A collaboration between Archival Toronto and Shoppe and Tailor Studios, this "DIY" series of workshops invites you to learn practical skills while crafting unique, upcycled garments inspired by the work of Martin Margiela’s iconic Upcycled Collections. Choose between three upcycling classes, or join all three!

August 20th 6-9 pm: DIY Margiela Crossbody Bag
September 3rd 6-9 pm: DIY Margiela Artisanal Upcycled Shirt
September 17th 6- 9 pm: DIY Margiela Upcycled Denim

Save 15% when you purchase all three! Click here for the DIY 3-class PROMO

Participants will learn how to deconstruct and upcycle vintage tees, bags and denim—reworking through patchworking, sewing different garments together, and building something new and uniquely their own.
These workshops are rich with narrative and history, tapping into authentic craftsmanship with archival Margiela pieces on hand for inspiration and reference.

This class series is great for beginners to intermediate skill levels. The curriculum covers strategic pattern mapping, cutting, and sewing using recycled fabric from pre-loved clothing.  

Syllabus of each class:

Hour 1:
Welcome and intro to the workshop. Students will see an example a ma Margiela collection. We will begin selecting materials to recycle. Next students will map out the desired arrangement of materials and cut pieces.  

Hour 2: 

A sewing machine demo will be shown, followed by opportunity to practice sewing. Once students feel confident, we will begin assembling the various parts of the project.

Hour 3:

Sewing with aid from the instructor will continue until the end of class. At the end of class students will show off their creations for a photo opportunity.

*If extra time is needed to complete patterning and sewing, extra time in private lessons or joining the next workshop may be requested at additional costs.

Individual 1-on-1 lessons with our master tailor Maegan McWade, customized to suit your project needs. Use our studio tools, machines, thread and scraps. For projects from scratch, please supply your own fabric and notions.

Offered in 1-hour, 2-hour and 3-hour sessions. Ideal for all skill levels, including business and professional consultations.

Add up to 3 additional guests and learn along with a group of 4!

Multiple dates/times available Monday- Friday.

5, 10, 15 and 20-hour lesson packages for book-as-you-go learning!
Have longer-term learning goals or a larger project and want the right guidance?
Find great savings with our lesson packages.
Our private lessons are designed to match your learning style, project requests and your sewing & drafting goals.
Buy now, book later.

This learning option is great for high school students seeking help with portfolio prep for fashion and art school.

This three-week course of 3 X 2-hour classes is Ideal for beginners and those who have some sewing experience. Learn to hem shirts, pants, taper pant legs, shorten sleeves and adjust the size of pants and dresses and repairs!
Bring 1-3 garments from your own closet to each class!

All tools and threads are provided for you in class.

Learn to tailor your own clothes in this 2-hour workshop, offered monthly. Learn how use a sewing machine, execute basic alterations, and garment repairs.
This class is ideal for complete beginners, date night and makes an excellent gift!

Bring 1-3 garments from your wardrobe to for tailoring, repairs or upcycling.

Multiple dates/times available.

This six-week course of 6 X 2-hour classes is Ideal for sewists who have taken the Tailoring Basics class, or who have done some sewing before. Learn to recreate a garment from your closet such as a collared shirt, day dress or pants. This class will teach you to create a pattern, cut fabric and steps for sewing your garment of choice.

Bring 1 garment to replicate, your own fabric and notions!

All tools and threads are provided for you in class.

This class is offered three times a year: winter, summer & fall. Click HERE to Join the mailinglist and be notified when the next session is scheduled!

Copy Your Favourite Pants Workshop

Six 2-hour workshops (12 hours in total)
Beginner/ Intermediate level

# of guests: 4

Overview:
Learn how to pattern, cut, and sew a carbon copy of your favourite garment. Learn clever techniques for copying your clothing without destroying or cutting up the original! This class is great for beginners and intermediate sewers looking for an introduction to pattern drafting and sewing. Students who have not used a sewing machine before are encouraged to take a Tailoring Basics class to prepare for the sewing portion of this workshop. This class is taught using domestic machines.

Goals:

Over the course of six 2-hour classes, spanning 7 weeks, students will pattern draft and copy their favourite garments, cut out their pattern in new fabric, and sew it together. Ideal garments for this class are non-stretch/ low-stretch pants, shirts, and skirts such as denim, wool trousers, and chinos. We will NOT be covering knit garments in this class.
Students will learn about grain lines, pattern drafting tools and equipment, pattern terminology, cutting and fusing practices, and sewing on a domestic sewing machine.

Syllabus:

Class 1:
Students will learn to prep their garments for pattern copying, be introduced to patterning tools and copying techniques and will trace and extract garment info onto pattern paper. They will add seam allowances, and labels, and cut the pattern out in preparation for the next class.

Class 2:

Students will continue to finalize their pattern details from class 1, cut fabric out and fuse necessary pieces. Students may begin serging and sewing their garments in this class.

Class 3:
Students will continue to finalize their pattern details from class 1 & 2, cut fabric out and fuse necessary pieces. Students may begin serging and sewing their garments in this class.

Class 4:

Students will continue to sew their garments together with guided instruction.

Class 5:

Students will continue to sew their garments together with guided instruction.

Class 6:

Students will continue to sew their garments together with guided instruction.

Fusing, buttons, and some notions are available for purchase in the studio.
If extra time is needed to complete patterning and sewing, extra private lessons booked.

Learn to pattern, cut, and sew your own pants design according to your measurements. In this 7-week course, students will have guidance on fabric selection, how to cut fabric efficiently and effectively, and how to assemble pants from zipper flies, waistbands, crotch curves, pockets, hems and more.
This class is great for intermediate sewists or those who have taken our Beginner Tailoring Course.

This class is offered twice a year: fall & summer. Click HERE to join the mailing list and be notified when the next session is scheduled.

PANTS- Draft, Cut & Sewn Your Own

Seven 2-hour workshops (14 hours in total)
Beginner/Intermediate level
Bring your own fabrics and notions.

# of guests: 4

Overview:
Learn how to pattern, cut, and sew pants according to your measurements. In this 7-week course, students will learn how to draft pants by hand on paper, making their own custom pattern. Guidance on fabric selection will inform students on what material types will be appropriate for their designs, how to cut efficiently and effectively, and how to assemble pants smoothly. Zipper flies, waistbands, crotch curves, pockets and hems for a denim-style pant will be covered in this class.

This class is great for beginners and intermediate sewers looking for an introduction to pattern drafting and sewing. Students who have not used a sewing machine before are encouraged to take a Tailoring Basics class to prepare for the sewing portion of this workshop. This class is taught using domestic machines. Everyone learns at unique speeds. Some students may need to do "homework" between classes to complete their project by week 7. Students are welcome to book additional private lesson time if 7 weeks is too short for their learning style.

Goals:

Over the course of seven 2-hour classes, students will make a paper pattern from their measurements, cut fabric, prep pieces and sew them all together. Ideal garments for this class are non-stretch/ low-stretch pants, such as denim, wool trousers, and chinos. We will NOT be covering knit garments in this class.
Students will learn about grain lines, pattern drafting tools and equipment, pattern terminology, cutting and fusing practices, and sewing on a domestic sewing machine.

Supplementaries: Students must supply their own fabric and notions. Pattern paper will be provided.

Syllabus:

BEFORE CLASS:
Students must come to class with design ideas ready. This can either be in sketches, inspiration images or existing garments which will influence their desired designs. In summary, come to class #1 with your ideas ready. Your designs will likely be adjusted in class #1 to fit pattern drafting and construction requirements.

Class 1:
Students will begin with sketching and pattern drafting in a "follow-along" method. Day 1 will cover translating sketch ideas into 3D forms and how to prepare “technical drawings” to aid in the pattern drafting process. Students will be introduced to patterning tools, ruler uses, shapes and transferring measurements into shapes. Pant blocks will be used to create your patterns.

Class 2:

Students will continue to finalize their sketches and patterns from class 1. Seam allowances, labels, and “walking the pattern” will take place. We will discuss fabric, notions and any other components students will need to purchase for their designs. Fabrics, notions, fusing and extras will be required for week 3.

Class 3:
Students will come to class with fabrics, notions and extras ready to begin cutting. Once fabric is cut, the necessary pieces will be fused and edges will be serged.

Class 4:

Students will begin sewing their garments together with guided instruction. Assembling pockets, front fly/ closure

Class 5:

Sewing: Zippers, side seams, pockets, crotch seam. Begin assembling waistband.

Class 6:

Sewing: Waistband attachment, top stitching, pressing,

Class 7:

Sewing: Finishing details: pant hemming, belt loops, buttons, top stitching,

Fusing, buttons, zippers and some notions are available for purchase in the studio.

If extra time is needed to complete patterning and sewing, extra time in private lessons may be booked at additional costs.

This three-week course of 3 X 2-hour classes teaches students how to map a bodice block according to a set of measurements.
Once bodice blocks are drafted, students cut and sew a mock-up to assess and adjust for fit perfection. Students leave this class with a custom set of blocks for a bodice front and back in both soft paper and hard paper.

This class is ideal for those who have sewing experience and want to design their own clothing to their measurements.

This class is offered twice a year: spring & fall. Click here to join the mailing list and be notified when the next session is scheduled.

Block Making Workshop

2-hour workshop2
3 class dates
Beginner pattern drafting or Intermediate sewing level

# of guests: 6

Overview:
Learn to draft your own top bodice block, also known as a sloper. Paper, muslin, tools and supplies are provided.

What to bring:
In order to take clear measurements, students are encouraged to wear/ bring a form-fitting t-shirt for the measurement-taking steps of this class.

Goals:

This class aims to teach students how to map a bodice block according to a set of measurements and how to adjust a block for further fit perfection. Once a bodice block is mapped out, students will cut and sew a mock-up to assess and adjust for fit. Students will leave this class with a custom set of blocks for a bodice front and back in both soft paper and hard paper.

Who:
Beginner/ intermediate sewers who want to make their own garment and get experience using knits.

Syllabus:

Class 1:

Introduction to the class instructor and fellow students, and an overview of the black making process. Students will take measurements of themselves and/or of each other. The bodice front will be drafted in a follow-along process, then a copy with seam allowances will be drawn.

Class 2:

Students will draft the bodice back. Once drafted, a copy with seam allowances will be drawn. Students will cut a front and back bodice from muslin to create a sample for fit check.

Class 3:

Students will continue to sew a muslin sample. The sample will be fit and pinned for adjustments. Adjustments will be made on the paper pattern. Lastly, students will transfer this final version onto hard paper. Labels, notches and notes will be added to the pattern before cutting.
A hard paper pattern is sturdy and can withstand many uses, will not break down or tear over time and has a sturdy edge to make tracing faster and easier for pattern drafting purposes.

If extra time is needed to complete the project, extra time can be scheduled in private lessons or by joining another class.

Learn to make your own hoodie in this three-week, 3X 2-hour course!
This class is a sew-along-style course where students make the same hoodie, with the option for some modifications. Great for beginner/intermediate sewists.
Bring your own fabrics. Patterns, machines, tools, and thread are provided.

This class is periodically offered. Click HERE to join the mailing list and be notified when the next session is scheduled.

Make Your Own Hoodie

2-hour workshops
3 class dates
Beginner/ Intermediate

# of guests: 5

Overview:
Learn to sew your own hoodie. Students will provide their own fabrics for this project.

What to bring:
1) 2.5 yards of a knit fabric appropriate for a hoodie. Examples include French terry, fleece knit, medium-weight double knit, medium-weight jersey knit, and jersey fleece.
2) 1/4 yard ribbed knit for sleeve ends and hem end. (This is the bigger knit that shrinks around your wrists and waist)
3) 1 hoodie cord (1 yard long approximately)

Patterns are provided. If size adjustments are needed, the instructor will help with the adjustment process.

Goals:

This class aims to teach students entry-level knit sewing. This course has been adjusted to use domestic-style machines. Sergers are available for use; however are not necessary to execute this adapted project.

Who:
Beginner/ intermediate sewers who want to make their own garment and get experience using knits.

Syllabus

Class 1:

Introduction to the class instructor and fellow students, and an overview of the project steps. Overview of the pattern and how to read pattern instructions, including fabric layout and cutting techniques. Pattern size adjustments and style modifications will be discussed.

Class 2:

Students will continue to cut their fabrics to prep for sewing. A demonstration of using the sewing machine and sergers for threading and operation will be given. Students will stitch their pieces together step by step, following the instructor's guidance for the remainder of class. Discussions about modifications to the hoodie design can be made with guidance.

Week 3: Students will continue to sew their garments together. Finishing components, including ribbed knit cuffs and hem, will be sewn and completed in this class.

If extra time is needed to complete the project, extra time can be scheduled in private lessons or by joining another class.

In this 1 X 3-hour workshop, learn beginner draping skills. Discover the successful steps for draping on a mannequin and transferring your designs into a pattern. Learn how to effectively achieve silhouettes, seam positions, balance and design from physical form to pattern paper. Students will leave this class knowing how to creatively drape, then create a pattern from the draping process.

This class is periodically offered. Click HERE to join the mailing list and be notified when the next session is scheduled.

Draping Skills Workshop

3-hour workshop
1 class date
Beginner-level pattern drafting/ intermediate sewing level

# of guests: 6

Overview:
Learn to drape fabrics effectively and strategically on a mannequin to create sewing patterns from draped designs. This class is ideal for those who want to bridge traditional pattern drafting with the creative freedom of draping. Learn when draping is effective in design, to prepare for draping successful garments and how to translate design from the mannequin into paper patterns. Mulsin, pattern paper, tools and supplies are provided.

Goals:

This draping workshop is a fundamentals class on garment draping techniques, and aims to teach students to effectively drape designs and create garment patterns by using mannequins, fabric, pencils and pins. All supplies and tools are provided in this class. Students are welcome to bring their own mannequins; however, this is not necessary.

Prepping grainlines and sample fabric for draping alignment, marking and clipping sample fabric to understand fit, to extract the draped style from the mannequin and translate onto paper, adding seam allowances and adjustments for

Who:
Beginner sewers who have no experience or some sewing experience.

Syllabus

Hour 1:

Introduction to the class instructor and fellow students, and an overview of the project steps. Students will receive sample fabric and begin prepping grain lines and pins. A small sample demo and a follow-along small example will take place. Students will learn how to prep, pin, mark, clip and extract a simple draped pattern piece. This piece will be transferred to paper and labelled.

Hour 2:

Students will begin draping their own creative designs on their mannequins. The instructor will give individual guidance according to each design. This hour will be free-form and creative.

Hour 3:

Students will transfer their draped styles onto paper. Seam allowances, notches and labels will be added, and the class will "walk their patterns" to check for accuracy.

This class is designed for beginners to learn draping techniques, key pattern factors and to transfer a draped design onto paper. The aim of this class is not to sew and finish an entire garment, but rather to understand the key steps to draping a design and converting it into a sewable pattern.

If extra time is needed to complete the desired project, additional time can be scheduled in private lessons or by joining another class.