Start-up sews up funding for Somerset launch

A sewing studio where people can come and work on their crafty creations has just opened in Somerset.

Sew What! in Ilminster has been launched with the help of £5,000 from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loan programme.

Owner Sam Evers applied for the financial support after years spent planning and thinking about a venture that would allow others to share in her passion for stitching.

She first put together a business plan for a sewing café 10 years ago when she and her family were living in Yorkshire.

The idea was that people would be able to come and rent out a sewing machine for whatever project they were working on, as well as take part in drop-in sessions and sewing classes.

When a lifestyle change brought her to Somerset – and in the wake of the success of the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee series, which has just finished its ninth season – she decided to resurrect her plans.

“I walked past a shop in Silver Street that I saw was for rent and thought it looked perfect,” said Evers. “I thought – right, I’m going to do this now.”

The money from her Start Up Loan has been used to buy five high-end sewing machines and an overlocker machine, ready to be rented out to customers after Sew What opened its doors on August 5.

“I’m so excited to see it up and running,” she said. “I think the popularity of the Great British Sewing Bee and the fact that more people are moving away from our throw-away clothing culture means the time was right to do something like this.”

Sew What! will have different classes, from beginners to advanced, as well as drop-in sessions for people looking to rent a machine for their individual projects.

During the classes, people can learn how to upcycle clothing and create new designs. There will also be workshops for young stitchers.