It seems the DIY world exists even in the couture world of Paris.  Sweat Shop is a ‘sewing café’ that provides up to 10 sewing stations with a large communal table anchored at the center for pattern cutting and textile preparations.  Situated by the St Martin canal, Sweat Shop aims to create a fashion version of a wifi café; SINGER sponsored the sewing machines which are available by the hour for anyone interested to make their own pillow case or merely patch up a torn dress. 

In a city like Paris renowned to house ateliers for some of the world’s most prolific fashion designers, more of the right kinds of ‘sweat shops’ such as these need to start mushrooming.  The brainchild of Martena Duss, a make up artists for brands such as Celine, Yves Saint Laurent and Margiela shows, Sweat Shop adopts an antique look for the interior design of the retail space and an apt modern mantra; ‘Less buying – more trying’.

Design Confidential says: STEAL THIS IDEA

WOW! I love everything about this idea- from the name; to the concept; to the look of the cafe. Workrooms-this is a great way to use fabric odds and ends, keep your machines busy and create a new revenue stream. Think Starbucks for sewers or those DIYers who want to learn. This could be a whole new business for you …. 

I have just added this to my list of must sees for our September Trip to Paris.

[via Man Make Home, PSFK]

Are you a closet crafter?  Were you the one who passed on typing class for a front row sewing machine in Home Ec? I did and lately I am feeling the urge to get back on the craft wagon. ( believe me crafting and craft fairs are not what they used to be) So it’s with great interest that I am following Faythe Levine’s journey with Handmade Nation. I first heard about Faythe and her amazing documentary in 2007, at about the same time as I was trendspotting the growing craft movement and its affect on design. We labeled it Renegade Craft- the transformations, adaptations and the resurrection of old-fashioned processes and materials into designs that are fresh, edgy and new. Its focus is on the intersection between craft, art and design; the on-going need for the hand-made in a techno-based society, rendered in a completely forward-looking fashion. Now 2 years later it has become a full blown trend and the documentary has been a huge hit screening
What is Handmade Nation?
In 2006, first-time filmmaker Faythe Levine, founder of Art vs. Craft, Milwaukee’s independent craft fair and the co-owner and curator of Paper Boat Boutique & Gallery. traveled 19,000 miles to document what has emerged as a marriage between historical technique, punk culture, and the D.I.Y. ethos. Handmade Nation gives viewers an inside glimpse into the fascinating world of the indie craft community through interviews and footage of crafters in their natural habitats – work studios and craft fairs. Featured crafters include Jenny Hart, Nikki McClure, Knitta’ and Deb Dormody, just to name a few. Levine lets the individual crafters shine as they talk openly about being part of an ever-growing DIY community. While each crafters’ individual work is highlighted in the interviews, it’s their expressed dedication to the larger indie craft movement that comes off as nothing less than amazing. The indie craft community, as highlighted in Handmade Nation is one of the only economic rays of light in this troubled economy – and this film is a testament to that success. Follow Faythe on her blog, at Handmade Nation’s official website. or buy the book. If you’re new to the craft movement, you gotta check it even its to see what kind of mad skills crafters like Austin Craft Mafia, Sew Bitchy, or Naughty Secretary Club have.

Handmade Nation’s next screenings:

April 23rd: West Bend, WI- I’ll be there!

Museum of Wisconsin Art 5 – 8 pm
West Bend, Wisconsin
5 pm, food & beer tasting
Film begins at 6:00 pm followed by panel discussion with Faythe Levine and guests

Tickets only available at door $5 beginning at 4:45pm, limited seating.

the Stitches & Craft Show

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

May 1st: Washington DC

Theater J at the Washington DC Jewish Community Center
1529 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Screening #1: 6:30pm- For Summit Pass Holders Only
Screening #2: 8:30pm- Open to all. Tickets to this screening can purchased online, starting April 8th.
Information HERE

July 9th: Vancouver, BC

Ridge Theatre, 3131 Arbutus Street
Craft Showcase at 7:00pm + Screening at 8:00pm
Tickets $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door. First 100 tickets sold will receive a swag bag. Info & tickets available HERE.

November 10th & 11th: Seattle, WA
Hosted by Northwest Film Forum & Urban Craft Uprising
Information TBA