News
Andrea Tsang Jackson
Learn to make lovely faceted patchwork gems using Machine Paper Piecing in Andrea Tsang Jackson's Gemology : Round Gemstone Block workshop in March. Andea will walk you through how to think about colour and achieve transparency effects with fabric, too. We're excited to welcome Andrea to the workroom for the first time to share this fun block from her new book, Gemology.
Sashiko
There is no doubt we saw a huge surge of interest in everything Sashiko last year. The meditative slow stitching and geometric designs make this Japanese embroidery technique a wonderful entry into bold handwork. If you're just trying it for the first time we've almost always got a Sashiko class starting this Wednesday January 15th. If you've already dabbled with Sashiko, you may want to try Carolanne's newer workshop Sashiko Pillowcase. We have a huge range of sashiko thread, needles and samplers in stock as well.
Upholstered Bench workshop
Our first round of the Upholstered Bench class was a huge success and we're so proud of the incredible benches Erin's students made in just a couple days. Complete with custom piping and fabric-covered buttons, each student aced each professional upholstery technique from assembly, to button tufting to a final dust cover finish.
Sashiko Pillowcase
Carolanne's handwork enthusiasts will be excited for her new Sashiko Pillowcase workshop. In this class you will explore Hitomezashi (one stitch) Sashiko, where straight lines of stitching meet or cross to make the design. We will use a simple grid to create the traditional Urokozaski or fish scale stitch on a small piece of fabric. In the second class you will learn the burrito method, to incorporate your stitched hem into a custom pillowcase.
Woven Rag Rug
New Class! This beautiful Woven Rag Rug is the answer to your scrap fabric prayers. You'll learn to prepare your scraps into ‘yarn’ that you'll weave on a specially designed frame loom over four weeks. We expect this session to fill up very quickly but you'll see it again later this fall if you miss it this time around. This is the newest addition to our Eco-Friendly roster of classes. We are continuing to look for ways to reduce, reuse and repair what we already have.
Pietra Pants
New Class! Pietra Pants is a great beginner level pants workshop. Since there is no closure, just an elastic backed waistband, you’ll get the experience of making one of four versions of this Closet Core pattern without needing to sew a zipper or fly front. There’s nothing to fear but flattering pants in this new workshop.
Drawstring Bags
New Class! Johanna's new Drawstring Bags workshop is something we all need - an alternative to single use plastic bags. You’ll learn two clever methods for making them, including a quick two-for-one version and another version that has a double drawstring for extra security. No pattern needed, you can make these in any size! Think shoe bags, wine bottles, toys, knitting, crafts and gift wrap.
Sherri Lynn Wood
We had to share the wonderful work from last week's Sherri Lynn Wood workshops! We've posted all the images we captured on Flicker in the following albums - Improv Round Robin, Colour String Theory, Improv Mash Up and Get Your Bias Strip Curve On. We learned so much from Sherri and from each other in these fun classes and it shows in the results each person created.
Upholstered Bench
New Class! We are so excited about Erin’s new Upholstered Bench workshop! This class is a step up if you’ve taken a previous upholstery class like Box Cushion or Upholstered Cube. Erin will guide you through the steps of making your own stunning Upholstered Bench with custom fabric covered buttons and piping. Total class cost includes a kit for the bench frame, legs, and foam. Just add your favourite fabric to create this beautiful piece of furniture.
Hand Pieced Hunter’s Star Quilt
New Class! Who's ready for Carolanne's newest hand stitched creation?! We are blown away by her new Hand Pieced Hunter’s Star Quilt. The design is wonderfully bold, so we can already imagine all the wonderful interpretations you’re going to make of this quilt! It is currently hanging in the back studio and we highly recommend that you pop back there to see the subtle colour variation in person.
Indigo Printing
Indigo Printing combines block printing and stencil work with one of our favourite natural dyes, Indigo. The range of results we’ve seen from this new workshop is truly inspiring. Check out some of the images from our last couple sessions here!
Not only can you take this workshop with Julie Sinden, but you can also grab a kit by The Love of Colour to DIY at home.
One Million Stars to End Violence
Join visiting Samoan-Australian artist & weaver and founder of the One Million Stars to End Violence project, Maryann Talia Pau, for a Star Weave Jam at the The Workroom Studio. Maryann is travelling around the world to promote her project and run free star weaving workshops with local communities.