Fashion Studio Magazine: STYLISH PLACES

Saturday, November 23, 2013

STYLISH PLACES - TORONTO

By Eva Fydrych

The Make Den Sewing Studio

Bloordale Studio (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

TORONTO - In case you haven't heard it yet, making your own clothing has become very fashionable! Last Saturday, Fashion Studio Magazine visited The Make Den sewing studio located in Toronto's up-and-coming district, Bloordale. We wanted to find out more about this trendy place that keeps attracting more and more people...

Founded in 2010 by Irene Stickney, The Make Den offers sewing and design classes, workshops, and camps for all levels, including classes for specific types of garments, quilting, natural dying, and screen printing.

With the small class sizes (maximum 6 students) and friendly, relaxed atmosphere, the courses are perfect for everyone interested in sewing, even for absolute beginners. The studio, located at Bloor Street West and within walking distance to Lansdowne Station, is well-equipped and features a pretty vintage-inspired decor.

Chapter from Sewing FUNdamentals handbook (Photo courtesy of The Make Den)

The Sewing FUNdamentals course includes learning about basic stitches and seams, working with woven fabrics, threading a sewing machine, and completing three easy projects. If your sewing skills are more advanced, The Make Den offers workshops and camps for special projects and techniques like hat making, accessories design, mending & alterations, custom sewing, as well as styling, private lessons and parties.

Bloordale Studio is made up of two large sewing spaces furnished with Janome 625E machines for straight stitching as well as 4 Janome XG-43D Serger and a 1000 CPX Cover Seamer.

Zig Zag stitch (Photo courtesy of Uniko Fashion)

The North sewing studio looks out over the garden and is modelled after a retro 1950′s kitchen, complete with seafoam walls and vintage chairs. The South sewing studio has two drafting tables, two full body dress forms, and plenty of light and space for sewing and crafting. There is an impressive collection of vintage patterns and pattern books available for everyone to use. Screen Printing Studio is located in the basement.

Current and former students can book the Open Studio Time from 6 – 9 pm on Friday evenings in addition to their regular class time. Open studio time is independent, unsupervised project time, and an opportunity to use the machines, cutting table and supplies. Happy sewing!

Source: The Make Den

Bloordale Studio