Meet the Storrington firm teaching people to sew

Name:

Jan and Sue, co-owners of Stitch, a sewing shop and teaching space in Storrington, West Sussex.

How did you decide on this career?

Jan had her own bespoke bunting business followed by some years working in a fabric shop and Sue had her own upholstery business and later taught upholstery at Chichester College.

Over a chance cup of tea and cake, Jan mentioned her crazy idea of opening a sewing shop following the recent closure of the local fabric shop. Lots of list making and nine months later, the doors to Stitch opened!

How does a normal day usually go?

The shop opens at 9:30am and the first few customers come in to buy haberdashery, fabric, books or maybe to book in a sewing machine for a service or repair. Meanwhile preparations will be underway for the first lesson of the day which could be anything from a beginner’s sewing lesson, an upholstery or dressmaking lesson, lampshade making or a Social Sewing session. Another lesson starts after lunch followed by an after school sewing club. Customers will continue to come in throughout the day with their sewing plans, projects that they need help with and some that just come in for a chat! Some of our lovely customers have become firm friends and there is a lovely community feel about Stitch.

What gives you the most job satisfaction?

We love being able to set customers off on their sewing journey whether it is through a one-to-one lesson or by helping customers choose their first sewing kit or sewing machine. We particularly like teaching children to sew and currently have three after school sewing clubs a week. It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm they show for the varying projects they have completed.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

The shop is going from strength to strength and we’d love to be able to offer an even wider variety of classes and products although we’re so busy at the moment we don’t quite know how we’d fit them in!

www.stitchat21.com

[email protected]

(01903) 366510

21 West Street, Storrington, West Sussex, RH20 4DZ