Sewing 101: Easy Eco-Totes
Sunday March 2nd, 11am to 2pm
Instructor: Nathalie-Roze Fischer, accessories designer & DIY enthusiast

This workshop aimed at total beginners will cover the very basics of machine sewing - threading, key stitches, creating simple patterns and appliques, plus some free-hand embroidery to create a one-of-a-kind tote bag.

No more than 4 per session, so register early!

$55 + GST, including use of machines, fabric and felt for appliques & hands-on exercises, hand-outs as well as tea & treats served during the break.

NOTE: Participants must bring a half metre of sturdy non-stretch fabric (eg. denim, thick cotton, cord, etc.), plus half a metre of wide/thick ribbon, webbing OR a men's tie for the bag handles and a spool of quality thread.  Alternatively, a course kit can be purchased with registration ($10).

---

Beginner (Boiled Wool) Felting
Saturday March 8th, 10am to 1pm
Instructor: Textile designer Julie Sinden of "Jules & Annie" www.julesandannie.com

Participants will be introduced to this fun and easy temperature-shocking technique, using store-bought 100% wool sweater fragments.  Once shrunken, these bits will be handstitched into quirky brooches, pouches or appliques.  Yarn corking will also be explored as a creative option.

$55 + GST, including project materials, hand-outs as well as tea & treats served during the break. 

Note: participants with specific colour preferences should bring their own 100% wool sweaters to use.

---

Groovy Gauntlets (Fingerless Gloves/Arm-Warmers)
Sunday March 9th, 11am to 2pm
Instructor: Nathalie-Roze Fischer, accessories designer & DIY enthusiast

Using felted (shrunken) sweaters, recycled fleece and or cotton jersey, participants will learn how to make their own funky gauntlets/arm-warmers as well as how to customize a pair with add-ons like handcrafted appliques, buttons, beads and trim.  Everyone will leave with, at least, one completed set.

Note: basics will be provided, but participants should bring in their own embellishments (trim, buttons, beads, etc.) and or sweaters/sweatershirts/fleece to use (if they have colour preferences).

$55 + GST, including use of machine, hand-outs, basic materials as well as tea & treats served during the break.

---

Creative Card-Making
Saturday March 15th, 10am to 1pm
Instructor: Kim Kutner, the illustrator behind the popular Kim's Suitcase line of paper goods and accessories (www.kimkutner.com)

This fun crafty session covers various methods for creating unique greeting cards, including hand and machine sewing as well as personalized collages of fabric, photos, ink stamps and paper ephemera. Various materials will be supplied to get the creative juices flowing, but ideally participants will also bring their own mix of favorite materials (photos, magazine clippings, maps, buttons, etc.). Everyone will leave with 2 to 6 one-of-a-kind cards and the inspiration to make more at home using everyday materials.

$49 + GST, including basic materials as well as tea & treats served during the break.

---

LP Journals
Sunday March 16th, 11am to 2pm
Instructor:  Natalie Leblanc of PaperMuse

In this beginner-friendly paper crafts workshop, participants will learn how to recycle vintage LP album covers to create a quirky (refillable) journal with a library-style inside pocket.  Bring in two album covers from your collection, pick some up at a thrift shop or buy them from Natalie's collection ($3 each).  This hip eco-project makes a great gift or customized personal notebook.

$55 + GST, including tools & most materials, hand-outs as well as tea & treats served during the break.

---

DIY Sock Monkey Dolls
Saturday March 22nd, 10am to 1pm
Instructor:  Designer/illustrator Kim Kutner of "Kim's Suitcase" www.kimkutner.com

The focus of this hand-sewing workshop is the classic yet quirky sock monkey. Participants will learn the basic technique required to create a monkey doll, using   traditional grey work socks with red stripes at the top (or the socks of your choice) as well as decorative handmade add-ons to give it your own creative stamp.  Bring along your own socks (new men's socks work best) or purchase a pair for $10 from Kim.  Everything else will be provided.

Note: basic hand-sewing skills required for this project.

$55 + GST, including instruction hand-outs, stuffing, buttons, felt, needles & thread, etc. - plus tea & treats served during the break.

---

Beginner WET Felting
Saturday March 29th, 10am to 1pm 
Instructor: Textile designer Julie Sinden of "Jules & Annie" www.julesandannie.com

Participants will be introduced to the process of wet felting, while creating a gauzy layered skinny-scarf. Learn how to make a long, felted panel, blend colours, as well as how to fuse secondary fibres (eg. yarn and silk) as design and embellishment. Fans of One of a Kind Show starlet Frances Felt www.francesfelt.com (of Vancouver), known for similar projects will be especially keen on this crafty/fashion session.

$55 + GST, including all materials, resource sheets and gourmet tea & treats served during the break. 

---

Organic Soap-Making
Sunday March 30th, 11am to 2pm
Instructor: Amanda Montgomery, owner of the "simply. by amanda" soap company www.simplybyamanda.com

In this hands-on session, learn how to make a batch of organic soap, using the cold press method. Learn all about making your own natural, moisturizing soap - then, choose your own scents (essential oils) and exfoliants to make a fresh batch customized to your personal preferences. All ingredients are 100% natural and fair-trade. Participants will leave with several bars to enjoy at home or to give as gifts.

Note: participants should dress casually.

$55 + GST, including gourmet tea & baked goodies served during the break.

---