Sponsor Profile: the workroom

Following is a sponsor profile from a very special place, the workroom. The relationship between City of Craft and the workroom goes back to a time before either project existed. Karyn was one of the attendees of Craft Chat TO, the first thing that Jen, Leah and I ever put together. It was early 2007 and both the workroom and City of Craft were just sparkles in our eyes. It has been nice to grow up together. - Becky

Who are you? I'm Karyn from the workroom - Toronto's crafty centre for sewing classes, gorgeous fabric, notions and community events.

Where are you located? We are located in the heart of Parkdale at 1340 Queen Street West (at Brock) We are also at http://www.theworkroom.ca and http://www.makesomething.ca

What do you/your business/your product do? the workroom provides you with the inspiration and instruction to get creative and make something. We do this through a wide range of classes teaching everything from basic sewing and alterations, beginner upholstery, quilting, clothing and accessories and natural dyeing. We also sell all the supplies and tools you need to get crafty. Browse our wall of colour sorted fabrics(including Liberty of London and Japanese imports), sewing patterns, books, Bernina sewing machines, metal purse frames and notions. the workroom hosts free monthly events like our Stitch n' Bitch and Quilt Sunday. During the year we also partner with City of Craft for smaller trunk shows and events.

Students at the workroom show off their handmade leather clutches.

What does your sponsorship for the show entail? the workroom has served as a drop off/pick up/meeting point/storage facility for the City of Craft event. We donated fabric for decorating the City of Craft venue. Generally the workroom tries to be as supportive to anything the City of Craft crew might need, since we love them so much. I'll also be giving a fun workshop on Saturday at the show. Join me and make a cute set of four fabric covered magnets. It's the perfect little gift that everybody loves.

Why handmade? Handmade brings us so much delight. The act of being involved with the process, learning new things, being thoughtful about our choices and interacting with other creative people is so satisfying. the workroom aims to provide the space and encouragement to anyone who wants to join us in making things with our hands.

Are there any crafts you are especially tuned into at the moment? Quilting! I personally have about six different quilts on the go and keep thinking of more. Our quilting classes are always sold out and we are getting so many more people of all ages dropping in to buy supplies for quilt projects. It's really exciting to see all the incredible quilts people are making.