Sew Be It

Spring is a great time to get out of the house and try something new. Why not learn to sew? Sewing can be about much more than attaching name labels to clothing; it’s a practical skill that also allows you to be creative. From scarves and pillowcases to fitted dresses and family quilts, the possibilities are endless.

Fabrications is a shop in the heart of Hintonburg that offers classes in sewing, quilting, cross-stitch and more. Classes range from absolute beginner, with projects like an infinity scarf, to advanced-level courses on dressmaking.

Take an evening class, away from the demands of dinner/bath/bedtime, or gather a group of friends for a daytime outing. Fabrications encourages moms to bring their babies and offers a comfortable place to feed them, as well as a playpen for naps.

Fabrications also hosts birthday parties where an instructor leads the group through a project and kids go home with a something they made themselves. And if you’re a sewing enthusiast with a set-up at home, you’ll also want to check out the shop for its wide range of patterns, notions, accessories and colourful fabrics for spring.

Got a crafty kid? They can take classes too. Kids ages eight and up will learn the basics, like how to thread a sewing machine, cut fabric and sew straight lines—all while making a pillowcase or a lined tote bag sure to be cherished for years to come. For younger kids, an embroidery project might be just the thing.

Looking for more ways to nuture your kid’s creative side? We’ve got 11 Art and Craft Spots in Ottawa to do just that.