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ABOUT US
Q: Where are you located?
A:
We are located at 1225 Yonge Street in the heart of Toronto’s Rosedale neighbourhood. We're at Summerhill Avenue, which is south of St. Clair Avenue, on the east side. We're one block north of Summerhill subway station, and if you're driving in, there's both free and metered parking on the neighbouring streets.
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: We offer classes every day of the week. Daytime, evenings, weekends. Check out our schedule to find the class days and times that are best for you. If you're looking to pop by the studio to check out the space, ask us questions, or to say hello, we're here for drop-ins every Sunday and Wednesday from 2 - 6 p.m.
Q: How do I reach someone if I have more questions?
A:You can give us a call at 416.901.0758, or email us at toronto@lovesewing.com.
Q: What are the qualifications of your instructors?
A:We believe in providing our students with the best instructors around. Each instructor at The Sewing Studio has a contagious passion for sewing, an extensive sewing background (many have been sewing since they were in elementary school!), and most of our instructors have studied with the top fashion design programs in the country. Our instructors all work (or have worked) as professional seamstresses, excelling in fashion and/or home décor. We've put them through an intensive two-month training program, and they're all blessed with incredible patience. Did we mention they love sewing? To us—and to our students—that's key!
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ABOUT OUR CLASSES
Q: How many people are in a class?
A: It’s pretty hard to sew without elbow room, right? That’s why we keep our classes to a maximum of eight students. You’ll enjoy the intimate setting of a small class, plus more one-on-one time with your instructor.
Q: How long are the classes?
A: Most of our classes are two hours in length, and programs run anywhere from four to eight weeks. Check out our individual classes pages for the 4-1-1 on each course’s curriculum and costs.
Q: What is the age range of your students?
A: Our kid and teen classes are filled with—you guessed it—kids and teens. But our adult classes (categorized on the website under Beginner and Intermediate) see a wide variety of ages. Most of our students who join us for Introductory Sewing are between the ages of 25 and 40, but there are some younger students who succeed in the program as well as more mature students.
Q: What is your class cancellation policy?
A:If you are unable to attend the class in which you are enrolled, you must let us know at least 7 days before the class’ scheduled start date. At that point, you can either have your payment sent back to you (less a $25 administration fee), or you can put the full amount toward another class or session. If you register for a class or program within one week of the scheduled start date, or if you cancel your attendance within one week of the start date, only 50% of your payment will be returned to you.
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CHOOSING A CLASS
Q: I've never touched a sewing machine before. What class is best for me?
A:Introductory Sewing is our most popular beginner program and it’s our most comprehensive course (it’s eight weeks long). Introductory Sewing is the first course that The Sewing Studio offered back in 2004 and it remains our most popular to this day. You'll learn sewing machine basics, numerous stitches and seam finishes, and fabric fundamentals. Plus, you'll learn to read and work with a commercial pattern. You’ll make three projects throughout the course, and your final project is a custom skirt! If you can’t commit to eight weeks, or if you’re not sure you’ll even like sewing, our Quick Start course is another beginner course that’s only four weeks long.
Q: How do I know if I should take Introductory Sewing or Quick Start instead?
A: If you want to sew garments, learn to follow a pattern, and if you're looking for a thorough, comprehensive sewing program that will give you the skills and knowledge to sew any project on your own at home, definitely choose Introductory Sewing. If you're looking to learn the very basics, make simple projects right away, or you’re looking to build confidence on a sewing machine, choose Quick Start.
If you're not sure that sewing is for you, try Quick Start. Once you fall in love with needle and thread, you can then take Introductory Sewing to build a solid sewing foundation. On the flip side, if you start with Introductory Sewing, but don't feel you're ready for an intermediate course immediately following, sign up for Quick Start to solidify your skills and build your confidence on the sewing machine.
Q: I've sewn before, so I don't consider myself an absolute beginner. Which courses are suitable?
A: Because we're fanatics about the intricacies of sewing and the proper technical way of doing things, even if you've sewn before in the past, we recommend taking one of our beginner classes, Introductory Sewing or Quick Start. You'll brush up on your skills, refine sewing details, learn a LOT (our instructors are extremely knowledgeable and they’re amazing sources of tips and tricks), and you'll definitely notice an improvement in your sewing and in the look and finish of your final projects. Plus, Introductory Sewing is a prerequisite for all of our intermediate classes. If you just want a quick refresher, Quick Start is a great course for you.
Q: I've taken Introductory Sewing and I want to keep learning. What do you suggest as a next step?
A: TSS is your sewing-oyster! Oh the places you will go! You can take any of our intermediate classes once you’ve completed Introductory Sewing. We have plenty: Party Dress, Jacket Chic, Fancy Pants. You can also check out Copy Your Clothes, All About Alterations, and House ‘n Home. If you’re feeling a little bit unsure of moving forward into an intermediate class, take Quick Start—the first hour will be a refresher of the basics, and then the rest of the course will have you focusing on making projects and building your confidence on a sewing machine. So many options, so little time!
Q: I want to sign up for one of your intermediate programs, but I haven't taken the prerequisite Introductory Sewing or Quick Start. Can I still sign up?
A: That depends. Can you sew comfortably with a pattern on your own? Can you thread any sewing machine and load a bobbin with ease (and then not have the thread jam up under your fabric)? Have a read through the Introductory Sewing course outline. If the skills and techniques we’ve listed are second nature to you and you can do all of those things without guidance or questions, then you can probably skip ahead to our intermediate programs. Keep in mind you also need to feel comfortable working independently with fabric grain, patterns, and zippers. Still not sure? Ask us how your skills measure up.
Q: I’m not interested in fashion, but I do want to sew! I want to learn pillows, curtains, and all that fun home stuff.
A:While we are definitely your haute spot when it comes to learning how to sew a one-of-a-kind skirt, we are also the haute spot for chic home décor. Take a look at our House ‘n Home course. Your pad will certainly get a personalized touch!
Q: Can I take Introductory Sewing and another class at the same time?
A:While we believe it's best to focus on Introductory Sewing when you're starting out, you’re welcome to also take Quick Start or join us for any of our monthly sewing parties! We do not recommend taking Introductory Sewing and an intermediate class in the same session.
Q: I need help with my portfolio for my post-secondary fashion school applications. Can you help me out with that?
A: Sure thing. We’ve got Elite Fashion Prep! This intensive course is for all fashion-savvy teens who want to get into fashion school. Learn to sew and do fashion illustration, create a portfolio-ready garment, and get the scoop on what makes a standout application. We’ll help you put together your best fashion school application.
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REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
Q: How do I register?
A: We do all of our registrations online. Fill out a registration request form to make sure there is still space in the class day and time you want. We'll email you within 24 to 48 hours to let you know if there's room in the class, and we'll include a link to a secure payment page. You'll then click on the link to submit your full payment for the course. See? Easy. Your registration is not complete (and your spot in the class isn't guaranteed) until you submit your payment by credit card through the online link. Once we've received your payment, we'll send you a welcome letter with final details about the course.
Q: How soon can I register?
A: Once you see a class up on the schedule, it's fair game to register. Word to the wise: Do it ASAP! Our sewing classes are POP-U-LAR. Don't let someone else get your spot.
Q: How do I know if I'm registered for a class?
A: We send each student a welcome letter by email once their payment has been received. This letter has important details including what to bring to class, and it confirms that you have paid and are registered in the course. Haven't received a welcome letter? Make sure you've submitted your payment online, and allow for 48 hours.
Q: What if the class I want is full?
A:You can provide us with your name and email address to be put on a waitlist, however spaces rarely open up, so don’t hold your breath. Your best bet is to register as soon as you can. Fortunately, on our Registration Request Page, we ask you to list your top two choices for classes. We will always do our best to accommodate you in your first choice, but if that day and time is full, we will automatically place you in your second choice!
Q: I'm having difficulties with my online payment. Help!
A: Sadly, technology is unpredictable, and our system unfortunately does not accept AmericanExpress credit cards. There’s one more thing you should check: Is the address you've entered the proper billing address associated with your credit card? That’s usually the problem. If you continue having troubles securing your seat and paying your course fee online, give us a call at 416-901-0758 and we can help you get registered.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We do all of our registrations online, and accept payments by Visa and MasterCard. You can also send a PayPal money transfer to pay@lovesewing.com. If these options aren’t suitable for you, we can accept cash or cheque (made payable to The Sewing Studio) during studio drop-in hours: Sundays and Wednesdays from 2-6pm. Keep in mind, spaces cannot be reserved, and are only guaranteed once a payment has been received. What does that mean? You've got to act fast because someone else could be at home paying online for the spot you want. If you decide you'd like to pay by cash or cheque, let us know in the notes field of the Registration Request Page
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SCHEDULING
Q: I can’t figure out your class schedule. How does it work?
A: Our schedule shows only the days and times when a program begins (not all subsequent weeks), and a coloured square marks the first day of a course. This means that when you see a bunch of classes in one particular week of the month, that’s the start of a new session. (We cycle through our classes by starting a new session every two months.) Check out the colour guide on the left-hand side of the schedule page. The squares in the calendar are colour-coded to let you know how long each program runs. Then just look for the course you want and the day and time that fits best with your schedule. On our Registration Request Page you’ll tell us which course you want to take, plus your top two day and time choices (just in case your first choice is full already).
Q: I registered for a course, but the day and time no longer works for me. Can I change it?A: Probably. As long as you're switching to another date and time in that same session. Let us know which day and time you would like to switch to, and if there's space available, we'll move you over. If you’d like to postpone the start of your course, as long as you let us know at least 7 days before the course’s scheduled start date, you can transfer your registration to a future session without penalty.
Q: Can I attend your Introductory Sewing program twice each week so that I can complete the course in four weeks?
A: Nope. Once you sign up for a class and pick the time and day that works best for you, that's the time and day you'll be attending class for the duration of the program. And for good reason: Each week, we repeat the same set of materials in order to keep all of the classes learning at the same pace. This means that the lesson you learn on Monday is the same lesson the other class learns on Tuesday and on Wednesday and on Thursday and... well, you get it. Keep an eye out for Introductory Sewing Bootcamp and Introductory Sewing Intensive on the schedule. They’re the exact same course content, but IS Bootcamp condenses the course into one week (3 hours Monday to Friday), and IS Intensive condenses the course into 4 weeks with 4-hour classes each week.
Q: I just missed the start date. Can I still get in?
A: Maybe! Call us ASAP to make arrangements. For Introductory Sewing, we might be able to get you into the Make-Up class, and then you’ll only pay $35 to learn that lesson you missed. Otherwise, we can get you caught up in a private lesson, which costs $50/hour. (We can usually teach you a 2-hour group lesson in a 1-hour private lesson.)
Q: I need to miss a class. What can I do?
A: It’s best to attend all of your classes, however you can sign up for a private lesson ($50/hour) to catch you up on anything you’ll miss. We do have specific make-up classes for Introductory Sewing only. Make-up classes for IS are $35 each, are only available by pre-registration, and they’re held on Sundays from 7 to 9 pm. www.lovesewing.com/missedclass
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OTHER SERVICES
Q: I’m focused and determined. Do your instructors offer private lessons to help me with a tough project?
A: YES! We do offer private lessons. It’s a great way to get in more sewing time, work through your garment, and finish it all up in time to send out your applications. To book a private lesson with one of our instructors, send an email to info@lovesewing.com!
Q: Where can I buy the machines we use in class?
A: From us! The Janome machines we use in studio are great machines; we use them for a reason. Ask your instructor, or email us at info@lovesewing.com for machine prices and more information.
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