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~

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)