Join The Sewing Workshop Team in the beautiful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada. In this workshop, you'll be spending the days making a Hong Kong Vest in English boucle while immersing yourself in this splended & picturesque Niagara region. The event will take place at the Shaw Club Hotel, the perfect walkable location to enjoy all of the delightful ammenities of this sweet little town.
Using the Hong Kong Vest pattern, you will learn how to construct the garment in a way that is tailored for English boucle fabric. Boucle knit is our go-to fabric for transitional seasons – it's the perfect weight for layering and comes in a variety of colors. The term boucle refers to the knitting method where the fibers have a small loop, which gives the fabric a textured appearance. These fabrics handle beautifully and in this class you will learn how to lap the seams and then stitch the edge and trim instead of fussing with hems.
The Sewing Workshop team will walk you through the process of creating your own Hong Kong Vest. Students will gain the tools and techniques in order to create their own beautiful garment. The workshop will begin in The Shaw Club Wellington Room venue where you will work through the various construction elements of the Hong Kong Vest. The day will include breakfast, sewing and a lunch break, followed by more time in the sewing studio. In the early afternoons & evenings, students are free & encouraged to enjoy the local attractions of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Included is a farewell dinner at a local winery on Wednesday evening.
A special room rate at The Shaw Club Hotel is secured. See below for more details on the hotel.
Make a Hong Kong Vest in English boucle fabric!
We think you'll love this Asian-style vest in our favorite boucle fabric. The Hong Kong vest is the perfect third-piece garment with front lapels, back belts and an overlapping closure. This is a no-fuss fabric since not much ironing or finishing is needed. The pattern will release in October of 2024. When you sign up for this workshop, you'll recieve the online class for the Hong Kong Vest, which will help you prepare your sewing before the event.
What you will learn in the workshop:
- How to make your very own Hong Kong Vest pattern using English boucle
- How to sew a shaped lapel
- Considering underlining for your garment
- How to construct two back belts as an added detail
- How to sew miters
- How to sew with pressing templates for perfect hems
- How to sew using raw edge construction for seams and finishes
When: September 7 - 11, 2025
Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada | The Shaw Club Hotel
Registration: Pay your non-refundable $400 deposit to secure your spot! The remaining balance of $1700 will be due in June, 2025.
This is a bring-your-own sewing machine workshop, however, sewing machine rentals are available for an additional fee of $100, rented through The Sewing Workshop (limited availability).
About Niagara-on-the-Lake:
Niagara-on-the-Lake is often described as the “prettiest town in Ontario”. This picturesque town captures the beauty of old town charm. Located along Lake Ontario and just minutes away from Niagara Falls, the area is full of over 120 wineries, a fantastic theater offering, notable historical monuments and a walkable downtown district that is absolutely delightful.
September is a desireable time to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is considered one of their peak-seasons due to the pleasent, bright weather. There are immaculate flower beds placed across the old town district, and you'll be able to enjoy the region in its full capacity.
Looking for things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake?
- Check out the Wine Trolly Tour and enjoy Ontario Wine Country, exclusive to Shaw Club Hotel guests
- Explore the quaint town along Queen Street
- Visit the Fort George National Historical Site
Itinerary:
*Itinerary subject to change
Sunday, September 7th
- 3:00pm Check in to The Shaw Club Hotel
- 6:00pm Welcome Dinner
Monday, September 8th
- 8:00am - 9:00am Breakfast at Zee’s
- 9:00am Workshop Begins
- 12:00 - 1:00pm Lunch
- 5:00pm Workshop Ends
Tuesday, September 9th
- 8:00am - 9:00am Breakfast at Zee’s
- 9:00am Workshop Begins
- 12:00 - 1:00pm Lunch
- 5:00pm Workshop Ends
Wednesday, September 10th
- 8:00am - 9:00am Breakfast at Zee’s
- 9:00am Workshop Begins
- 12:00 - 1:00pm Lunch
- 5:00pm Workshop Ends
- 6:00pm Trolly to Wine Bar - Farewell Dinner
Thursday, September 11th
- 8:00am - 9:00am Breakfast at Zee’s
- 9:00am Workshop Begins
- 12:00 - 1:00pm Lunch
- 5:00pm Workshop Ends
- Farewell / Check Out
Price:
Total Workshop Cost: $2100
Non-refundable Deposit: $400 (due at time of registration)
The remaining balance of $1700 will be due 60 days on or before July 9th, 2025
Non-Participant Fee: $400
Non-Participant Fee includes: Welcome Reception, transportation to winery, farewell dinner, lunch each day
Included:
- Workshop Admission
- Breakfast at Zee’s
- Lunches - Monday through Thursday
- Welcome showcase - Sunday
- Farewell Dinner & transportation - Wednesday
Not Included:
- Hotel accomodations
- Round trip airfare or travel
- Dinners (except if otherwise noted)
- Sewing machine (unless requested to rent through The Sewing Workshop for an additional fee of $100)
- Hong Kong Vest pattern and materials
- Ground transportation (except as noted for group visits)
- Travel Insurance
The Shaw Club Hotel - 92 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the Lake, ON, LOS 1J0
Room Rate:
Single / Double Occupancy Rooms: $255 (CAD) Sunday - Wednesday
Rooms are available before and after the event start /end dates but at an alternate rate.
How to book:
Please contact the Hotel’s Reservations Department by either of the following:
- Website: Go to niagarasfinest.com and entering the Reservation Number 262428 in the “Group ID” box of the booking screen
- Phone: Call the Reservations Department at 1-800-474-0632 and requesting the “Reservation Line” at least 45 days prior to September 7th 2025.
Mention that you are with The Sewing Workshop along with your check-in and check-out dates. Please note that the Hotel does not accept personal cheques.
The Sewing Workshop has guaranteed a room rate at The Shaw Club for $225 (Canadian Dollars) for Sunday through Wednesday. Should you wish to check-in earlier or later, the room rate will change.
- Breakfast included at Zee’s Grill Monday through Thursday
- Complimentary wireless Internet throughout the entire hotel
- Complimentary on-site parking lot available for The Shaw Club guests
Airport:
If you are planning to into a USA-based city, it is possible to take an Uber or Taxi into Canada. Please note that you will drive through Customs and your passport will be required upon arrival.
Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) - 36 mins
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) - 1 hour, 21 mins
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) - 55 mins
Cleveland International Airport (CLE) - 3 hours, 30 mins
Weather:
In September, temperatures range from 72°F to a low of 60°F; moderate temperatures and a chance of moderate rainfall. September is peak season and a desirable time to be in the Niagara region.
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