Johanne brousseau is a sewing and serging expert. Her extensive creative and technical sewing knowledge combined with an easy going pace makes her a Festival favourite.
Needle Know How
Is selecting the proper needle for your sewing project sometimes confusing? Here’s your chance to learn the best choices as you view stitch outs with all types of needles on a variety of fabrics. The adventure starts with the popular universal needle with more stitches planned for leather, twin, denim, microtex and stretch needles. Complete your needle tour with quilting, top stitch and wing needles.
Ontario Room – Fri 9:30
Action Wear & Bathing Suits
Construction methods for sewing body suits, bathing suits or any type of action wear are similar. Explore sewing machine and serger techniques for working with stretch fabrics. We’ll talk seam construction, elastic application techniques and how to apply body measurements to a pattern for that perfect fit.
Ontario Room – Fri 2:30
Forever in Blue Jeans
Industrial jean construction can be achieved with your domestic sewing machine. Johanne will walk you through the ins and outs of ready to wear jeans. You’ll learn how to full fell seams, hem pockets, make belt loops and assemble a front fly just like manufacturers!
Ontario Room – Fri 4:30
Bra Talk
7 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra. Are you one of them? Find out what makes a bra fit, how to measure and what fabrics, findings and patterns to use. We’ll go behind the seams and talk about the construction of the bra.
Laurentian Room A – Sat 9:30
Serger Basics
Don’t miss this common-sense approach to understanding the serger. Trouble shoot tensions, make easy, fast thread changes, serge corners and curves and adjust for the fullest of ruffles and stretchiest of seams. Learn to establish a bonding relationship with your serger.
Ontario Room – Sat 10:30
Cleaning & Maintenance: Sewing Machine & Sergers
Oiling and cleaning your sewing machine regularly keeps it running smoothly, prevents wear and tear and protects your investment. It’s important to remove bits of thread and lint build-up around the feed teeth and needle plate. This seminar will help you with basic troubleshooting and most importantly, help you determine when it’s time to contact a certified machine technician.
Ontario Room – Sat 1:30
A Well Made Bed
Join Johanne and discover how you can make your own fitted sheets using simple, basic sewing skills. Use basic geometry to draft a fitted sheet pattern suitable for a boat or trailer. This concept can be applied to all mattress shapes and sizes. We’ll also discuss measurements for flat sheets and pillowcases. A variety of sewing techniques and decorative pillow bands will inspire you to ‘make your bed’!
Ontario Room – Sat 4:30