What is Sew Be It Girl?
Sew Be It Girl is the “it” spot for young fashionistas. The first sewing studio in Toronto exclusive to tween and teen students, our studio offers a vibrant atmosphere with fun-filled lessons in fashion and design. Promoting creativity and self-expression, we offer year-round classes and workshops as well as March Break programs, summer camps, fashion events, private lessons, and private parties.
Who is SEW BE IT GIRL?
All of our instructors have industry experience and schooling in their field. We take pride in making sure our students are taught by the best of the best!!
Dilys Tong - After graduating with a degree in Fashion Design and Textile Sciences from the University of Alberta, Dilys worked as a design assistant until she moved to Toronto to expand her creative mind by working in theatrical costuming. She studied at the International Academy of Design and upon graduating was hired by Mirvish to work on the production team, creating costumes for such Broadway hits as Lion King, Producers and Mamma Mia. In collaboration with her fellow artists and designers in the industry, Dilys' creative zeal encouraged an entrepreneurial ideal; Dilys opened Sew Be It Studio in 2005.
Darci Cheyne - Half her lifetime ago, Darci taught herself to sew out of necessity. After graduating from George Brown College Creative Fashion Design, Darci studied with The Couture Society to master custom pattern drafting, especially intricate evening wear. After working in film and television, on shows such as Relic Hunter, Nikita, Mutant X, and Wildcard, Darci returned to George Brown to receive a certificate in Fashion and Theatrical Millinery. Darci's multifaceted talent led to her involvement with major musical productions including The Producers, Hairspray and
Marlene Shiff- Having been raised in the fashion industry, Marlene comes by her life and love of fashion naturally. Formerly the owner of Boutique Le Trou, Vogue Magazine’s best shop in Toronto, Marlene has worked tirelessly throughout her career to build Canadian design as a brand and hopes to bring its manufacturing back to Ontario.
As an international designer herself, Marlene has developed handbags for Bob Mackie, jewellery for Robin Kay stores, and clothing for both Holt Renfrew and The Bay. As a stylist she has created photo shoots for finalists on Project Runway Canada, and as a PR and marketing person has created award-winning special events. Marlene has lived all over the world and has rounded her fashion experience by learning the different markets and what they require. She brings a full fashion career and successful trend instinct to our studio.
For Sew Be It Girl, Marlene saw an opportunity to bring the career choice of fashion styling into the hands of potential future stylists. By demystifying and deconstructing what styling entails, Marlene course in Merchandising and Styling will give students as many tools as needed to transform their styling visions into reality.
Jeannine Moreau- Jeannine has always had a special spot in her heart for fashion. She began sewing when she was eleven years old and has not stopped since! This passion led her to Ryerson University where she graduated with a bachelors degree in Fashion Design. During this time she participated in various fashion shows and developed a line of jewellery and accessories.
Josette Luyckx - Art Wear artist/designer, Josette Luyckx holds a degree in fashion design from Ryerson University. For the past nine years she has collaborated with weaver Marie Payne producing their line of limited edition or one-of-a-kind Marie Josette wearable art jackets, shawls, and scarves for women. Josette designs, patternmakes and builds all of their wearable art pieces letting Marie's hand-dyed and handwoven fabrics inspire each new design. She is always challenging herself with two rules: learn something new when drafting a pattern and when constructing or embellishing a piece. Most days Josette can be found at her studio which is located at The Historic Distillery District working on a new piece or a custom order.
Tarah Burke - After studying in New York, Paris, and Florence, Tarah returned to Toronto with a BA in Costume Design from the London College of Fashion, and an AA in International Fashion Design from FIT. Tarah has had a wonderful career which has allowed her to work in many different areas of costume and fashion design. She has designed and worked on numerous theatre, film and television productions in Canada, the United States and England. In addition to her career as a costume designer, Tarah maintains a very successful private contract business working with private clients as well as large corporate contracts. Tarah's love of all areas of fashion has encouraged her to explore all areas of fashion. Her multi-faceted career path has included: costume designer, fashion designer - couture and ready to wear, photo and personal stylist, seamstress and pattern maker, merchandiser and fashion marketing consultant and product designer.
