Our classes are mostly designed to be single sessions, with a completed project to take home! Great for out-of-towners, busy moms, parties and new sewers!
Make a Casing Workshop
1 x 2-hour class
Been wondering how to create a channel for threading ribbon or an elastic? This workshop will teach you how it's done. Students will complete a 14" by 6" bolster cushion cover. You will learn how to construct the cushion cover, and how fabrics should be prepared for home decor and garment sewing. Use this technique for more cushions, bags, and clothing!
Cost: $20 + materials
Materials:
3 fat quarters (pre-washed & ironed)
(1 for the body of the pillow, 2 for the ruffles at the ends)
2 yards of ribbon
6" x 14" bolster cushion form
matching thread
basic sewing kit
*Class may also be taken at any Dressmaking Bee session*
Lapped Zipper Workshop
1 x 2-hour class
This is the easiest zipper insertion technique and the one most sewers start with. In this workshop you will complete a 14" or 16" square cushion cover. Students learn how to construct a cushion cover, and how fabrics should be prepared for home decor and garment sewing. Use this technique for more cushions, bags and clothing! Once you know how it is done, you will also be able to replace zippers in ready-made garments, saving you time and expense!
Cost: $20 + materials
Materials:
2 fat quarters (pre-washed & ironed)
12" zipper
14"or 16" cushion form
matching thread
basic sewing kit
*Class may also be taken at any Dressmaking Bee session*
Sewing 101
1 x 2-hour class
If you've never used a sewing machine or if you just need a refresher, this class will give you the basic skills to confidently complete a beginner's project. This class introduces you to the sewing machine and how to use it. You will learn to thread, wind bobbins, select stitches and sew seams. Then you will put your new found skills to work by making a cloth shopping/beach bag!
This is also a great activity to do with your children/grandchildren, for birthday parties, or a girls' night out! We can arrange a custom class for 2-6 friends
Cost: $20 + materials
Materials:
$10 kit
(includes fabrics of your choice and thread)
basic sewing kit
*This class can also be taken at any scheduled Quilt Bee session*
Make and Attach Piping Workshop
1 x 2-hour class
Love the finished look of piped seams and edges? This workshop will teach you how it's done. You will complete a 14" or 16" square cushion cover. Students who took the earlier zipper workshop can practise the technique here. An alternative to a zipper closing will be covered. You will learn how to construct the cushion cover, and how fabrics should be prepared for home decor and garment sewing. Use this technique for more cushions, bags, and clothing!
Cost: $20 + materials
Materials:
3 fat quarters (1 for each side of the cushion, 1 for the piping,
pre-washed & ironed)
5' of raw cording (to be covered)
12" zipper (optional)
14" or 16" cushion form
matching thread
basic sewing kit
*Class may also be taken at any Dressmaking Bee session*
Buttons and Buttonholes Workshop
1 x 2-hour class
In this workshop we will make a pillow cover with a fabric covered button closure. Learn how to achieve a tidy, professional buttonhole that will stand up over time. Once you have completed this class you will be able to repair and update ready made clothing.
Cost: $20 + materials
Materials:
fat quarter (front of pillow and buttons)
half meter (back of pillow)
14" or 16" square cushion form
matching thread
basic sewing kit
*May also be taken at any scheduled Dressmaking Bee session*
Boxer Shorts Workshop
These are the boxers our boyfriends and husbands love - lots of seams, a real fly and baggy seat. You'll have the option of modifying the waistband to a more comfortable style to wear, so non-roll waistband elastic will suit our project just fine.
Techniques covered: flat felled seams and elastic waistbands
Duration: 2 Dressmaking Bee sessions are recommended
Cost: $50* + materials
*Our self-paced dressmaking bee classes are held every other Friday. The cost per session is $25. You can book individual sessions or the number of sessions it is likely to take to finish your project.Materials:
fabric per the pattern -7/8 to 1 ¼ yards depending on size
non-roll waistband elastic (waist measurement less 3")
matching thread
pattern from Timber Lane Press
grid tracing paper (optional but strongly recommended)
*This class may also be taken at any
Dressmaking Bee session*
Girls' Skirt
1 x 2-hour class
We designed this pretty print skirt to be simple enough to be made by an inexperienced sewer, yet so cute with its contrasting fabrics and appliqued pockets that she'll be proud to show off in the summer and over tights or leggings when it's cooler. A lined/reversible version can also be made in an additional 1/2hour.
Cost: $20 + materials
Materials:
$10 kit includes 2 or 3 fabrics of your choice for skirt,
pockets and band, ribbon trim for pockets, elastic and thread
*This class can also be taken at any scheduled Quilt Bee session*
Sunhat Workshop
1 x 2½-hour class
Just in time for the height of summer we have reversible sun hats to fit the whole family. Choose between Betz White's Bucket Hat and Amy Butler's Blue Sky Hat. We will be modifying the patterns to make the hats reversible.
Cost: $25 + materials
Materials:
1 to 1¾ meters of fabric
1 meter medium weight interfacing or canvas
matching thread
pattern
grid tracing paper (optional but strongly recommended)
*May also be taken at any scheduled Dressmaking Bee session*
Dressmaking Bee
2½ hour sessions
These self-paced classes will help you develop the skills you need to take your sewing to the next level. Learn valuable tips and techniques from an expert seamstress to give your projects a polished finish.
Suggested projects:
Any of our patterns or bring your own! You will learn how to make adjustments to suit your body type and custom fit your garment!
We meet every other Friday
Cost: $25 per session
You can book individual sessions or the number of sessions it is likely to take to finish your project.
Barcelona Skirt by Amy Butler
This modern basic skirt is so easy to wear you will want more than one -seriously, you will! In class we will tailor the skirt to fit you and capture the adjusts on the pattern so you can repeat this skirt at home.
Techniques covered: French seams, invisible zippers and facings
Duration: 2 to 3 Dressmaking Bee sessions are recommended
Cost: $50-$75* + materials
*Our self-paced dressmaking bee classes are held every other Friday. The cost per session is $25. You can book individual sessions or the number of sessions it is likely to take to finish your project.Materials:
fabric per the pattern -1 7/8 to 2 yards
(plus extra fabric if you want a longer skirt)
muslin for lining -1 yard
7" invisible zipper
matching thread
pattern
grid tracing paper (optional but strongly recommended)
*May also be taken at any scheduled Dressmaking Bee session*
Cabo Halter by Amy Butler
"Simple and breezy. Casual or dressy. A simple halter with refined lines to enhance the romance of warm weather." This top is truly as the pattern describes and quite lovely.
Techniques covered: darts, zippers and facings
Duration: 3 Dressmaking Bee sessions are recommended
Cost: $75* + materials
*Our self-paced dressmaking bee classes are held every other Friday. The cost per session is $25. You can book individual sessions or the number of sessions it is likely to take to finish your project.Materials:
fabric per the pattern -1 ½ to 2 ½ yards depending on size
12" zipper
matching bias tape
matching thread
pattern
grid tracing paper (optional but strongly recommended)
*This class may also be taken at any
Dressmaking Bee session*
Claire Dress from Portabellopixie
From 6 months to 8 years. With its mix of prints, full skirt and ruffles, this little girl's dress is sure to delight. You will want to do it over and over again! We will be modifying the pattern to allow you to alter the dress as your favourite little girl grows.
Techniques covered: French seams, casings and ruffles
Duration: 3 Dressmaking Bee sessions are recommended
Cost: $75* + materials
*Our self-paced dressmaking bee classes are held every other Friday. The cost per session is $25. You can book individual sessions or the number of sessions it is likely to take to finish your project.Materials:
fabric per the pattern -1 ⅓ to 2 ½ yards depending on size
1 to 2 yards of elastic
matching bias tape
matching thread
pattern
grid tracing paper (optional but strongly recommended)
*This class may be taken at any
Dressmaking Bee session*
Chelsea Bag by Amy Butler
1 x 2 ½-hour class
Modern, boxy tote and handbag that are reversible for your many moods. Clean lines and cool shapes make for an easy access bag with contemporary urban flair!
Cost: $25 + materials
*May also be taken at any Dressmaking Bee session*
Spice Market Tote
1 x 2½-hour class
Just in! Amy Butler's newest pattern and the bag she uses everyday! Quite simply it is the sturdiest, prettiest, user-friendly market tote. It can be made in two sizes and it's very easy to make. There are great inside pockets and wide comfy straps that run "under" the bag for ultimate support. For shopping, yoga, gym, crafts, school, baby - everything! Make it in quilting or home dec fabric for your friends, family and (mostly) you!
Cost: $25 + materials
Materials:
2 to 3 yards of fabric (per the pattern)
an inordinate amount of interfacing!
(although we think we have a better idea)
pattern
matching thread
basic sewing kit
grid tracing paper (optional)
*May also be taken at any Dressmaking Bee session*
Kids' Owl Pillow Workshop
1 x 2-hour class
This adorable owl pillow would be delighted to perch on your bed! Pick your fabrics and learn how to make this fun project - we will be learning how to applique by machine and hand and how to sew the pillow together.
Cost: $20 + materials
Materials:
$10 kit
(includes fabric, felt for eyes and beak, stuffing and thread)
*Class may be taken at any scheduled Quilt Bee session*
U.F.O. (unfinished objects!)
1 x 2½-hour class
Trying to get those gift projects finished but you are stuck? Bring along your sewing, knitting or crochet projects and we'll get you going again!
Cost: $25
*May also be taken at any scheduled Dressmaking Bee session*
class info
class registration
Call 905-468-8190, e-mail us or visit the shop to register!
class policies
* Classes are limited to 5 students for a personal learning experience, so please sign up in advance. Payment is required to reserve your space.
* Missed classes will be rescheduled subject to availability. A full refund will be given if class is cancelled by Bee.
* Use of our sewing machines, rotary cutters, mats and rulers is included for class sessions. Other materials are not provided.
* All materials are available for purchase at Bee at a 10% student discount. However, you may also bring your own.
* A fat quarter is a half yard of 45" wide fabric cut in half, giving you a rectangle approximately 18" x 22".
* A basic sewing kit consists of scissors, pins, seam ripper and a marking tool.
* Some of our sewing classes require fabrics to be pre-washed, dried and ironed before class.
* For classes that follow a pattern, please open the pattern and read it before coming to class. Even if it doesn't make much sense to you, your being familiar with the pattern will allow us to focus on sewing techniques in the class.
* Find our latest class schedule here!
* Find out when new classes are posted – sign up for our newsletter!
custom classes
Allow us to tailor a class to suit your needs! With 3-6 students, we can schedule a class to suit your timetable and interests. This option is also a great activity to do with your children/grandchildren, for birthday parties, or a girls' night out!
private sewing lessons
If you prefer to learn one-on-one, we also offer private lessons.