RECENTLY launched in Canterbury, The Sewing Shop takes the traditional assumptions about crafts and turns them on their head. The boutique has launched a range of courses, such as: learning basic dressmaking, which enables you to make a skirt in a day; learning how to make cushion covers; quick and simple mending, like affixing a button or inserting a zip; learning how to crochet; and even learning how to use a sewing machine - designed to encourage a younger customer to embrace the world of crafts. And owner Charmaine Alexander says it's working.
"We want to inspire people regardless of ability or age and break down a few of the stereotypes associated with sewing and knitting," Alexander told us. "This is a modern way of thinking. Since we re-opened, the demographic of the people visiting the shop has completely changed - it's much younger."
In addition to the classes, the shop sells everything you need to hone your skills when you get home - from crafts books teaching you how to create vintage-inspired looks; textiles and interiors magazines; sewing machines, dress patterns; fabrics; and wools and haberdashery items, including buttons, ribbon and leather elbow pieces. And just in case you don't pick it up as quickly as you'd hoped, the boutique stocks a selection of ready-made pieces - from cushions and lampshades, to bunting - that you could pass off as your own to your nearest and dearest until your skills catch up with your aspirations.
"It's an easy way of creating a very personalised take on a lifestyle or fashion trend," Alexander added. "People are starting to appreciate traditional crafts, from cross-stitching to embroidery. It gives such pleasure to people and it quietens the mind. When you knit or sew you do something for yourself. It focuses on the creative part of your mind and puts to bed all life's the normal, mundane worries for an hour or two."
For more information email: sales@thesewingshopcanterbury.co.uk or telephone 01227 457723.
The Sewing Shop, 19 Sun Street, Canterbury, CT1 2HX.
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