of my favourite garments. It’s not unusual for me to realize I’ve been wearing something for 10+ years. If that’s not a testament to the value of a handmade wardrobe, I don’t know what is.
My newest workshop is centred around one of the true staples in my closet: the woven tee.
Rather than focusing on a single pattern, we’ll be exploring a category of garment. I wanted to create a workshop that offers real options, based on fit, style, and level of experience, while building skills that transfer beautifully from one pattern to another.
We’ll compare and contrast four of my favourite woven tee patterns, with demonstrations on key construction details like setting in sleeves, neck binding vs. neck facings, sewing a yoke, shaping with darts, and finishing hems cleanly.
My hope is that you’ll walk away not just with a new top, but with the confidence to approach any woven tee pattern and make it truly your own. We begin this Tuesday with a dedicated session on sizing, taking a close look at the four patterns, reviewing their details, silhouettes, and options so you can confidently start cutting your fabric.
There’s still plenty of time to join us. You can register today, purchase your PDF pattern, and have it printed and mailed to you this weekend so you’re ready to begin.
p.s. I posted a fun video tour of some of my favourite woven tees earlier this week here.
Do you know what this dial does? It's time to finally understand tension!
Save the Date! 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, we’ve officially set the dates for our next 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.
We meant to launch the workshop this week, but didn't quite pull it all together. The good news is you can still join now at the early rate before the price increases for the full launch.
BERNINA FEBRUARY SPECIALS If you've been thinking about upgrading your sewing machine this year, just respond to this email and let us know the top two features you're looking for in your next sewing machine or serger. We will email you a few suggestions, along with the current sale pricing.
WELCOME THREAD THEORY PATTERNS! We’re excited to welcome Thread Theory Designs PDF patterns to the workroom as part of our growing online offerings.
Founded in 2012 on Vancouver Island, B.C., Thread Theory is known for practical, thoughtfully designed menswear and androgynous workwear patterns - garments built for function, challenge, and longevity.
Fifteen of their most popular styles are now available for instant download in our online shop. Prefer to skip the taping? We’re happy to print the wide-format version for you so you can get sewing sooner.
NEW! POPSICLE & SWEETHEARTS BUNDLES We've added two new Kona Solid bundles to our curated collection this week - Popsicle and Sweethearts. These cheerful stacks of colour are sure to give any project a boost of fun energy.
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