My name is Erin & this is Common Thread. Knowing how to sew the things you wish existed & mend the things you already love is more than a skill – the process slows you down, refocuses you on what you value, and opens up options beyond those offered to us under capitalism. Learning all this in community & with snacks - now that's just a joyous thing.

My sewing journey began from strong desire to not pay store prices for a meditation pillow. I had my mum’s old sewing machine, spent my first of many dollars on fabric, and stumbled my way through the process. It isn’t cute, but the meditation pillow holds me up to this day.

I’m not sure where all that gumption came from but that experience I realized that sewing was hard but do-able, and that I love making things with my hands. I quickly went from “sewing involves ironing? ok maybe I won’t do it then” to “wow I just made a jacket” pretty quick, and I’ve never looked back.

For a long time, sewing was a solitary activity. After a few years I started teaching workshops to kids and adults, and found that sharing this practice with others is a blast. Common Thread is about getting to that “wow I made that” feeling together, whether sewing garments, piecing together a collage, mending your favourite jeans, or falling in love with a new fun craft.

I hope you’ll join me in making & mending, in healing & connecting, in bitching & snacking.