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We’re celebrating our 25th Anniversary with extra special savings for you in our annual Spring Flyer! We’ve even done a spread on our top 25 favourite, long-lasting notions that date back to our first ever catalogue and given them big discounts! Click on the first page below to see the whole flyer.
Thank you all for helping us reach this great milestone. Here’s to the next 25!
Warm regards,
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Ron Collins – ExclusiveRon’s back with two all-new classes!Ron Collins is Canada’s best known sewing personality and he’s back at A Great Notion with two all-new classes! He has inspired audiences with appearances on HGTV, Sew Perfect, and Eyes on Toronto, to name a few. He was also a celebrated guest instructor at the Helen Lefeaux School of Fashion Design in Vancouver.
Ron will share with you new techniques and secrets to help you learn how to create incredible garments that fit and flatter your body.
Sign up today!Only a few spots left in each class.Dress Pant Fitting & ConstructionAre you disappointed in the fit of your dress pants? Join Ron in a 2-day pant fitting workshop! Discover how to identify and correct your fitting problems, then you’ll alter your pattern to make these adjustments. Learn how to create a smooth, clean silhouette for a flatter looking stomach, and the world’s best fly front technique so the zipper won’t be exposed at the centre front of the pants! Ron will share these and other “secrets” with you!
Working & Fitting with KnitsUncover great techniques at this knit how-to workshop! Bring your favourite knit garment pattern & fabric and you’ll learn everything you need for beautiful results when sewing knits: ease, pattern layout, marking, cutting, interfacing, thread, needles, seam and hem finishes, closures, and more! Also learn how to stabilize necklines, shoulder seams, and armholes to stop them from stretching out. Need pattern adjustments for a great fit? Learn how to change your pattern to fit you. Come learn to sew the fabric you love to wear!
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My name is Susan and I have been employed at A Great Notion for just about 3 and a half years. I have an excellent knowledge of the fabrics and notions we sell as well as our sewing machines. My main goal is to offer the best customer service I can and to make the most of your visit to the store. I pride myself in helping with good fabric selection and finding that one last fabric you need for your quilt. I also have a great knowledge of the notions we sell to make your sewing/quilting/embroidery project a breeze. My main love has always been in garment sewing and more recently home décor projects. Over the last few years I have learned to quilt and although I like the smaller projects, I am ready to take on a larger challenge.
I am writing this blog as I hear quite often about the other place, our competition and their great prices. I spent some time at my local fabric store (a Canadian chain), recorded some prices, looked at the quality of their product and listened for the service given. I must say not once while I was in there and taking tons of notes was I asked if I needed any help. Anyone that knows me knows I ask if you need help within the first 10 seconds of you being in the shop. I also found their quilting cottons to be of a lesser quality, but I also found some great deals on fabrics as long as I was a member. There are lots of fabrics that we do not sell and I do occasionally have to shop at other places. If you are looking for everyday sewing and quilting notions and good quality cottons then I think our store has it all. I have attached a chart showing some comparison pricing.
The choice is yours: Some things will be cheaper if you shop around and are willing to pay a membership fee, but for all your quilting needs at a GREAT price with GREAT service, A Great Notion is the place to shop.
Sewing is a great pastime, but there are so many sewing tools out there that it can be intimidating for beginners to figure out exactly what you need to get started. There are plenty of notions that will come in handy later on, but here’s a list of essential tools to get you started as a beginner sewist that you will use now AND when you’re an expert.
1. Materials. You always need the right fabric, thread, and sewing machine needles for your project. Check your pattern for details on what kind fabric to use, and always match your needles and thread to your fabric or project. For example, for embroidery you will often use a 40 wt rayon thread whereas for garment sewing you’ll choose a standard cotton or polyester to match the fabric you are using. There’s a handy guide to choosing the right machine needle here.
2. Seam Ripper. Lets face it: mistakes will be made. This little guy is (unfortunately) one of my most important tools!
3. Scissors. A good pair of fabric shears are necessary and can make a world of difference in how quickly and easily you can cut your pieces out. Don’t frustrate yourself by using the wrong scissors! These Gingher scissors are one of my favourites, but this 2-piece Klasse set is also a great option.
4. Marking Pens. There are several kinds to choose from here, and mostly it comes down to personal preference. I prefer a water soluble or heat erasable pen because it gives me as much time as I need to complete my project before it disappears, but if you are working on a quick project or something that won’t be washed, an air erasable pen that fades away on its own would be the best one for the job. Or, pick a pen like this one that does double duty – one end is water soluble and the other side fades away!
5. Pins & Pincushion. Pins are another necessary item for your sewing room, and you’ve got to have somewhere to store them! From the classic Tomato Pin Cushion to a super functional magnetic one, there are several options to choose from. My favourite is this Grabbit magnetic pin cushion and these are great basic pins to get you started.
6. Point Turner. This is a much less obvious choice, but a point turner will help you take your projects from looking homemade to being professional quality. It is used to turn out your corners, collars, or points so they look clean and precise. Make sure you press them with your iron after turning too!
7. Extra Bobbins. You will quickly run out of spare bobbins, and your projects will turn out much better if you use the correct bobbin thread for the job. There isn’t much that’s more annoying than having to unwind a bobbin because you don’t have a spare! There is a selection of bobbins here, and we have an even bigger selection in the store.
8. Tape Measure. Another staple in the sewing room. You’ll use this both with taking your measurements and for marking your fabric. This is a good basic tape measure, but a small retractable one can be just as useful.
9. Ruler. A good, clear ruler is extremely helpful with marking and cutting fabric. I really like the line of Omnigrip rulers, and my go-to is the 6″ x 24″ size. I use it for nearly every project I do.
There you have it – a complete list of everything you need to get started with sewing.
Tell me: What are your essential sewing basket tools?
We’re thrilled to have Johanne back with us this winter at our Surrey store with her popular classes!
Johanne Brousseau has always loved to sew and since 1978 has shared her enthusiasm and knowledge by teaching sewing and pattern making. Her career began as a pattern maker/designer for a local jeans company, and 8 years later, Johanne founded Creation Unique: a couture studio sewing custom-made evening and bridal wear that evolved later into a successful retail sewing machine business. Johanne is a fashion sewing expert with industry experience. Her extensive sewing knowledge combined with her easy-going pace makes her classes extremely popular. Sign up soon – most of Johanne’s previous special event classes at A Great Notion sold out!
Get ready for swimsuit season with a new stylish bathing suit that is fit for your figure. Johanne will teach you to adjust and modify your pattern according to YOUR measurements, and you’ll get tips on serging and handling the most stretchy seams. Learn how to insert foam cups and how to apply and topstitch elastic as well. The techniques you learn in this class can also be applied to gymnastic, skate, dance and yoga wear. One 7-hour class: $95 plus supplies.
Friday, February 14; 9:30-5:00
Bra-making Level OneEight out of ten women wear the wrong size bra and it seems that no matter what you are willing to pay or what size you take, it is difficult to find a bra that fits. In our 2-day day Bra-making Workshop, you’ll learn to sew a bra for yourself and have it professionally fitted to your unique body. This classic full band bra can be made with or without underwires and has great lift and support. It has been specially designed to use with low-stretch fabrics, which give the best support and a flattering profile. Once you have a basic bra that fits, you can make a second bra to really strengthen your bra making skills. You’ll end up with the best fitting bra you’ve ever owned! This is one of the best classes you will ever take. With Johanne’s expert fitting you will go home with bras that fit, are comfortable, and look good. Bras are fun and easy to make once you have your own fitted pattern. If you can set in a sleeve, you can sew a bra. $250 class fee includes fabric and findings to make 2 bras.
Saturday and Sunday, February 15 and 16; 9:30-5:00 or
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 18 and 19; 9:30-5:00
Not just for active wear, knits are used in all types of garments and Johanne is here to teach you all the ins and outs of sewing with knits in this lecture/demo-style class. Learn how to sew stretchy seams that do not pucker, make narrow straps, hidden pockets, and decorative bindings. You’ll be able to achieve “ready to wear” looks on every garment you make. All you need to bring with you to class is a pen and paper for note taking. $32
Monday, February 17; 9:30-12:30
Making underwear is simple – come to this lecture/demo class with Johanne to find out how easy it can be! Panties and sports bras that look stylish and fit well are simple to make once you understand how they are constructed. Johanne will show you the techniques used to give that professional look to your garments including inserting elastic and finishing seams. All you need to bring with you to class is a pen and paper for note taking. $32
Monday, February 17; 2:00-5:00
Have fun making a pair of perfectly fitting jeans. Johanne’s has a background in designing and making jeans for a large commercial jean company. Using a pattern that Johanne developed from her years in the garment industry you will learn to sew jeans that rival ready to wear. Using garment industry techniques you will learn a quick way to insert a fly front, make belt loops, and specialty seam finishes. With this basic pattern you will be able to replicate any new fashion jean. $220 class fee includes pattern; supplies extra.
Thursday and Friday, February 20 and 21; 9:30-5:00
See you there!
