It's been a week since I was in this lovely space known as The Workroom. What a delightfully different quilt store! For one, it is not located in a strip mall or out in the boonies. No, it is on an urban street filled with hipsters and streetcars and bums and roti and taco shops. And it is filled with light. Oh, the light! I imagine those same windows make it stifling in the Toronto summers, but right now it was dreamy.
Then again, it might be dreamy no matter what. Karyn, the owner, and her employees are soft spoken and kind. They radiate a quiet energy that makes you smile. It was just so peaceful to be there, in addition to a lot of fun.
Besides, what's not to love about a store dog in a quilt shop? Okay, I'm biased on this one - Maisy kind of reminded me of our old girl that we lost at New Year's - but she was wonderful company. (And no, there wasn't dog hair all over the fabric.)
While I was at The Workroom I taught two classes - The Quilted Storage Box from Sunday Morning Quilts and my Values class. If you don't count my mistake (I was going on less than 4 hours of sleep) on the storage box instructions it was perfect. Everyone finished (thank-you to Quilt Sunday folks for your few minutes of patience). And we had such a range of awesome boxes.
One of the things I really liked about teaching at The Workroom - aside from the very dedicated students - was the space. The tables for students are on one side of the store, with the fabric on the other side. And a giant table in between. It was so nice not to be in a classroom shoved in the back or the basement. Being right there allowed us to take advantage of the light. Have I mentioned the light already? But it also allowed us to be in the thick of things. If someone came in looking for some fabric they saw us and could ask questions. I know some teachers who would hate that, but I loved showing off the students' work to anyone who asked.
The Workroom is also a sewing lounge. You can come in and work on your projects, take advantage of their walking feet or Berninas, and enjoy a cup of tea. Sometimes it would be so nice to just get out of the house and sew. I would take the interruptions of a curious shopper over a toddler most days.
Thank-you so much for having me, Karyn! I hope to come back again soon.
11 comments:
sounds wonderful
sounds like a great place to work and get inspiration from
Looks marvelous! Love TO! Glad you had a lovely time.
Sounds like a good time was had by all. I've ordered purse frames from their store, but have never been in person.
Hooow did I miss you in T.O. ? I live an hour north and would have gladly trekked to the big smoke. I am now quietly weeping......so my family doesn't laugh their fool asses off at me. Harrumph to them I say. It sure looks like it was a great time. I have been to the workroom a couple of times and I agree it is a terrific space.
Oh the light, that would be perfect for taking a class but what a delight to be in a shop with so much real light to view the fabric! I would have loved to have taken your values class as well Cheryl!
Oh man, the workroom looks like a gem of a place. these are such great photos to make me both admire the spot and jealous that I'm not able to call it my lqs.
favorite picture...the one you got of the photographer shooting the boxes. ♥
How fabulous!I would have loved taking one of your classes.
Oh! Oh! Oh! How did I miss this too? Ann's comment could have come from my mouth. I've been there, spent some time quilting while there and would have LOVED to have taken your class. Next time!!! Must keep more on top of the Workroom's schedule clearly ( :
what a great space, it just oozes cool factor. I'm glad you had such a great time :-)
I love the boxes that you taught how to make! I am going to buy your book now :)
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