Sewing in Toronto

Times Have Changed

I remember my Grandmother toiling away in the back room behind the kitchen with the whir of her machine chewing its way through mountains of beautiful fabrics. I was in awe of her ability to take the simpleist of fabrics and transform them into beautiful quilts, and clothing for the family.

There was little else to do in our Northern town of 1800 people and of course, she being the only teacher in the commnunity was looked up to as a resource and figure of note. We all of course wanted to mimic her every move as did many ladies from town. I of course had the edge on them all I, Elissa Fitzpatrick was one of her granddaughters.


Times have changed but not a great deal. From my modest upbringing on Queen Street East, then on the fringe of Toronto, I often dreamed of marrieing and providing the same amount of love through my attempts to provide for my children. I still do like many other women in the city. There is no greater act of passion than creating something for the ones you love.

Now as a grandma myself, I get to do the same thing. Although my fabric choices have changed to prints of Sponge Bob Square Pants and Spider man I still receive the same joy I had a when I made clothing for my own children.

The city has seemed to grown around me at an unfathomable rate and no longer is it as easy for me to get around the city like I used to. My kids bought me this computer and taught me a few tricks to allow me the ability to find things easier, to communicate with my friends, and to share tips; tricks of the trade.


I thought what a better way to do this than to create a network of sewing resources from around the city. It would appear that sewing is experiencing a resurgence (No pun intended.) Many young people and old are discovering how fun and satisfying it is to get that treadle purring. They are discovering that it not so hard to do and that you can make designer clothes with a simple sewing machine.

Millions of Sewing Machines To Choose From

It can be overwhelming the amount of choices of machines that one can by. It is important that you by the right one for you. They come in all shapes and sizes, with various purposes for every skill level. I would recommend purchasing a machine that will not cost you an arm and a leg but one that will allow you to get to know the hobby to see if it is right for you. Many second sites have tons to choose from but again be careful sewing machines can be expensive to fix.

Over the next few weeks I will add sewing tips, advice, and do an online poll of what visitors think is a good machine to buy on the market today. I will try to figure out how to add videos from a site my grandchild has shown me called You Tube. It is full of great ideas and tips on the use and maintenance of sewing machine. I have also included links on the side of my site that will take you to area merchants that sell reliable products at a fair price.

I look forward to hearing about your sewing stories and urge you to add your own tips and advice, as well as becoming a member of my site. I look forward to hearing from you.

Take care,

Elissa Fitzpatrick; Sewing Fanatic