Gift idea: Aprons are great to give. They’re easy to make, don’t require a lot of fabric, and everyone loves to get one that actually looks good. Personalize it with a patchwork monogram, embellish it with appliqués, and make your own bias tape (with a bright-coloured or bold-patterned fabric) to use for the trim and ties.

In school: I had a great time in my sewing classes. My teacher made us do endless demos (which made the quality of my garments so much better) and I made lots of things that I loved—and kept—for many, many years.

Now: I dream of finding the time to make things for myself. Every year I start, yet don’t finish, a new winter jacket. My fix-this-now pile is out of control and I have endless patterns and piles of fabric that I have yet to use.

Sewing tip: Cut the pattern pieces for your favourite garment out of oilcloth—the pattern's tissue pieces won’t last through repeated use. Drape the oilcloth pieces over a hanger and file the directions and the original tissue pieces in a plastic folder for safekeeping.

Gift idea: Tote/reusable rags. Everyone should do their part to save the earth.

Now: Bags, accessories, and smaller, manageable items are more my forte.

Sewing tip: Don’t be scared to create, to embellish, and to use your imagination.

Gift idea:Handbags always make nice gifts! And you can create you own patterns and make them one of a kind!

In school:I studied interior design. There was no sewing in that school, but I did take textile classes and also worked in a sewing room on Queen Street for a few years. We specialized in sewing for the home: roman shades, duvets, shams etc. So you could say I learned to sew on the mean streets of Toronto!

Now: Currently I am sewing lots of home décor items for my clients. But I always have other projects on the go, like quilts and diaper bags. And I have this great ottoman I need to re-upholster.

Sewing tip:If you like exploring and making your own patterns (which isn’t that hard) have a bunch of muslin or broadcloth around to make your pattern templates out of. Then sew them together and adjust them as you go. Then you can see if it works without sacrificing your fabric.

Gift idea: I love the idea of getting custom made pillows. Make a basic pillow slip cover and stamp a word, name or symbol that represents them. Chose a solid color so it can be added easily to any room and will make a great conversation piece.

Sewing tip: Laying out all your cut pattern pieces in order before you start sewing, as if the garment was flattened out. This way you never have the pattern pieces the wrong way and you make sure your sewing the correct pieces together.Trust me, it solves a lot of “why do I have an extra piece?” or “what does this piece go to?” Also if at all possible, hand-baste seams or layers of fabric together before sewing. It makes for a crisp finished garment and prevents any puckers or fabric slipping while sewing.

Gift idea: Hmm....I think I need a new one! For a while I was making fabric flowers to turn into hair accessories or pins to go on a lapel, but after a while I made one for everyone I know and I am sure they'd love it if I got a new idea.

In School: I studied Fashion Design with a specialization in tailoring.

Now: Instead of jackets and coats I like to sew panties! They're fun and easy to make in a tiny New York apartment if you barely have room to sew. On a more serious note, I have a career in textile development, so if you have a fabric question related to a project you want to work on, I'm the woman to ask!

Sewing tip: One of the best mantras ever taught to me in a sewing class is "Measure twice, cut once." You never want to waste fabric by guessing. I have learned to apply this to all sorts of sewing related situations where I ought to think through things more than once to really be sure - estimating how much fabric to buy, drafting a pattern, selecting trims or deciding what sewing technique I want to use. Another saying I like is "Slow down to speed up." I always get through a project faster when I do every step right. Those silly tricks I make up as I go along thinking they will save me time always leave me grumbling over my seam ripper an hour later.

Gift idea: Fabric is a beautiful thing. I love taking my favorite fabric finds and either stretching it over a canvas or framing it and giving that as a gift.

In school: I had really amazing teachers that instilled in me good sewing and patternmaking habits. I also discovered my undying love for wool and tailoring.

Now: I am fortunate enough to say that sewing and patternmaking is both my living and my pleasure. I am trying my hand at wedding dress making as well as some non garment projects in my free time like quilting.

Sewing tip: Take your time prepping on the front end of your project, it will save you much time and frustration in the long run. Live by the phrase ‘measure twice, cut once’ – truer words were never spoken.

Gift idea: I make heart-shaped pot holders for wedding showers often times, and I also make personalized Christmas stockings. They're my favorite thing to make!

In school: I learned everything I know about sewing because neither of my parents had any interest in it! I also learned patternmaking which is probably my favorite thing!

Now: I design sweaters for a small company in Mid-town. Knitting is my other favorite hobby.

Sewing tip: If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a break and get a cup of tea or go for a walk and come back to it with fresh eyes. After a break, the directions suddenly start to make sense again and you wonder how you were even confused in the first place.

Gift idea: Baby gifts! They are easy to make, adorable, and they always turn out great. Also, it doesn't look cheesy if everything matches.

Now: I used sewing as an outlet! There was no sewing in my university program, so I used it as a reward for work completed!

Sewing tip: When embarking on a new project, take a moment to get a sense for all the steps involved. Understanding each step in relation to your finished project makes the whole process easier!