Fabric shop in town centre on the move

And The Sewing Box is putting the finishing touches to a launch event for its new home at Packhorse Yard, off Newgate Street, which will take place on Saturday.

The independent fabric shop’s products include patchwork and quilting fabrics, haberdashery, sewing boxes, sewing machines, craft items, embroidery, lace and buttons.

Owner Jill Fenwick said: “The Sewing Box is adapting to the changing demands of retail on the high street.

“Our new location is not a step back for the shop, but a positive step and a perfect strategy for a much-loved independent family business.

“I feel it is a great location and still in the market town of Morpeth.

“The mission of our shop is to inspire people to create and to do this, we need presence as a place for customers to see and feel our lovely range of products.

“It has been a tough few weeks as a couple of weeks before our move, I lost my dad, Bill Baker, who with my mum, Mary, started the business in 1976.

“He was always there to support me in the development of the shop and I will miss him deeply. I’m sure he will be very proud of how it has continued to provide great customer service and beautiful quality fabrics and haberdashery.

“Although it is a very uncertain time for retail at present, I believe people will always want to explore small, original shops and if we can adapt and keep an eye on trends, The Sewing Box will be about for a few more years.”

The launch event on Saturday will run from 10am to 4pm.

The day will be filled with a range of crafts to try to inspire people to create – including embroidery, patchwork and paper crafts.

A selection of new Christmas fabrics and Hoffman Batiks will be available and there will be loyalty cards and goody bags to take home.

Art Stamped, which provides unique gifts, artwork, greeting cards and stamps, will have a presence at the event.

In addition, Stuart Fenwick Flowers – a popular florist from London – will be showcasing his skills.