As part of my New Year’s resolution to be craftier, I signed up for sewing lessons. With a simple dream to make my own pillows in tow, I was on the search for the perfect course here in Toronto.
The wonders of social media directed me to The Make Den. With two locations, Bloordale & Leslieville, and a whole lot of course offerings; I knew this was the place for me!
I was lucky enough to speak with the Owner of The Make Den – Irene Stickney.
Unlike my simple dream of making my own pillows, Irene’s dreams have taken her from working in production at Jones New York to an alterationist at 69 Vintage to currently running the highly successful The Make Den.
I love how Irene has followed her passions. Knowing University was not for her, she immediately started sewing. Loving the ability to make her own clothes while learning about all the specials tools and terms, to her sewing was like joining a secret club.
That is exactly how I felt on my first day Sewing FUNdamentals class.
Like I had wandered into a marvelous world of possibilities.
And look what I have made so far – this handy headband.
And my dream has already come true with this pillow (with more on their way!).
The Make Den offers classes in all levels of sewing prowess, they also offer quilting, screen printing, tailoring, their new ‘Leather Fundamentals’ and their just announced ‘Handmade Moccasin’ class.
Some Make Den students have become success stories of their own – from starting their own fashion lines to becoming a professional stylist. And now is your chance to test out your craftiness.
The Make Den wants you to explore your creative side.
They are offering one I’m Mr Fabulous reader a $50 gift card towards any class of choice offered at one of their two studios.
$50 to kick-start your crafting adventures (while welcoming you to the secret club).
You’ll have two ways to enter:
1. Tweet the Following;
Hey @immrfabulous, I want to let my talents shine http://wp.me/p1mskh-3bE with the help of @TheMakeDen!
and/or
2. Comment below and tell me:
Which course would you sign up for?
Me? I would love to check out the Leather Fundamentals class – leather pillows anyone;)?
Entries will close January 28th and winner will be randomly selected.
Good luck my crafty compatriots!
M Fab ric and thread
Tailoring and quilting classes sound so useful!!! Would definitely take those to revamp old outfits or make quilted baby blankets as gifts since many of my friends are now expecting.
I definitely want to sign up for Intro to Quiltimg. I have tons of quilting fabric at home and I just don’t know how to get started.
Quilting and leather definitely, i love the idea of making quilts that’ll be passed down over the years and are beloved heirlooms.
I would love to take the Sewing FUNdamentals beginner class so I can brush up on the skills I haven’t used in over 10 years.
Intro to Quilting would be my pick. I also took the Sewing FUNdamentals course here and absolutely loved it.
Handmade moccasins all the way!
I’d definitely take the leather class! I’ve been looking for a beginner course for months!
I’ve taken the Sewing FUNdamentals class and it was a great experience. I would like to do the Intro to Sewing Garments next.
I’d love to do the intro quilting to class!
I’d take Sewing FUNdamentals II so I can build on the skills I learned in Sewing FUNdamentals. With what I learned in class, I made cute make-up bags for all the ladies in my family for Christmas – 10 in total!
I would love to take the quilting class; I’ve been collecting graphic t-shirts for years to make a quilt and taking a class would help me actually learn how to start and make it once and for all!
Hoping to take the Sewing FUNdamentals class then move up to the Leather Fundamentals to start making my own bags!
I love the Make Den! I took the pencil skirt class with Irene and she is the best. I didn’t know she was offering a leather class now… Although very tempting, I would probably take serger basics first. It’s a toss up!
I want to take leather fundamentals. Or any of the fundamentals.
I remember falling asleep to the sound of my mother’s sewing machine as a child.
I LOVE The Make Den! I’ve taken a few courses there (sewing fundamentals 1&2 and garment making 1) Irene is amazing, and I’ve been looking for another course to take. The hand-made moccasins is for sure my next class!
I have a dream to make a quilt so I want to take the Intro to Sewing class. AND buy all the beautiful fabric they have at The Make Den!
I would love to sign up for intro to sewing garments class and make a skirt!
I have already taken sewing fundamentals and basic mending & alterations. They were both so much fun!