The Sewing Scaries - Make your own Vest Program

About The Shared Bag:

The Shared Bag is a community-driven collective focused on reducing waste through creativity, connection, and collective action. We host workshops and events that inspire repurposing, repairing, and reselling clothes—building capacity for circular fashion to thrive. Join us to explore new ways to express yourself while positively impacting the planet!

Workshop Overview:

Join us this October for a three-part Halloween-themed vest-making workshop at TTL Makerspace, followed by a Halloween party at ITS OK STUDIOS to show off your designs! Led by a dynamic team of designers, this program is perfect for those interested in learning sewing techniques, sustainable fashion, and creative design. No prior experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own upcycled fabrics to add a personal touch.

Workshop Overview:

Session 1: Sustainable Material Selection with Thái (October 16)

Thái, AKA RECO.FEWB will guide you with starting the vest while explaining more about our chosen materials and how you can source/find stylish, sustainable material yourself. As a sustainable fashion designer, he will help you take your vest to the next level by helping you choose the perfect fabric and design idea that fits you best. In this session, you will learn:

• Fundamentals of design using sustainable fabric selection for up-cycling
• Receive personalized guidance on improving your technique while learning key terminology and techniques
• Help to design your vest and understand all the steps needed to make your vision come to life.
• Cut and assemble pattern pieces, and prepare your vest to be polished in the next session.

Session 2: Refining Sewing Principles with Isabel Powers (October 23)

In the second session, Isabel Powers, a TMU fashion design graduate known for her innovative upcycling techniques, will guide participants through essential sewing skills. You’ll learn how to:

• Apply Fundamental sewing principles and terminology
• Operate a sewing machine with confidence
• Use bias tape for a polished finish
• Practice your sewing skills and get expert feedback on how to improve.

Session 3: Hauntingly Creative Halloween Design with Stay Curious Artist (October 30)

Kali, AKA Stay Curious Artist, will lead the final session, where you’ll bring your Halloween vision to life. You’ll learn how to:

• Design and customization techniques include Embroidery, stamps, fabric painting, patchwork, and decals and more.
• Add timeless, artistic, and unique design elements to your vest
• Learn to work with color mixing, patterns, and different textures
• Elevate your one-of-a-kind vest and bring your vision to life

Final Showcase & Halloween Party

Celebrate your creativity at our Halloween party at ITS OK STUDIOS. This event will feature live music, a designer showcase, an art exhibition, a vendor market, and more. We will also have live workshops and people-creating during the party. Celebrate with us in this unique creative experience guaranteed to connect you with a like-minded community. The party is accessible to the public to celebrate a community of passion-driven creators looking to create a more sustainable, conscious future.

Deliverables:

• A personalized, hand-sewn vest made by you from sustainable materials
• New sewing and upcycling skills, perfect for future projects
• A unique Halloween design to wear at our closing party
• A community of like-minded creatives to help you in your creative journey

Workshop program Location: TTL Makerspace - 192 Spadina Ave. Unit 001a, Toronto, ON M5T 2C2

Workshop program Dates: Wednesdays, October 16, 23, and 30, 6 pm -9 pm

Halloween Party Location/date: Thursday, October 31st, 6 pm-11 pm at ITSOKWORLD - 468 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B2

For questions, email: info@thesharedbag.com

We look forward to celebrating Halloween with you in style and sustainability!