About the Studio
Sew Be It Studio is a Toronto based company committed to promoting the art of sewing, fashion design, knitting, theatrical costuming and things creative hands can make.
Our classes and workshops are offered in a fully equipped, unique, comfortable and inspiring atmosphere.
Our instructors are renowned experts in their industry. They are the best of the best.
We provide all the machines (industrial and domestic), including sergers for the students to use in class, at no extra cost. (Let's face it, it's not to easy carry the beast around on the subway). We try to make it as convenient as possible for our students.
Come and learn the tricks of the trade. Turn your creative ideas into reality!
WHO WE ARE
If knitting and crafts are "the new yoga," we at Sew Be It Studio are gurus. Our instructors specialize in sewing, knitting, fashion, tailoring, beading and embroidery. We have the talent, expertise, skill and experience to help you solve any conundrum, whether related to craft or life!
SEWING DEPARTING
DILYS TONG - is a graduate of both the University of Alberta's Design and Textile Science Program and the International Academy of Design focusing largely on theatrical costuming. She has worked on production teams for the Lion King, Mamma Mia, Hair Spray, and The Producers to name a few. She has also been recognized for the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects and sewing/business expertise by many media outlets including: Breakfast Television, CBC, and Toronto Star. In 2005, Dilys collaborated with a number of fellow artists and designers to create Sew Be It Studio in Toronto, and in 2009, she partnered with Lindsey Wise to open its sister location, Sew Be It Girl.
DARCI CHEYNE - Half her lifetime ago, Darci taught herself to sew out of necessity. After graduating from George Brown College Creative Fashion Design, Darci studied with The Couture Society to master custom pattern drafting, focusing on intricate evening wear. After working in film and television, on shows such as Relic Hunter, Nikita, Mutant X, and Wildcard, Darci returned to George Brown to receive a certificate in Fashion and Theatrical Millinery. Darci's multifaceted talent led to her involvement with major musical productions including The Producers, Hairspray and The Lord of the Rings.
TARAH BURKE - After studying in New York, Paris, and Florence, Tarah returned to Toronto with a BA in Costume Design from the London College of Fashion, and a AA in International Fashion Design from FIT. Tarah has had a wonderful career that has allowed her to work in many different areas of costume and fashion design. She has designed and worked on numerous theatre, film and television productions in Canada, the United States and England. As well as her career as a costume designer, Tarah maintains a very successful contract business working with private clients as well as large corporate contracts. Tarah's love of all areas of fashion has encouraged her to explore all aspects of the fashion industry. She has worked as a costume designer, fashion designer (couture and ready to wear), photo and personal stylist, seamstress and pattern maker, merchandiser,and fashion marketing consultant and product designer.
SARAH MELAMED - Sarah holds a BFA in Theatre Design from York University, and has studied men's tailoring at the Banff Centre for the Arts. She ahs worked as a costume and set designer for many shows in the Toronto area over the last 10 years, and has been a part of wardrobe teams for The Banff Centre for the Arts, The Alberta Ballet, The Canadian Opera Company, and Mirvish Seamless Costumes. In addition to her work as a costume designer and seamstress, Sarah works in set and interior design, where she has supervised the outfitting and design ofseveral housing projects, including two private cottages for the Canadian comedian Jim Carey. She maintains private mentorship program in Arts, Design, and Professional development in theatre and fashion, and takes private tailoring contracts. Sarah met Dilys while working on the world premier of the Lord of The Rings, and the rest is history.
JOSETTE LUYCYK- Art Wear artist/designer, Josette Luyckx holds a degree in fashion design from Ryerson University. For the past nine years she has collaborated with weaver Marie Payne producing their line of limited edition or one-of-a-kind Marie Josette wearable art jackets, shawls, and scarves for women. Josette designs, patternmakes and builds all of their wearable art pieces letting Marie's hand-dyed and handwoven fabrics inspire each new design. She is always challenging herself with two rules: learn something new when drafting a pattern and when constructing or embellishing a piece. Most days Josette can be found at her studio which is located at The Historic Distillery District working on a new piece or a custom order.
KNITTING DEPARTMENT
ALLISON COVEY: Taught herself to knit many years ago and hasn't stopped since. She is a self-confessed yarn junkie who fears she may never catch up to her stash. In a valiant effort however, she designs and knits garments for everyone from her brother to her dog. Very involved in local alternative fashion, she is at home with lace, beading, texture and colourwork alike and has a passion for infecting others with a love of the craft.
BRA MAKING DEPARTMENT
CARRIE RUSSELL: After earning her degree in Visual Art, Carrie continued to pursue a creative career and graduated from the fashion design program at Fanshawe College. Her love of all things girly led her to specialize in creating lingerie. She has made her mark in the industry as a creative consultant for licensed lingerie brands, but is best known for outfitting some of today’s most exciting burlesque performers. Presently Carrie showcases her vintage inspired lingerie creations in several specialty boutiques.
