The News Bastards

Author: Iwona T.

Calming. Liberating. Frustrating. Creative. When I think of my recent infatuation with sewing, I think of these qualities. Setting up my machine, finding the right pattern, and choosing my favourite fabric all instill a sense of calm in me. I find it liberating to know that I have the freedom to make something exactly the way I want. I get frustrated when I'm not able to picture how the pattern pieces fit together due to a pitiful spatial manipulation ability. I feel creative when I see a finished product that I made from scratch.

Sewing is a great hobby whether you're looking to consume less, do something creative, or rely less on sweatshops. You can make your own clothes, quilts, home accessories such as cushion covers or placemats, and whatever else your imagination inspires you to do.

If you've thought about sewing but aren't sure if you'll like it, take a class (see below for a list). A class will give you an idea of whether sewing is for you, and there are places in Ottawa where you can take a class even if you don't have your own sewing machine.

Sewing classes in Ottawa:

If you don't have a sewing machine, make sure you ask whether you need one before you pay for a class!

Yarn Forward http://www.yarnforward.com/stores/lessonssewing.html
This is where I took my first sewing class. The instructor (Jutta Hof) explained everything from how thread is made to how to choose a pattern, and, of course, how to start sewing! The sewing machines are also provided.

Wabi Sabi http://wabi-sabi.ca/sewing.html

Sew for It http://www.sewforit.ca/ (click on education)

Fabricland http://www.fabricland.ca/classes.html

You need your own sewing machine for these.

Happy sewing!