Opening a community hub at shop has proved sew helpful
AMI: FOLK ARE SMILING AGAIN
THE owner of a sewing shop who used the time while she was closed during lockdown to create a community hub for people who enjoys crafts says she has been blown away by the response since it opened.
Ami James, owner of Simply Needlecraft Haberdashery and Sewing Studio in High Street, Swadlincote, specialises in selling creative items such as fabrics, yarns, knitting and crochet accessories, ribbons, trimmings and haberdashery.
During the first lockdown she had to shift her business online and decided to use the extra space upstairs to be converted into a community workshop.
The space will be open six days a week, from 9am to 4pm.
The renovation process took around three months and since opening on April 12, Ami says its a “amazing feeling” seeing people out and smiling again.
The 40-year-old, who lives in Swadlincote, said: “I decided to convert the free space upstairs after seeing the impact the pandemic had on people not being able to socialise or see friends and family.
“Its a place where people can come in, have a chat, a drink and if they want, to learn some new skills.
“The complete refurb cost £5,000. I got some great support from the community and managed to raise £1,200 from a Justgiving page, and contributed the rest myself.
“The refurb included new carpets, paint, new seats, tables, carpets and other equipment.
“We do offer refreshments like tea and coffee for which the users have to pay and that’s just to cover the costs, everything else is free.
“It’s a great feeling to see people smiling again, there is an amazing atmosphere and it’s something that was needed in the area.
“The pandemic has taught us it’s the little things in life that matter the most and it’s another reason why I wanted to do something.
“The space is open to everyone, and I am confident once the restrictions have lifted completely we will see more people attending and having a good time.”