Sewing Studio Visits David Bouchard PS

“In sewing, can I make a fanny pack?” asks Gabby, a Grade 4 student at David Bouchard PS, while walking up to one of the Sewing Studio facilitators at her school for the day. 

Jay (Jonathan Goorbarry) let’s Gabby know that their class is making something different, but he’ll see if some of the materials will be left over, and if so, he’ll help with that fanny pack. 

Jay is part of the Sewing Studio group visiting schools in Durham and across the GTA to not only help children learn valuable sewing skills and techniques, but to also break down stereotypes. 

“Sewing is an avenue to breaking down barriers,” explains Matthew Boateng, a sewing facilitator with the program and former Toronto Argonauts defensive back who got involved in the program during an offseason. 

“The best part of the program are the barriers that are being broken. Sewing is an avenue to breaking those barriers,” says Boateng. “The program is a great thing to do and a great opportunity while being around kids.” 

The students are impacted by more than just the sewing, safety techniques, learning to backstitch and making pouches and fanny packs.  

Boateng recalls the impact of an encounter he and his young family had with students he recently taught to sew. “I was at [Canada’s] Wonderland with my family and a group of kids ran up to me saying ‘You taught me how to make a bowtie’, while another one showed off the pouch we made in class.” 

That encounter wasn’t just about the sewing, but the positive connection that was built with students while using sewing as the connector. 

Many of the facilitators are former professional athletes and appear as people you would never peg as someone who would teach sewing, much less make their own garments explained Boateng. That is the draw and first step to breaking barriers. 

Keegan, a Grade 8 student attending the day’s sewing activities, took the opportunity to make a fanny pack and brush up on his sewing skills.  

“I learned something new in how to do a backstitch,” says Keegan, who made a pouch for his sunglasses. “I knew how to sew, but I learned how to use the sewing machine carefully and how to backstitch.” 

The program provides an opportunity to have Sewing Studio staff speak with students to show them that it doesn’t matter what you look like or where you come from – you can do anything. 

Information about The Denise Wild’s Sewing Studio

The Denise Wild’s Sewing Studio is a dynamic, engaging sewing workshop that breaks the creative mold! The Sewing Studio’s team of stereotype-busting mentors guide each student through to success, teaching everyone how to sew using a sewing machine.  

Children gain confidence, develop their growth mindset, and complete their very own customized project from start to finish, all while being motivated and inspired.