SEWING STUDIO SERIES
SPECIAL EVENTS
Fundraising
For Beginners and For Advanced Beginners
SEWING STUDIO SERIES
January 11 / January 25, 2026 - 10am
SEWING STUDIO SERIES: LEARN • CREATE • MASTER
Facilitated by Diséiye Thompson
DATES & LEVELS
Sunday, January 11 – Beginners – Denim Tote Bag – 10AM to 3:30PM
Sunday, January 25 – Advanced Beginners - Kimono – 10AM to 3:30PM
TIME:
Includes a 30-minute lunch break (12:30 PM to 1:00 PM). Please bring your own lunch. The Jamii Hub provides cutlery, a fridge, and a microwave if needed.
LOCATION: The Jamii Hub – 264 The Esplanade, Toronto ON M5A 4J6
COST: $150 per session
This is a fundraising initiative for Jamii. By participating in these workshops, you are helping sustain Jamii’s free arts programming. Thank you for supporting creative opportunities in our community! Your payment includes $75 for the workshop cost and a $75 donation toward Jamii’s future free programs eligible for a tax receipt.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
BEGINNERS | Sunday, January 11 | 10am to 3:30pm
Learn essential sewing techniques, including how to operate and thread a sewing machine, and practice foundational stitches. You’ll apply these new skills by creating a simple patchwork denim tote bag! Cut your patchwork pieces from recycled jeans, follow a pattern, and construct your own bag - a fun introduction to sewing while making something practical for everyday use.
No prior experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm!
ADVANCED BEGINNERS | Sunday, January 25 | 10am to 3:30pm
We’ll begin with a quick review of basic sewing skills before jumping straight into creating your very own kimono - a large-scale project that lets you practice straight stitches while making something wearable at home. You’ll work from a pattern, sew the pieces together, and focus on finishing touches to complete your garment.
Prior experience required: Participants should be confident using a sewing machine, familiar with basic stitches, and able to follow a pattern. Previous completion of a few sewing projects is a plus!
WORKSHOP’S SESSIONS BREAKDOWN:
10:00 a.m. – 12:30pm: First session of the day
12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Lunch break (bring your lunch)
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Second session of the day
CAPACITY: Maximum 10 participants per session. Each participant will have their own sewing machine provided. You are welcome to bring your own machine if preferred.
SUPPLIES: All materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own fabric if they wish to personalize their project.
Questions? Email us at info@jamii.ca
Please click the button below for the beginners workshop on January 11.
Please click here for the advanced beginners workshop on January 25.
Photos by Ghader Bsmar
Born in Nigeria, Diséiye Thompson discovered her love for tailoring by repurposing fabrics with her mother’s tailor. She moved to Toronto at 15 and studied Contemporary Arts at Ryerson University, then trained in design at The Toronto Academy of Design, graduating in 2016 and showcasing her collection at Toronto Fashion Week. Drawing on her Nigerian heritage and involvement in the ballroom community, Diséiye’s designs celebrate vibrant colors, bold silhouettes, and self-expression. She has honed her skills through apprenticeships with Greta Constantine, designing for Lea-ann Belter Bridal, and creating her own line showcased at Fashion Art Toronto and Brosche Bridal. Now specializing in custom, made-to-order clothing to reduce the fashion industry’s impact, Diséiye also works as a celebrity stylist, styling artists such as Aiza, SATE, Ceréna, and DVSN for music videos and live performances.