Make (Den) it for your Mate with Cat Essiambre

Rock your own adorable and totally matching DIY accessory kit - or give the BEST handmade Valentines Day gift ever!
This winter, The Make Den is your one stop shop for Wallet-Making, Lined Leather Laptop Covers, Lined Make-up Cases (which also double as awesome shaving kits), Beer Cozies, and Handmade Bowties! Make it green by using recycled leather pants, old denim, unloved leather jackets or vintage wool. Then decorate with applique or reverse applique and Voila! Your status as a DIY Queen is undeniable once you've got these beauties under your belt.

We are SO excited to be offering a workshop series with the one and only Cat Essiambre (as seen in Teen Vogue, BBC World and voted one of Toronto's Fashion Hero's by NOW magazine) Cat has also worked with Philip Sparks, Thomas and is a member of the very awesome Deadly Nightshades.

Here's how it works: All through January and February, you can take an accessories class every Friday from 1-4pm or 1-5pm.
Make one, or make all 5! Receive a 10% discount if you sign up for more than 3 classes. Beginners are welcome.
To register, email themakeden@hotmail.com

Wallet-Making
Jan 13th,
1-4pm.
$45~

Laptop Covers
Jan 20th
1-5pm.
$55~

Make Up Case (or Shaving Kit)
Jan 27th
1-5pm
$55~

Beer Cozies
Feb 3rd
1-4pm
$45~

Leather Bowties
Feb 10th
1-4pm
$45~

Intro to Sewing Classes - 2012

There have been some really beautiful skirts made in the beginner sewing class recently and I can't wait to share the photos with you. Until then, enjoy this quilted satin mini from L'Agence. This is a relatively simple pattern (gathered skirt with a zipper and a waistband) but sewn up in this beautiful quilted fabric it looks stunning.

Our beginner sewing class covers all the basics: Working with patterns, hemming pants, sewing 1/2" seams, 1/4" seams, French seams, gathering, basting, sewing darts, inserting zippers and waistbands, and finally - drafting a custom pattern for your own personalized fit skirt! You'll go home with your own pattern, skirt and a whole bunch of handouts and samples to help you sew whatever you want to do next. You will definitely leave this class with confidence. Students also have the option of sewing up their own bag in this class.

We still have space left in 2011 classes! We have also added new 2012 classes. Classes run for 6 weeks. Each class is 3hrs long.

Intro to Sewing Start Dates:

Sunday Dec 11th, 1-4pm
Wednesday Jan 11th, 6-9pm
Thursday Jan 12th, 6-9pm
Sunday Feb 5th, 10-1pm, 1-4pm
Wednesday Feb 22nd, 6-9pm
Thursday Feb 23rd, 6-9pm

Email themakeden@hotmail.com to register. Get sewing now! Gift Certificates are available.

Tailored Jackets at The Make Den

Finally! We've had so many requests for a class on Tailoring. It really is an art and I'm so excited to be able to offer it this January! I remember the first time I sewed a jacket; It was a black wool winter coat for my boyfriend, with red chinese brocade lining. I learned so much while I was making it; welt pockets, easing in a sleeve - I still remember being so nervous while I was bagging the lining, wondering if it would look alright! Happily, he still wears it nearly 5 years later.

Tailored Jackets starts on Tuesday Jan 17th, Tuesday March 27th and Tuesday June 5th. All classes start at 6pm, and run for 3hrs. Class runs for 10 weeks. Students will learn how to properly fit a muslin, fuse fabric, sew in welt pockets, insert a collar, facing and sleeves, use a sleeve press, cut and bag a lining and then professionally press their garment. This class is recommended for students who have some previous sewing experience and are looking to take their skills to the next level.
Garments completed in this class will be appropriate for portfolio images if you are applying to FIT, Parsons, George Brown or Ryerson. The course fee is $350~. To register, email themakeden@hotmail.com

BBC News with The Deadly Nightshades

Some of you guys know that I am living a secret double life. That's right - when I'm not teaching sewing classes, I am a member of the very deadly and dangerous Toronto Bicycle gang, The Deadly Nightshades. The Nightshades and I run a fantastic bicycle tour of local designers studios in Toronto once a month in collaboration with the Drake Hotel.

A few months ago, on our final Style Spin of the season, Fast Track's Theopi Skarlatos came along and showcased the Deadly Nightshades in a piece for BBC World titled: Toronto's Competitive Vintage Scene

CLICK HERE TO WATCH!

Thanks to Kealan from Vintage 69 for lending us such awesome outfits!
(Too bad we don't have more pictures of them)