buy handmade :: anna joyce

During our visit to the Show of Awesome, a friend of mine bought a throw pillow to add to her collection from Anna Joyce Designs. i didn't pay much attention at the time, but on the car ride home, I realized that this was one of the most beautiful works of applique I have ever seen. Handmade from start to finish, Anna Joyce uses a mixture of vintage and new fabrics to create modern looking clothing and home accessories.


I'm loving her hoodies right now and of course, the throw pillows!

France's Sewing School

photo credit: Strumpet's Crumpets

France, a Vancouver local, opened her own sewing school in January 2000 offering sewing classes, summer camps, special workshops and knitting classes to children and teenagers in both English and in French. Her mission is to allow children to develop their creativity, self-esteem and imagination in a relaxed atmosphere.

France offers sewing summer camps for children aged 7 to 17 during the month of July. France's studio is equipped with everything any sewer would dream of including six computerized sewing machines, one serger and an embroidering machine. Beginner sewers learn the basics of sewing, how to read, pin, cut and assemble patterns. Kids have a variety of projects to choose from including a sewing bag, skirt, shorts, cushion or other crafts. Advanced students have an opportunity to work on the serger, learn to make darts, use interfacing, sew set-in sleeves, zippers, buttonholes, and / or quilting.

Spaces are limited, so if you are interested, make sure you check out her website.