The Joy of Haberdashery
The haberdashery, a shop dedicated to all things sewing, dressmaking and knitting, can appear intimidating at first! However, with sewing and upcycling TV programs becoming increasingly popular, particularly with those people looking to be more eco-friendly and lead more sustainable lives, the haberdashery is worth a trip and can provide you with all you need for a huge range of exciting projects from upcycling clothes to the Japanese art of gift wrapping.
Upcycling clothes
Your local haberdashery is a treasure trove of interesting materials and embellishments that can help you turn your unloved clothes into something new and unique, and in many cases, you don't need to be able to sew to create a brand new piece to wear.
Lace, sequins, fringe and ribbons can all be bought cheaply 'off the roll' in small amounts, perfect for individual projects such as adding to trouser hems or pocket seams. If you cannot sew, these trims can be simply hot glued on to add an instant personal touch to your clothes. Adding new buttons to old jackets, coats or cardigans can also dramatically change the overall look of an older piece.
Other new-sew ideas include patches or decals, which can be ironed onto clothes such as jeans. If you are feeling bold, special dyes can be bought which are then added to your washing machine to completely transform worn-out clothes into something brand new at a fraction of the cost.
Embroidery threads are another fantastic product for adding something unique to your clothes. With just a few different colour threads, you can add wonderful patterns or details to clothing. If you've never sewn before, many websites are providing free tutorials and step-by-step guides to easy embroidery techniques to get you started.
If you can sew, your local haberdashery can provide you with even more inspiration to transform clothes. Beloved items of clothing that no longer fit or that have become a little worn out, can be revitalised with simple sewing methods. Adjusting seams or altering hemlines to tailor clothes can save you money and extend the life of clothing. It also means that purchases from second hand or vintage stores can be adjusted to fit you perfectly.
Creating from scratch
Sewing patterns are another great resource to be found in the haberdashery. These can range from very simple beginners patterns, right through to patterns for formal wear such as evening gowns and suits. If you're just starting, cushion covers, simple skirts and aprons are great choices to get you started or to practice your skills.
By creating your own clothes or home furnishings, you have complete control over the materials used and can choose the right textiles to suit your style. Your local haberdashery will stock a variety of different materials from basic cotton fabrics to more luxurious velvets and silks, to match every possible project and sewing skill level.
Re-upholstering dining chairs, which is a quick and easy weekend project (all you need is some new fabric and a staple gun), can also radically alter the look of your dining room for the fraction of the cost of a whole new set of chairs.
Of course, the haberdasher will also sell a large choice of knitting yarns, patterns and tools to supply everyone from the novice to expert, to help them create their very own knitted items, from pan holders to beautiful winter jumpers to give as gifts.
Other uses for fabrics
Aside from sewing, knitting and craft projects, the wide choice of fabrics from your local haberdashery can supply you with all you need to try Furoshiki - the Japanese art of wrapping gifts with a piece of square cloth. This form of wrapping has become increasingly popular as a stylish, eco-friendly and sustainable way to wrap gifts. Once unwrapped, the cloth can be used again and again, either to wrap other gifts or used as something entirely different.
Whether you're looking for small items to embellish your clothes or to adjust and tailor your recent finds in the vintage store, the haberdashery is a fantastic high street resource which can help you unleash your creativity whilst spending less and recycling more.