Empire Make Space — Local services in Hamilton

This is such a great spot to learn to sew! I signed up for a beginner 1-on-1 lesson with Ariane, who is so kind, patient and passionate about her craft. I brought in an old sewing machine and she taught me all the steps customized to my machine to help me make my first sewing project with confidence. She helped me set goals for my next few projects and assisted with resources to find supplies to make them come to life. I left with excitement to head home and continue sewing what we started!

Ariane didn’t know how special this experience was for me, as I lost my mom a few years ago and have been finding a lot of healing through using her machine to learn to sew (something she was amazing at!). Grief is so weird but I can’t imagine a safer space to explore learning a new skill. 100% would recommend to anyone new or advanced as she has a wealth of knowledge, fabric and community drop ins making it an affordable...

Awesome sewing DIY shop with a selection of handmade, upcycled and select second hand items. For sewists, there are 4 sewing machines, one serger (overlocker) that I could see plus a large drafting/cutting table upstairs and another downstairs (not sure if the downstairs area is in use or not). There are fabrics, ribbons and buttons for sale as well as pins, needles, sewing needles, bobbins, thread and anything you might need when using a sewing machine. Independent use of space is $5/hr and it can be booked on their website in 3 hour blocks but, right now, it strikes me that the owner is not strict about dropping in as long as occupancy and public health limits are respected. The owner is charming, accommodating and pleasant to talk to. I will definitely be...

Wow!! I took a private lesson this evening and I had so much fun and left feeling way more confident about sewing, and filled with great and useful knowledge! The owner is friendly and she really has a wealth of information. She's a great teacher!! I felt really comfortable there and I'm impressed I was able to learn all about my old sewing machine, some newer ones she has at the shop, and also managed to make a tote bag ! The last time I was sewing was way back in middle school, and I had basically forgotten everything I knew. Now I can go forward with my new hobby with basic skills and a good level of confidence. Thank you so much! Will be recommending to all of my friends, and visiting often for fabric needs and further assistance with projects...