Sewing Department

Dilys Tong - After graduating with a degree in Fashion Design and Textile Sciences from the University of Alberta, Dilys worked as a design assistant until she decided to move to Toronto to expand her creative mind by working in theatrical costuming. She studied at the International Academy of Design and upon graduation was hired by Mirvish to work on the production team creating costumes for such Broadway hits as Lion King, Producers and Mamma Mia. In collaboration with her fellow artists and designers in the industry, Dilys creative zeal informed an entrepreneurial ideal; Dilys opened Sew Be It Studio in 2005.

Sam E Wyton - Sam graduated from George Brown College, Kensington Market Campus, with a Creative Fashion Design degree. Her enthusiasm for eclectic and cutting edge design led her to showcase her designs in hair and fashion shows, to create drag queen costumes and the theatre. With thirteen years experience, Sam's career has covered a wide range of period, modern and abstract costumes. Sam has worked for Canadian Stage, Mirvish Enterprises, Livent, The Stratford Festival, The National Ballet, The Canadian Opera Company, as well as for film and television. Sam presently works with Seamless Costumes on Lord of the Rings.

Anita O'Toole - Anita has 15 years of professional experience in all areas of theatrical and film costuming but she has been sewing since her sister taught her when she was 10 years old. She has worked on the costumes for productions including The Lion King, Lord of The Rings and Wicked. A graduate of Dalhousie University Costume Design Studies program, she brings a wonderful talent to our studio.

Daphne Mohajer - Daphne is a Third Year Fashion Design student at Ryerson University. She learned sewing and everything she knows about home decor and window treatments in her mother's workroom in the basement of her house. Her mother is a huge inspiration to her. Daphne is currently 1/8th owner of a small boutique on Bloor Street called The Freedom Clothing Collective. The boutique sells the work of local fashion designers and students, as well as some vintage finds. She will continue to nuture this labor of love until she can befriend a female rock star and become her personal wardrobe designer.

Beading and Surface Decoration Department

Pam Woodward - Pam is a versatile textile artist working in costuming. During the past 38 years, Pam has worked in all areas of performance costuming including theatre, television, and film. As she moved through her career, Pam developed a specialization in fabric dyeing, decoration, and the process of aging costumes known as breakdown. She has been fortunate to work in the founding season of a number of  companies and organizations throughout the city. They include the St. Lawrence Center, Livent, Soulpepper, Shakespeare Works, and Sew Be It Studio. She has most recently been involved in curriculum development and teaching costume breakdown for a new Seneca College Postgraduate program in Film Wardrobe.

Patricia Armour - Pat first began to embroider at about the age of five, taught by her mother. Since then she has studied under numerous national and international teachers. Proficient now in stumpwork, goldwork, various counted techniques, surface embroidery and quilting. Pat has accepted commissions to create one of a kind clothing, quilted banners, and unique embroideries. She has taught design, quilting, and embroidery in the Toronto area for many years. Experience Pat’s love of the threaded needle while enjoying the creative process for yourself.

Millinery Department

Monica Viani - Monica Viani's professional career as a Theatrical Milliner and Craftsperson has been very exciting and incredibly satisfying. She has built hats, headdresses, accessories, puppets and even small props for many major Theatre Companies, Ballet, Opera, the Film Industry and the Fashion Industry. Her most recent  credits, as head Milliner at Seamless Costumes include Mamma Mia, The Lion King, The Producers, Hair Spray and The Lord of The Rings. Monica also teaches Theatrical Milliney within Ryerson University's Theatrical Studies Department. Ms. Viani's most recent endeavor includes the set up and operation of her own Millinery Studio in Toronto's west end. Here she continues to build custom hats by appointment only.

 Pattern Drafting and Making Department

Josette Luyckx - 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 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 in drafting a new pattern and something new in the construction of the piece or in some form of embellishment. You can find her on most days at the studio which is located at The Distillery Historic 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, Allison is allergic to doilies and tea cozies and enjoys smashing all the knitter stereotypes. She is at home with lace, beading, texture and colourwork alike and has a passion for infecting others with a love of the craft.