Sewing
One on one sewing consultations with Isaruit Inuit elder sewing instructors. Tuesday and Thursday afternoon/evening sewing sessions, Inuit sewing styles patterns development and skills in fabrics and furs, from miniature kamiks to family tents, by hand and machine..
Overview
Threads That Fix Us
Sewing is more than a craft – it’s memory, pride, and practical care. As we sew, we put together our lives. At Isaruit you can learn to sew an amautik, customize a parka, sew sealskin mitts, repair vintage garments, bead, quilt, and share stories, etcetera, all under one roof. Registering for a group session or being mentored one-on-one means you’re never stitching alone.
Care Packages
Supplies Delivered to Your Door
Need materials but can’t get to the shop? Request a pre-packed kit:
- Beading
- Wall Hangings
- Upik making
- Crocheting/Knitting or Finger Weaving
These can be picked up or delivered to your home by the Post Office or by Isaruit staff.
Sewing Supplies
Trusted Inuit-Friendly Vendors
We keep an updated list of suppliers who understand Inuit materials, ship quickly, and offer fair pricing:
- Gaston Henry Fourrures – quality pelts & hides
- Brador Fabrics – broad stock; same-week shipping to Nunavut
- Beaded Dreams – seed beads, waxed thread, craft goods
- Raddisson Furs – A Canadian team specializing in tanning, taxidermy and grading furs
Need something special? Email us and we’ll help source it—or bulk-order on your behalf to reduce freight costs.
Support for Inuit Sewers
From Tune-Ups to Market Days
- Sewing Machine tune-ups & loaners – book a maintenance slot or borrow a portable singer.
- Friday Drop-In (1-4 PM, Room 310) – come and share country food and conversation with fellow Inuit or have some tea and palaugaq, (free Wi-Fi.)
- Tuesday and Thursday afternoon/evening sewing project sessions – watch for registration details on Isaruit’s Facebook page.
- One-on-one mentoring – 1-5 Wednesday – Friday – accessing Isaruit’s archive of traditional patterns, sealskin project preparation,, fit adjustments, bead-edging
- Monthly Market Days – sell finished pieces or accept custom orders (no table fee for Inuit artists).
- Website & social gallery development – staff can coach you in protecting the copyright of your works, and help you photograph and post your work to help you reach buyers.
Rideau Hub
815 St. Laurent Blvd., Room 310, Ottawa, ON K1K 3A7
Phone
Bus Routes
OC Transpo #12, #7 (St-Laurent / Donald stop)
Ready to Create?
Reserve a Spot or Ask a Question
Email our Programs Coordinator, to book machine time, join a class, or figure out which kit is right for you.
Friday drop-ins welcome – no appointment needed.
Related Events
What’s Happening in Sewing
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