When the Handmade Wardrobe Year started in January, it was an experiment in commitment - a consistent group of makers showing up together, class after class, for a full year. What that creates, it turns out, is something you can't replicate: a community that builds alongside the skills. Four months in, this cohort has worked through nine garments.

There’s something empowering about sewing from a PDF pattern. Instant access. No waiting. A whole new world of independent designers at your fingertips.

If you’re new to PDF patterns, though, they can feel slightly mysterious at first.

Let’s walk through it together.

A community sew-along for the Merchant & Mills Weekender Bag

 The Merchant & Mills Weekender Bag is thoughtfully designed, beautifully utilitarian, and full of satisfying construction details. It’s the kind of make many of us want to start, but don’t always find the time to finish on our own.

That’s exactly why we’re hosting a Community Sew-Along.

Sashiko has become a popular buzzword in the fashion and craft world, often oversimplified in its mainstream adoption. Japanese Sashiko Artisan Atsushi Futatsuya seeks to restore its true essence in Sashiko: The Untold Story. This book offers a rich history and philosophy of Sashiko, exploring its stitches, traditions and proper application.

When was the last time you cleaned and oiled your sewing machine? Take a peek at this video tutorial for the Bernina 3 series machines to give you some tips and pointers. Your sewing machine will thank you and sound much better for it!

Got questions about the Flower Branch Sew Along? We've got answers.

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. 

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.

Dresses are keeping everyone cool this summer!  We love the variety and styles you have been sending us to print recently.