Peggy Wong (no relation) working on a dress.
It’s tough trying to get your own look these days. The clothing we wear is a key way to express ourselves and tell the world who we are. It is said that you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover but we do it anyways. There’s only so many options for those of us who aren’t interested in paying to advertise for big corporations. Especially when their goods are made overseas from the cheapest available materials. Quality clothing looks good and lasts longer but it can get pricy. That’s where Sheila Wong comes in. She provides the facilities, materials and knowledge for making your own clothes at her Gastown studio.
Sheila Wong teaching me how to sew.
It’s very rewarding making something yourself. You can be creative, practical and economical at the same time. The best part is that you can custom make it to perfectly fit your own shape. If you don’t know what you’re doing Sheila offers lessons for all skill levels. She provides sewing machines that range from simple to industrial. A big part of Sheila’s clientelle are fashion students. She specifcally chose the location for it’s proximity to 5 fashion design schools and 2 fabric stores. She also provides a library with business and marketing books for those who want to brush up or do a little research. In addition, the whole place is adorned with a variety of art for sale by local artists.
The finished Infinity Scarf is very versatile and comfortable.
Sheila opened up SWFDS (Sheila Wong Fashion Design Studio) in May 2010 and is elated with how things are going. She graduated with an international business degree from Mt. Royal in Calgary where she’s from and then came to Vancouver a few years ago to attend Blanche MacDonald’s fashion design program. She is passionate about both business and fashion, combining them with this innovative idea. She loves to sew dresses and although I don’t know very much about fashion I was quite impressed with her designs. Sheila is a warm and vibrant person who has a knack for teaching. Under her direction I was able to make a very professional looking scarf in just a few minutes. Check out www.swfds.com for more info and to get in touch with Sheila.
***Contest*** Everyone who comments on this post will be entered into a contest to win an Infinity Scarf!
Tks for the write-up! Glad you posted the pic of Joel’s versatile infinity scarf.
Yes Sheila…I believe in your business idea! And I hope one day you get that penthouse studio location! You inspire me to sew more…now if I can only make the time. =)
I really admire what this young woman is doing. No one should be without some sewing skills.
I love my infinity scarf. It’s soft and warm around my neck, it keeps me dry, and it looks great. It’s nice to have something that is original and made locally.
That scarf is great! Although i loved mine my daughter wrestled it out of my grasp and wouldn’t take it off. It looks better on her than on me so it is all for the best.
Wow it’s so simple all i have to do is comment on this post and I could win an infinity scarf… woahhhhhh
This is really cool, I get alittle down shopping for clothes when each and every store has the same thing over and over and over. Looking through this website really shows how cool Vancouver and all its people are. Thanks
You are welcome Kyle. We aim to please. Stay tuned. We have all kinds of talented people coming up.
What a wonderful business concept! I love the idea of combining fashion & business, and providing a space that is inspiring for people of all skill levels.
Jessica – ecocessories recently posted..Jewelry Photography Tent
Jessica, i’m glad you found our site. Please subscribe because we will have more marvelous people coming up. I took a look at your blog and love your idea about recycling jewellery. As one photographer to another, I am also jealous of your white box (photography tent). Get in touch with me and we can get together.