TAKING STOCK #1: SEAM HABERDASHERY
Image courtesy of Seam Haberdashery
In June 2021, as the UK was blearily emerging from its Covid lockdowns, Michelle Moinzadeh was busying herself with the opening of Seam Haberdashery. Michelle's vision was to give the community of one small corner of England, Whimple in Devon, an opportunity to come together. By offering knitting, sewing, embroidery and printing/dying classes and workshops, Michelle would encourage like-minded individuals to meet. 
Image courtesy of Seam Haberdashery
Michelle has lived in Whimple for many years. She holds a degree in Fashion Design and has always loved to make. Becoming absorbed in making is, she finds, essential to her own wellbeing. Whilst seeking to inculcate this habit in others through her teaching, she places a strong emphasis on the continuation of traditional textile skills. Recalling her childhood in Iran, 'going shopping' for Michelle meant encountering making everywhere—furniture makers, jewellers, or weavers working a loom. She loved seeing how and where her purchases were made, talking to the makers, learning about the qualities of the products, becoming part of their story—and she would love to see more of this on the UK's high streets.
Michelle aims to teach individuals of all ages to make beautiful garments and accessories that can be treasured for many years and passed down through generations, reconsidering the value and sustainability of fashion. To help them achieve this, Seam Haberdashery sells British yarns from John Arbon, Mrs Moon, Eden Cottage Yarns, and The Fibre Co. Customers can also buy new and vintage fabrics, trimmings and lace, sewing and knitting kits, buttons and buckles. Michelle takes care to source all her products locally and her knitwear is carefully made by hand in Devon.
Image courtesy of Seam Haberdashery
In 2023, Michelle will be teaming up with the National Trust to offer sustainable knitting and sewing workshops at Killerton House.