Toronto Sewing School

Modern Bars Quilt with

The Modern Bars quilt has been designed with the new quilter in mind. Inspired by an Amish quilt classic, this version encourages playing with pattern and colour. Choose a minimalist two-colour scheme, or combine up to seven different fabrics.

These simple rectangles are quick to cut and stitch together, leaving time to assemble the top, batting (the cozy, inside layer), and backing into a proper quilt. This project is constructed using a sewing machine.

Here's our top list of Spend vs Splurge when considering building your beginner sewing kit.

You don't need to spend a ton of money, but we do suggest splurging on a few specific key things that will save you money in the long run! Here's why:

SAVE:
Fabric - thrift, reuse, buy smart. No need to break the bank when you're learning and sewing for fun. It's better for the environment to upcycle existing textiles. We're not saying never buy new fabric! You should definitely invest in some nice fabric for a special piece of you want to! But if you're looking to save money, you can usually find great 100% cotton sheets thrifted for pennies on the dollar vs buying new

Hand Sewing Needles - these are low risk and should work generally as well. Bonus tip: if you have a little tomato pin cushion you can usually sharpen the tips by stabbing the little strawberry if it's filled with emory

Sewing Machine - did this one surprise you? You can definitely make amazing things with a simple inexpensive machine IF YOU USE IT PROPERLY. Of course you won't get far sewing leather jackets on a $79 Loblaws machine (please prove us wrong if you've had these results!) but if you're willing and able to support a small business, a reputable sewing center will usually offer a free lesson with your purchase. While big box stores offer no support whatsoever, do track down the machine manual and some YouTube videos and take the time to learn how to properly use your machine!

SPLURGE:
Here are some things where quality really matters
Good Quality Thread - we will d!e on this hill - get good thread, not cheap $ store thread!! Toss your stash of 100 years old thread and just get some reasonable quality thread. Old fluffy thread clogs your machine, can cause serious issues down the road, degrade, and ultimately won't hold up your sewing projects over time

Good Sewing Machine Needles - think about it - this is the hardest working element of your machine. The more "expensive" name brand needles are produced to .ICH higher standards with better quality materials, will last longer, pierce your fabric more smoothly and help your machine work better

Cutting Tools - buy it nice or buy it twice

Story Time: Part 2! The real rags to STITCHES story of how an abandoned upstairs room became a charming sewing studio, plus a snippet of what's next! This may just be the most exciting chapter yet.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the amazing sewing teachers who make this place a quality educational destination. And to each and every one of our students, we love you.

Happy Sewing!!

StoreTime Part 1, Round 2! With words this time!

Part 1: Story Time!