Karyn Valino
Karyn Valino is the founder and creative force behind The Workroom, with over 30 years of experience in sewing, garment making, and quilting. A lifelong maker, Karyn is passionate about sharing the joy of crafting through thoughtful curation and hands-on instruction. Known for her eye for detail and a love of beautifully crafted fabrics and patterns, she is dedicated to helping others discover their own creative potential. Whether teaching workshops or sharing her favourite tools and textiles, Karyn inspires a growing community of makers to elevate their skills and enjoy the art of making.
Discover Handmade Getaway
Handmade Getaway is your guide to bringing together the perfect mix of fabric, friends, and food for an unforgettable creative escape. Whether you’re hosting a few friends at home for an afternoon of sewing or planning a multi-day retreat, this beautifully designed, project-based book will help you craft the ultimate sewing adventure.
Co-authored by Karyn Valino and Jacqueline Sava Clarke, Handmade Getaway is packed with:
- 12 individual projects perfect for sewing retreats.
- 5 group projects designed for making memories together.
- 4 mini projects to fit in between moments of creativity.
- Plus, group activities, planning charts, and pro tips to ensure your getaway is a success.
Shop News
Printed & Inspired : New Capstone Pattern Co and Syd Graham PDF Patterns
We love to watch you discover all of the PDF sewing patterns we carry at the workrorom as your orders come through for wide format printing! We started with Merchant & Mills, Closet Core Patterns and Thread Theory Designs and are working on adding more of their patterns. We are excited to expand our range of PDF patterns to include a shop favourite Capstone Pattern Co and the popular Syd Graham Patterns. We have all of the patterns currently offered by both designers available in the New & Note Worthy section - check them out!
Discovering new indie pattern designers along with you through our A0 PDF Printing Services is always a joy. Below are a few of the A0 PDF patterns we printed since the beginning of July, maybe they’ll inspire your next make too!
Genow Patterns - Lorraine Dress
Merchant & Mills - Billy Vest
Lizzy House - Cookie Party Quilt Pattern
The New Craft House - Everyday Shirt
Closet Core Patterns - Elodie Wrap Dress
Closet Core Patterns - Cielo Top + Dress
The Assembly Line - Pull On Trousers
The Assembly Line - Wrap Top
SeamWork - Natalie
Merchant & Mills - Sommer Dress
Closet Core - Charlie Caftan
Sew Liberated - Madrone Pants
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.
Simply Sashiko
We've added a couple new Sashiko books to our shelves recently. Simply Sashiko gives you simple but thorough lessons on the ins and outs (literally) of 36 different sashiko patterns, plus designs for stylish home and personal accessories so you can try them out. I added a little video flip through the book to the online shop. This book is surprisingly detailed in all the right ways so you can apply these designs to the projects you want to make.
Printed & Inspired : Summer Dresses
Dresses are keeping everyone cool this summer! We love the variety and styles you have been sending us to print recently.