Stitch Mentors is a Guelph Tool Library project that will help you learn sewing and needlecraft skills from senior mentors over a six week session. Our primary goal is to help share skills across generations, and the programs will be open to all ages and skill levels and free to attend, with supplies provided. The program is being funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program awarded to us by the Government of Canada.
We have teamed up with the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association to connect with senior mentors that have agreed to help shape the program and share their skills with the community. Our first 6 week session will take place at the Evergreen Seniors Centre starting on Thursday, September 11th from 9:30-11:30 am. A late fall session offering the same curriculum will begin on October 30th.
Pre-registration is required as capacity is limited, and can be done here. Registration will permit you access to all six weeks of the program. Light refreshments will be provided at each session. If transportation is a barrier for you, we are able to provide complimentary Guelph Transit bus tickets via a prepaid card.
Week One – Understanding your pattern and selecting your size. Participants will have a choice between an elastic waist skirt, shorts, or pants. Patterns and fabric will be provided. We will go over choosing the right fabric for your pattern, selecting and adjusting your size, and cutting the pattern.
Week Two – Cutting your fabric and learning your machine. Each participant will get hands on learning that covers how to thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, select a stitch and practice sewing on scrap material. Participants will also cut their projects out to be ready to sew next week.
Week Three – We will begin sewing our projects, covering topics like seam finishes, proper pressing, and following the steps of a pattern.
Week Four – We will continue to sew our garments, working on the elastic waistband and hems.
Week Five – We will learn a decorative needlecraft technique that can be used to embellish your garment or compliment a future project.
Week Six – We will learn another decorative needlecraft technique that can be used to create accessories and other items.
Stitch Mentors will continue during the winter of 2026 – More info to come!
