Sewing Studio

Reserve a time to use the library’s sewing machines to work on your own projects. Bring your own materials. Equipment available for you to use at the booking includes:

• Janome 2030 QDC-B sewing machines; 
• Sewing and dressmaking shears; 
• Rotary cutters and cutting mats;
• Irons and ironing boards; 
• Dressmaker’s chalk; 
• Measuring tapes; 
• Pins; 
• Bobbins;
• Denim needles and ball point/jersey needles.

Book a sewing machine

1. Email us at info@nvcl.ca or call 604-998-3490 to book a machine for the same day or up to one day in advance. You will need your library card and be in good standing to book a machine. Your booking is not confirmed until you hear from us.
2. Sewing machines are available for 1 – 3 hours during open sewing sessions.
3. If you are more than 10 minutes late for your booking, your spot will be opened to another user.

Guidelines

• Open sewing is not a class; we will not be working on projects together. A staff member will be present to assist with basic questions and setup, but no instruction will take place. 
• Please bring your own projects and supplies. Scraps will be available for testing only.
• If this is your first time using the library’s sewing machines, please read the Sewing Machine Guidelines and Disclaimer(352 KB).
• Open sewing and use of library sewing machines is only available to people 13 and older with a library card in good standing; kids 12 and younger must work with an adult caregiver. 

Open sewing at the library is a self-learning environment. Need help? Here are some learning resources to get you started: 

Library sewing machine resources:

• NVCL’s guide to Janome 2030 QDC-B sewing machine
• Janome 2030 QDC-B Product page 
• Threading the Janome 2030 QDC video 

Beginner projects on Creativebug*: 

• Sewing Machine Basics (7 minutes) 
• Basic sewing: Seams (14 minutes)
• Sew a butterfly wrap (13 minutes) 
• Beginner sewing: Market tote bag (37 minutes) 
• Sew the wanderlust tee (29 minutes) 

*Creativebug is a Digital Library resource and can be accessed with your library card.