Emporia Fabric and Craft, a fun online sewing shop in Ashford
Emporia Fabric & Craft from Ashford is an online sewing shop selling a range of fabulous fabrics and their very own independently designed dress making patterns.
From super simple beginner's to more complicated improver patterns, they cater for the contemporary sewist who wants to make their own wardrobe.
Clair is the designer and Charlotte is the marketing guru and together this dynamic duo help crafty people all across the UK create their own unique looks with some serious style.
All their designs have been created by Emporia's very own Clair Heal who trained in clothing technology and pattern cutting at KIAD, Rochester; having worked as a costume designer and created her own range of maternity wear,
Clair opened her first bricks and mortar fabric shop in Ashford in 2013. She has gone on to create a collection of patterns inspired by her love for Japanese design and simple structures.
Many of the designs feature minimal darts and few closures, making them ideal for newbies as well as more advanced sewists. All the Emporia patterns are for sale here, as well as in Ashford shop, and will soon be available as PDF downloads.
Their story:
“We are lucky, we are one of the industries that have really benefited, lots of crafters and people taking up hobbies therefore for us it was more just shifting what we did online” says Clair.
The team now try on all of the items, do demonstration videos and tutorials to show the cut of the finished product for people who may want to buy but would rather see how it all looks.
“We are not afraid to be a little crazy and do funny reels and stories, We are the faces of the business and need to connect with our audience. ”
How can you support them:
If you are looking for something new to pick up as a hobby and want to try your hand at making some clothes then head to Emporia’s instagram now.
Please give the local businesses some social love. A like and comment means so much to local businesses.
Check out Emporia live along with other local businesses here in Ashford’s High Street Guide and see who else you can discover in Ashford #shoplocal #ashford
