My new neighbour: Karyn Valino + The Workroom


The Workroom Store front

Owner Karyn Valino with gorgeous fabric in background

Beautiful Denyse Schmidt fabric

Happy crafter Karen

Happy Crafters Michelle and Karen again

My A pillow - almost done.

Starting today I'll be posting about some of my favorite spots in my new neighbourhood Parkdale/West Queen West. First up is a space I consider a major highlight of the hood: The Workroom at 1340 Queen St. West.

The Workroom is a "sew & craft by the hour" space run by former colour consultant Karyn Valino. It's a big, beautiful space equipped with sewing machines, sergers, work tables and a comfy couch! It's also stocked with books, patterns, and an absolutely gorgeous selection of fabrics - including several by my favorite Denyse Schmidt! Quite sigh worthy. The workroom offers classes in clothing, quilting, beginner upholstery, pattern drafting and even canning (!) plus it hosts a Stitch 'n Bitch evening the first Tuesday of each month.
I attended last Tuesday's Stitch n' Bitch and had a great time chatting with Karyn + fellow crafters while working on my A pillow. Dresses and ties were made and much fun was had by all. (Note the bottle of wine in the photo!) Thanks Karyn!

The Workroom
1340 Queen St.West
Highly recommended

In a Paris State of mind


Stunning photograph from Vogue Fall 2006
Love the hoop skirt and handpainted mural in bkgd and the birdcage!

Gorgeous apt in Paris SIGH
Love the big ornate mirror and white walls

Again love the big mirror, detailed fireplace and hit of pink!

Frenchy furniture sketches

Reference

Coat of arms

Sketch of interior (used in pink dayroom)

Doors with detailed moulding

Trish Grantham's bedroom found on Design Sponge

In both life and work I'm in a Paris state of mind at the moment. Am working on a sketch of a drawing room filled with many french flourishes such as detailed moulding, chandeliers and squiggly birdcages. In life I'm decorating my new space and am aspiring to 'french flea market' complete with white walls, big mirrors, and yes... squiggly birdcages! The photos above are a huge inspiration.