Seam Haberdashery opening

It's been a long time since I have managed to sit down to write this blog and it's because I have been busy starting my own shop in Devon. Today it's a lovely warm, summer's day in Devon with a warm breeze, so I'm writing this in cool shady spot.

Believe it or not, this shop has evolved in my head for the last 25 years and I will be opening Seam Haberdashery at The Hive in Whimple on 19th June 2021. It will sell many of the items that are available from my online shop, but I will also be selling British yarns from John Arbon, Mrs Moon, Eden Cottage Yarns and The Fibre Co as well as Rowan Yarns. You will also be able to buy a mixture of new and vintage fabric, trimmings and lace as well as sewing and knitting kits, buttons and buckles. As many of you already know, all my products are sourced locally and my knitwear is carefully made by hand in Devon. You will be able to either buy items for your own projects or select a hand made gift for yourself or a loved one.

My name is Michelle, and I have lived in Whimple for many years. I have a degree in Fashion Design and I currently teach Fashion and Textiles at Further Education in Devon. I have always loved to make and like many designer/ makers I know that making is essential to my wellbeing and completely absorbs me. As a teacher, I have tried to teach my students the skills required for their chosen career but also to think about the sustainability of fashion and the value of making beautiful garments and accessories that can be treasured for many years, and passed down through generations.

I want to encourage making, using traditional textile skills. I am convinced that if you learn to make or repair your own clothes, you will not need to buy or throw away garments so often. I am also keen to share making skills, as a child growing up in Iran, going shopping meant seeing making everywhere – furniture makers next to jewellers or weavers spinning on a loom. I would love to see more makers on our high streets and see how and where my purchases have been made. I would love to talk to the makers and learn about their quality products and be part of their story. If you are a local sustainable designer/maker and would like to sell your work or offer a workshop, please get in touch. As we approach the summer months, hopefully we can use some of the beautiful outdoor spaces in Whimple and I will make sure all workshops are Covid safe.

As we emerge from this current lockdown, I will be offering knitting, sewing, embroidery and printing/dying classes and workshops, which you will be able to book online. You will be able to learn or improve a new skill. All workshops will be advertised in the shop or online and I look forward to meeting many of you soon if you live in Devon.