Gift idea: Aprons are great to give. They’re easy to make, don’t require a lot of fabric, and everyone loves to get one that actually looks good. Personalize it with a patchwork monogram, embellish it with appliqués, and make your own bias tape (with a bright-coloured or bold-patterned fabric) to use for the trim and ties.

In school: I had a great time in my sewing classes. My teacher made us do endless demos (which made the quality of my garments so much better) and I made lots of things that I loved—and kept—for many, many years.

Now: I dream of finding the time to make things for myself. Every year I start, yet don’t finish, a new winter jacket. My fix-this-now pile is out of control and I have endless patterns and piles of fabric that I have yet to use.

Sewing tip: Cut the pattern pieces for your favourite garment out of oilcloth—the pattern's tissue pieces won’t last through repeated use. Drape the oilcloth pieces over a hanger and file the directions and the original tissue pieces in a plastic folder for safekeeping.

Gift idea: Tote/reusable rags. Everyone should do their part to save the earth.

Now: Bags, accessories, and smaller, manageable items are more my forte.

Sewing tip: Don’t be scared to create, to embellish, and to use your imagination.

Gift idea:Handbags always make nice gifts! And you can create you own patterns and make them one of a kind!

In school:I studied interior design. There was no sewing in that school, but I did take textile classes and also worked in a sewing room on Queen Street for a few years. We specialized in sewing for the home: roman shades, duvets, shams etc. So you could say I learned to sew on the mean streets of Toronto!

Now: Currently I am sewing lots of home décor items for my clients. But I always have other projects on the go, like quilts and diaper bags. And I have this great ottoman I need to re-upholster.

Sewing tip:If you like exploring and making your own patterns (which isn’t that hard) have a bunch of muslin or broadcloth around to make your pattern templates out of. Then sew them together and adjust them as you go. Then you can see if it works without sacrificing your fabric.

Gift idea: Baby gifts! They are easy to make, adorable, and they always turn out great. Also, it doesn't look cheesy if everything matches.

Now: I used sewing as an outlet! There was no sewing in my university program, so I used it as a reward for work completed!

Sewing tip: When embarking on a new project, take a moment to get a sense for all the steps involved. Understanding each step in relation to your finished project makes the whole process easier!

Gift idea: For pet lovers, a cat/dog bed is a simple, thoughtful gift idea. Easy and inexpensive to make, this hot item will have both the owner and the furry friend eternally grateful.

In school: Being guided to take notes during demos was very helpful when attempting to do projects afterward. And time management was a number-one lesson.

Now: I currently do freelance pattern drafting and sewing for clients, as well as custom made clothing/home decor orders. I ultimately aspire to have my own line.

Sewing tip: While sewing or serging knits, keep your index finger behind the presser foot. Doing this will prevent the fabric from stretching

Gift idea: Pajama pants are a great gift. They don’t take long to make, they don’t require zippers or buttons, and everyone loves them. Make a tote bag with the remnants and you don’t even need to buy wrapping paper.

In school: I learned that sometimes things that look simple are not necessarily easy to make.

Now: I do a lot of freelance work for local designers. I've been working on a lot of my own things, too, and am looking forward to eventually releasing my own line.

Sewing tip: Know your fabric. Make sure you’re using the proper needles, thread, and sewing techniques for a particular fabric. Just because a fabric looks nice and a pattern looks nice doesn’t mean they will work together.

Gift idea: I really love giving bags—from makeup bags to purses—as gifts. It's so easy to create bags to suit a specific personality or a special occasion.

In school: I learned a lot of basic techniques in school, but I always managed to do something different and creative that made each piece more interesting.

Now: I just set up this wonderfully huge table, designated "only for sewing." I've never had a specific space before and have so many ideas for this year that I can't wait to get started! I'm also taking fashion courses at Ryerson University.

Sewing tip: Use your sewing scissors for fabric only. Using them on other materials (even paper) will cause them to become blunt.

Gift idea: Scarves! They are amazing gifts and so easy to make from fleece or wool. Personalize them with some trims, buttons, and even the receiver’s initials embroidered on. Smiles guaranteed!

In school: I learned that draping is the easiest way to make a dress. It brings out my creativity better than any paper and ruler can when drafting.

Now: It’s challenging to find the time to do the projects I have always wanted to do and also to make the things that people have asked me to make for them. It’s a never-ending list! Between all the sewing and designing I like to squeeze in some painting. Career wise, I’d like to pursue being a costume designer.

Sewing tip: Make sure you have an organized workstation! Nothing will stress you out more than not being able to find your snippers to cut some thread. AHHH!

Gift Idea Drawstring bags that can be used for makeup, shoes, wine bottles, pet toys, baby accessories, etc... So easy to make and you can be as creative as you want when it comes to designing them to suit your style. Everybody loves a funky, modern drawstring bag; the uses for them are endless!

In school: It was in my Essential Skills in Fashion program that I discovered my passion for Pattern Drafting. There is nothing like drafting a pattern to suit your body and fit you perfectly.

Now: I do a lot of custom work for people and teach sewing lessons as well. I am also working on redesigning my sewing room so i can organize and finish all the ongoing projects I've started!

Sewing tip: Always buy extra fabric; you can never have too much!

Gift idea: Baby stuff when applicable: Hooded towel with wash cloth, coverlet, and recieving blanket or two. Everything matches and it's soo cute. If baby thing doesnt apply, try a funky modern apron.

In school: Sewing wasn't part of my school program at university. I learned so much from the Wardrobe Manager at the National Ballet School. She was my mentor and taught me so much. After that I worked at a Home Furnishings Design Company where I mastered the techniques of sewing home furnishings.

Now: Im a student again and creating beautiful home furnishing projects for other people to help put myself through school.

Sewing tip: Measure twice and cut once!

Gift idea: Pillows out of the shirts you don’t wear anymore but can’t bare to part with. They are cheap, easy to make and personal too.

In school: In keeping with my overzealous disposition, I always seemed to design the hardest possible garments to construct or chose the most difficult fabric to work with. This resulted in many all-nighters and a love/hate relationship with my seam ripper, but overall I learned a lot from pushing myself.

Now: I would like to be designing more than I am but commercial patterns are so much easier to work with so I’ve just been constructing the odd garment here and there. I have a ridiculous amount of unused fabric and patterns that I need to get rid of so I will be working towards putting them to use, probably five at a time.

Sewing tip: Though it does dull your shears, when cutting really light weight fabric I’ve found it so helpful to sandwich the fabric between the pattern and a layer of paper so that you get really straight cuts every time.

Gift idea: Show off your machine and hand-sewing skills by making coasters! Sew carpet grip and a heavy fabric of your choice together then use hand-stitches to personalize.

In school: I loved learning how to make patterns from my own clothing. It's valuable to be able to duplicate or make a seasonal version of my favourite garments.

Now: I use sewing as a way to recycle clothing. I add pizazz to boring clothes, like t-shirts, by applying embellishments and contrast fabrics. I also love to alter clothing I find at thrift stores.

Sewing tip: To make cutting fabric from your pattern pieces faster, use weights instead of pins. Also make sure your fabric isn't hanging off the table or cutting surface, it will distort your fabric and your pattern pieces.

CLARA GODFREY    

FIRST PROJECT: I started hand-sewing when I was 8 or so. My first big project was a felt stuffed animal with blanket stitching all the way around. My first machine-sewing project was in grade 7 and I made a bag.

Favourite stitch: I like the basting stitch because it's so useful (for gathers, putting in a zipper, etc.) and results in a polished finished product.

Bad sewing habit: Forgetting to relax when tackling a tricky step. Things always seem to go better when I take a moment to breathe.

MIRANDA FRANCIS    

FIRST PROJECT:I was probably about eleven when I first picked up a needle. My friends and I made pillows for our beanie babies, which was a huge fad at the time. My first machine project was at the University of Waterloo when I made a crinoline for a character in the play, Tartuffe.

Favourite stitch: I have a new found love in the blind catchstitch. It is done by hand, and the finished product looks very couture.

Bad sewing habit: Anything that has to do with cutting fabric! I find it so tedious, so I get lazy very quickly. My pattern pieces often have ragged edges, which causes my seam allowances to look very irregular.