Creative Upcycling Six-Week Adventure

About this experience

Creative Upcycling is a new six-week workshop meant to inspire and provide the skills you need to dig deep into your creativity and re-invigorate your wardrobe! 

Rather than a particular project-type workshop, students will be supported through specific skills and individual goals.

Prerequisites: Students should already be reasonably comfortable on a sewing machine. If you want a refresher before starting this class, try Get to Know a Sewing Machine . Please understand the focus of this class is upcycling, and while the teacher will be able to support you on our machines- in particular she will go over settings for specific goals in upcycling various materials, we want to keep to the focus of the class for the benefit of everyone.

Outline: In this course we will explore the realm of upcycling fashion, with sew much focus geared towards the creative process and getting inspired. There is a world of possibilities when it comes to reusing things we already own and this course was created to help you troubleshoot where to start and how gain confidence in exploring the art form of repurposing textile (waste).  

Projects will include adding personal style to pre-existing garments by exploring the art of applique and creating cuffs to add some excitement to a top (or pants), plus a personal project(s) of choice that will be decided upon over the first few weeks. 

In this course you will:

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  Learn about the creative process & gain confidence to rework items you own (but no longer wear/use).

  
  


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  Get inspired with group discussions by brainstorming projects to generate and share ideas.

  
  


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  Learn how to assess your garments for potential and break down how to dismantle them with a plan.

  
  


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  Gain creative inspiration by witnessing an array of samples and examples, upcycled by Paloma Joy.

  
  


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  Use simple techniques to update plain items into statement pieces.

  
  


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  Learn about matching fabrics based on the behaviour of the textile and keeping the design cohesive.

  
  


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  Receive hands-on support and guidance to execute your upcycle design dreams.

  
  


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  Discover how easily techniques translate between projects and how vast the world of upcycling can be.

  
  


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  Get the opportunity to experience open play to establish your personal style in upcycling.

  
  

PLEASE BRING items you wanna work with to the first class!!

The best items to play with are garments you no longer wear but still hold some attachment to.

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  Worn items that are stained, piled or ripped (ie past the point of donating).

  
  


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  Fabrics that bring you joy based on color, print, texture. This can be old graphic tees, linens, embroidered napkins, scraps from your sewing projects, and other embellishments.

  
  


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  Garments that no longer fit that you love elements from (fabric, color, details).

  
  


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  Sentimental items that you are holding on to but do not use (and realistically they are taking up space in the closet).

  
  


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  Think outside the box of what it currently is, and bring it anyways to generate more ideas of what it can become!

  
  

*materials are not included, though we will have various scraps, trims, ribbons, elastics, buttons accessible to you! 

Also note: This truly is a learning journey, with a teacher guiding each of you towards your sewing goals. It's a small group class, and people work at their own pace. Students who prefer to take a little more time, or who miss a class may need to work on homework between classes, or book in for Open Sew time. We have Supported Open Sew on a regular schedule, as well as non-instructional Sewcials and Your Studio time that can be booked if you don't have a sewing machine at home. We do our best to encourage and support you in finishing your project, but make no guarantee of completion if students miss classes or need extra time. We cannot guarantee available make up classes. We are all individuals in learning style!

Because of the nature and small size of our classes, we are happy to switch you to another session or offer a refund with a minimum of two weeks notice.

Within 14 days of your starting class, we are happy to transfer your seat to a friend, but there are no refunds available- FINAL SALE. No shows are not eligible for refunds.

If you are a shift worker (or partnered with one, affecting your ability to plan) or have irregular ability to plan for other reasons, saving your registration for when you are certain about your availability reduces the stress for everyone- and if a class sells out before you get in, reach out to be added to a waitlist or to see if we can squeeze you in. We can often accommodate a last minute extra person, especially if you've been in touch in advance.