Makerspace YK has launched a series of sewing workshops. The initiative, which began this fall, was in response to community interest and aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience for beginners.
The program includes a ‘Sewing 101’ course, designed to familiarize participants with the use of a sewing machine, such as setup, threading, bobbin filling, and it concludes with a simple project - a pin cushion. Attendees can either bring their own machines or use those provided by Makerspace. Following this, ‘Sewing 102’ offers more advanced workshops for those who have mastered the basics. So far, these lessons have included creating reversible tote bags and aprons.
In addition, Makerspace has been hosting beginner-friendly sewing workshops on weekday evenings. These seasonal workshops cover a range of projects, including mittens, ornaments and coasters.
While Makerspace’s digital fabrication area and wood shop are well-developed, there was a gap in their offerings around sewing, according to Aileen Lang, executive director at Makerspace YK. The launch of these workshops is a step towards filling this gap.
The first class kicked off in October. Makerspace has hosted a few isolated sewing-related events in the past, including a six-day sewing intensive in collaboration with NWT Arts, and a costume sewing workshop with the Ptarmicon, the Northern gaming convention held in Yellowknife. However, this is the first regular series of sewing workshops under Makerspace Yk.
The contractors are paid for their contributions, and Makerspace is open to feedback and suggestions from the community for future workshops Lang noted.
Alicia Stanich, a seasoned seamstress, joined the Makerspace sewing program as a contracted instructor. Her passion for sewing began at a young age, with her first experiences in hand sewing coming during her time in Brownies and Guides. Her education in sewing continued through junior high and high school, where she participated in home economics and sewing programs. She later attended Olds College in Alberta, completing a two-year fashion production program.
For the past 23 years, Stanich has resided in Yellowknife, where she runs a home-based business offering alterations and custom sewing. Her love for sewing was inspired by her family, with both her grandmothers and father being skilled in the craft. Initially making clothes for dolls, Stanich’s interest in creating has grown over the years.