Credit crunch couture comes to Somerset
It's a trend that has seen business boom for tailors and seamstresses up and down the country at a time of economic crisis.
While many small traders are struggling to survive, Lyn Waller is actually expanding the textile services business Stitches she runs in the Somerset market town of Frome.
As well as her made-to-measure and alterations service, her small tuition groups in sewing and machine knitting becoming increasingly popular.
"A whole generation has missed out on learning to sew and knit because of the ready supply of cheap clothes," said Mrs Waller.
"Now that times are tougher, people want to make their own clothes and soft furnishings but don't know where to start. I also have students from an earlier generation who have let their skills lapse because it was cheaper to buy clothes ready-made. They're just a bit rusty and come back to brush up on their skills and boost their confidence."
Sewing clothes is not always the cheapest option if you buy quality new fabric, but trawling the Aladdin's Cave of vintage and charity shops for material cuts costs considerably.
And Mrs Waller recommends checking the back of the wardrobe too, as some clothes can be reinvented.
When it comes to buying sewing machines, consumer experts Which? recommend novices pay up to £200 for a basic model to do repairs, and for larger projects such as dressmaking and curtains aim for £250-£800.
Mrs Waller said: "It does always pay in the long run to buy the best equipment you can afford because it will stand you in good stead. The same goes for fabrics. If you are going to put the work in, it's better to use longer-lasting fabric."
Stitches, in Paul Street, Catherine Hill, opens for enrolment in classes and the drop-in club this Saturday. To find out more ring 01373 461352 or email stitches21@btinternet.com
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