Did you cut the neckband off your T-shirt for that DIY look? Do you know what “felting” is? Maybe you just like making lampshades out of Popsicle sticks? That’s cool—but you could stand to be a little cooler, Popsicle Pete. Even if shelling out sweet coinage for more courses is not at the top of your to-do list, check out these local craft workshops that will turn you into a better, more virtuous, and, ultimately, sexier person. You’ll actually develop a tangible skill—maybe even something you can eat, wear, or both (chocolate underwear?). How many Poli-Sci majors can say that?*
Sewing, Knitting & Textiles
These studios offer a range of different courses, from tailoring and patternmaking to recycling old pieces of clothing. Knitting has taken off in popularity amongst the “cool” and “young” sets. Take delight in creating visual irony in the UC Quad—be that poncho-hooking football player. Everyone loves a good juxtaposition!
Sew Be It Studios and Workshop 2156 Yonge St.
Sew Be It is great for learning the basics of sewing one step at a time. From workshops on zipper use to classes in beadwork appliqué and bra-construction, you can find the thing that most appeals to you. sewbeitstudio.com
Studio Opal – 1184 Queen St. E.
Offering workshops and classes not only in sewing and pattern-drafting, Studio Opal also gives instruction in home décor (cushions, etc.), alteration and customizing. The ’50s-style pastel interior and low-key staff are also tops. studioopal.ca
Knit-o-Matic – 1378 Bathurst St.
Besides organizing yarn swaps and giving away free knit and crochet patterns on their website, Knit-o-Matic is a fun place to pick up your supplies, learn how to cable-knit a toque, and talk about personal issues with fellow crafters at their Stitch ’n’ Bitch Wednesdays. knitomatic.com
Lettuce Knit – 70 Nassau St.
Like Knit-o-Matic, Lettuce Knit offers a swell variety of yarns, and provides useful advice for specific knit projects, like sock-making. Get right to the source and take a dyeing workshop, which lets you customize your effort even more. lettuceknit.com
The Naked Sheep – 2144A Queen St. E.
For all you east-enders, this cozy little boutique has a range of classes and levels, whether you’re considered beginner, intermediate or advanced with a needle and thread. The helpful employees are more than willing to help you find your place within the ranks. nakedsheep.ca
Peach Berserk – 507 Queen St. W.
This iconic Queen St. shop offers not only designer Kingi Carpenter’s signature prints and girly dresses, but also workshops that will walk you through the whole silk-screening process. The class also incorporates insight with regard to starting your own business or setting up a studio. peachberserk.com
Metalsmithing, Encaustic & Glassworking
These workshops tend to be a little pricier for tools and supplies, but the classes (and results) are creativity- satisfying, producing some unique and valuable handiwork.
C1 Contemporary Art Space – 44 Ossington Ave.
If you’re into encaustic painting, mosaic, and book-binding, C1’s goods are practical, fun and diverse. c1artspace.com
The Devil’s Workshop – 955 Queen St. W., unit 112
The Devil’s Workshop will put your idle hands to good use. In their rigorous workshops, you can learn how to do metal printmaking—that is, etch your design onto a steel plate which will then be roller-printed onto a silver or copper setting. Other courses on the menu include lost wax casting and wire-working. thedevilsworkshop.ca
Margie Jewelry Studio – 1402 Queen St. E., unit C4 (lower level)
Includes delicate handcrafting of things like glass-sculpture, bead making, and good old-fashioned metal-smithing fun. margiejewellery.com
Nanopod Hybrid Studio – 322 Harbord St.
This fascinating little studio houses not only a terrific gallery and shop, but also tutorials and instruction in different areas of metal-smithing. One unique option is to take the Recycle + Upcycle workshop, where you can transform old jewelry into something with your own creative mark on it. nanopod.tv
Look out for further installments of Urban Craftwork, focusing on local instruction in such activities as cooking, baking, candy-making, bookbinding, paper arts and soapmaking. Chocolate underwear-making will be included in Part II, although you can certainly experiment in the privacy of your own home. (Just remember to close the blinds.)
*Answer: two.
