Workshop formats
Craft
Sew your own kimono
3h of discovery with Esther and her team
Knowledge of sewing
Your own kimono
€80
per personThe workshop in detail
Dive into Esther and her team's universe for an introduction to sewing. Are you ready? Then let's go!
After selecting the fabric of your choice, the designers will explain you some sewing basics.
Then, with the help of a pattern made by the artisans, you will cut out the different pieces needed to create your beautiful kimono.
They will then guide you in the use of the sewing machine by teaching you some basic techniques. The assembly stitch, the lock stitch, hemming, and even rib stitching will no longer hold any secrets for you.
After a few finishing touches with the serger, your kimono jacket will be ready to wear on a daily basis!
You will leave this introductory session with your own creation and, most importantly, a great deal of newly acquired knowledge to put straight to use during future sewing projects!
This workshop is offered in several languages simultaneously. The craftsman will adapt the language of the workshop according to the participants present!
Workshop location
The workshop is easily accessible by public transport.
Additional information
Languages of the workshop
English
Nederlands
Meet Esther and her team
Leatherworkers, Mosaicists and Fashion Designers
Esther is a cultural anthropologist, creative entrepreneur and multitalented maker.
As the proud owner of the House of Arts & Crafts, located in the heart of Amsterdam, she has cultivated a vibrant center for artisans. What initially began as her own workshop, "Jouw Stoute Schoenen," in the iconic district of the Wallen in Amsterdam, rapidly evolved into a creative hub open to all. On May 18, 2008, the official opening of "Jouw Stoute Schoenen" on the Wallen marked the inception of Esther's business—a venture born in an unconventional workspace, just like her imaginative creations!
"After years in an office job, predominantly using my mind, it was time for a hands-on change. When I discovered the art of traditional shoemaking, I didn't hesitate for a moment. This was what I wanted to do. While searching for studio space, I stumbled upon a magnificent property—a golden opportunity."
After four years she started looking for a new location. Now we are almost ten years and many adventures further. Esther and her team share the large building at Oudeschans 21 -where they live, work and share- with a number of creative entrepreneurs.
Here, she has established an expertise center and an educational institute for designing and crafting shoes, bags, textile upcycling, and mosaic art. They seamlessly blend time-honored craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies, constantly exploring fresh technical possibilities and embracing exciting challenges.
Beyond guiding individuals in bringing their creative visions to life, they also craft samples for both major and boutique brands, fashioning unique, bespoke shoes and bags by hand in limited runs. Esther emphasizes, "Teaching others how to craft shoes or bags is almost as fulfilling as creating them myself. Witnessing people's amazement at what they can design and make on their own is a beautiful sight, and it brings me immense satisfaction."
We take immense pride in noting that Esther was one of the pioneering artisans to join Wecandoo in Amsterdam.
2 comments
Sandra W
5/8/2023
I had so much fun at Esther’s sewing workshop! I feel more confident with working with a sewing machine now and I’m inspired to sew more. Check out the cute kimono I made!
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Wecandoo brings together artisans and enthusiasts in hands-on workshops, fueled by passion and expertise.
Lauriane S
10/17/2023
It was so nice to do this workshop with Esther! I loved it and had a lot of fun creating and sewing my own kimono :)