Saskatoon Sewing, especially Fashion or Garment Sewing

This webpage was born out my personal interest in sewing, fabric and fashion. Although quilting is very popular across the province and many sewists focus on quilting, this webpage will instead focus on garment sewing.

mounted 9 April 2019, last updated 4 May 2020 by Sheila Schmutz, Saskatoon. sheila.schmutz@usask.ca

Covid-19 is the main event of early 2020 and during March, many things changed for most people. Please do not consider the list below to be accurate or complete, but it's an attempt.

For many of us, we are abiding by the "stay at home" advice given to the nation. Since many sewists hoarde, or should we say "store" fabric, this could be a time to sew more!

In early April the Saskatchewan Health Department stated that all masks, gowns, etc. worn in health care facilities are regulated. They must meet specific health standards, including sterilization and individual packaging, and health care workers may not bring them into such facilities. However, scrub caps are not included in this regulation. Many people in health care facilities would now prefer to wear one, but they are not always avaialable. Saskatoon Scrub Cap Pattern and Instructions is a downloadable pdf file that describes how to make a unisex version of such a cap that covers the ears.

On April 6, Canada's chief medical officer, Dr. Tan, changed her stance and suggested that people could benefit from wearing a homemade cloth mask in grocery stores and pharmacies.

If you would like to participate in making masks as donations, follow Canada Sews - Saskatchewan on Facebook. There is much discussion there about styles, patterns, etc. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) in the U.S. has posted a webpage describing 3 types of masks you can make at home, for personal use.

Fabric Stores with Fashion Fabric

Note there are also stores that specialize in quilt cottons, which of course can be used for garment sewing too.

• Century Textile & Sewing Supply 1841 Avenue C North (behind Co-op Home Centre on Idylwyld) This privately owned store has a large selection of a variety of fabrics, including wool coating, cotton and cotton blends, nylon and stormcloth for outerwear, satins and brocades, etc. It is also an outlet for Tandy leather. Notions include many clasps and fasteners, braids, thread, zippers, and buttons. No patterns. This store was still open for phone orders and pickups as of about March 21, but not physical shopping.
• H J Fabrics 625 1st Ave North, with the Academy of Fashion Design. This privately owned store has an incredible variety of fabrics. Synthetics including spandex sequined costuming are available. But also natural fibre fabrics in pure wool, silk, and cotton. Some notions and trims. No patterns.
• Fabricland Market Mall. This chain store has a large selection of a variety of fabrics. Silk is often unexpectedly in the upholstery section only. Most fabric is synthetic blends. A full range of patterns and notions is available.This store closed about 21 March. Customers are referred to Fabricville for online shopping.
• Need thread, notions? Some grocery stores and pharmacies carry a small amount of thread and needles. Walmart carries some notions such as bias tape, trims, etc. Because of the grocery and/or drugs, these are considered essential service stores and remain open, but the lines may be very long to check out, and the number of persons in the store often far exceeds the 10 recommended for Saskatchewan as of March 24.

2020 Events

If you know of additional events, please email me and I'll add it to this website.

• March 13, 2020. Sova Design Millineary Speakeasy
  • This roaring twenties party/hat show has become an annual tradition in Saskatoon. It went ahead this year. Sheri is still taking orders for custom made hats and has photos of some that can be shipped to you on her Facebook page.
• April 18, 2020. Choc 'la Cure Spring Fashion Show, Dutch Growers
  • This evening fashion show is still announced on their website. I did not see a notice, but this must have been cancelled because of Covid-19.
• Academy of Fashion Design Student Fashion Show was meant to be in April, but it has been postoned indefinitely.
• May 23 Online, 1st Annual General Meeting of the Saskatchewan Fashion Association
  • Saskatchewan Fashion Association (SFA) was begun in fall 2019. Members include fashion designers, photographers, models, hairstylists, makeup artists, and all other industry contributors. Some of the organizers of this new group were responsible for the Saskatoon Fashion Design Festival (SFDF) which ran for the past 9 years, with their last show in fall 2018. Membership (see http://www.saskfashion.com/get-involved#membership) is currently free. If you'd like to learn more about it, there is a recording of their info session in Saskatoon last fall.
• May 29 - June 6. St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster, SK. CANCELLED due to Covid 19.
  • Saskatchewan Stitches Conference This is an annual week long series of workshops, with many options available each day. Although many are about quilting, there are also some about garment construction by instructors such as: Ron Collins, Beverly Johnson, Jan Bones. On 4 May, this was cancelled with the next conference held May 28-June 5, 2021.
• August 4-9. Sewing with Ron. St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster
• Ron Collins will lead workshops, $125/day. Ultimate Sewing Retreat. Aug 8 is Working With Knits. Master Construction Techniques is Aug 9. To register phone Haus of Stitches at 1-800-344-6024 or email them at haus.stitches@sasktel.net
LI>August 4-9. Exhibition Grounds, Saskatoon.
• 2020 Saskatchewan Art showcase at the Saskatoon Ex has categories that include garment sewing and quilting. There is also a theme category each year where one can enter any craft medium. This year's theme is "Wonderful World". Three entries per person are allowed. Entry forms will be posted online, under the Art Showcase link. (posted in an April 4 email)
• Saskatoon Quilt Show is normally held every other year. Since one occurred in 2019, there is no show scheduled for 2020.

Fashion Sewing Clubs or Associations in Saskatoon

Sadly, I know of none for sewists at the present time. But, I wish there was a "Garment Guild". If you are interested in joining a group that would meet monthly to show each other their latest project or finished garment or to discuss a new technique, please email me at sheila.schmutz@usask.ca. I would not attempt to find a place to actually sew, but simply to meet for an hour or two on a weekday evening or weekend afternoon, once a month.

Internet Blogs, Newsletters, & Facebook Groups of Interest

Note, for some, one must register to receive online newsletters. Most are free of charge.

• Closet Case Patterns A newsletter written by a blogger, Heather Lou, based in Montreal. She also hosts "sew-alongs" and "sewing challenges".
• Selvedge Selvedge is a textile magazine published in Britain. An email newsletter is available free of charge. Their blog is updated daily!
• Sew Sweetness Book Club This has been suggested by a sewing friend. I have not yet read any of the books, nor sewn any of the accompanying projects.
• The Ottawa Garment Guild This group meets monthly to either hear a sewing presentation or to sew something together. I found the Sewing and Sustainability handout a very interesting read.
• The Ottawa Garment Guild This group meets monthly to either hear a sewing presentation or to sew something together. I found the Sewing and Sustainability handout a very interesting read.
• The Canadian Sewing Group, a private group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/CanadianSewing/ "A group for anyone looking for inspiration, ask questions, and enjoy sewing! From people just starting out, to seasoned sewers!"
• Vancouver Garment Sewists, a private group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149506025285047/ "A place for hobby garment sewists in the Greater Vancouver area to connect! We hope to use this space to organize meet-ups, share resources, and have sewing related chats/discussions. "

This webpage began as one in a series from Wear Our Heritage.