Dear friends and supporters of Like Sew Amazing
I have been dreading writing this post and have been putting it off for as long as possible but I am afraid the time has now come for me to inform you of some big changes.
As for most small businesses, weathering the last few years has been incredibly difficult, from enforced closures during the pandemic, to the great malaise post-pandemic, to the current cost of living crisis.
We were forced to move out of our lovely shop on the high street in July 2021, due to rent increases, and while I love the new space, it is less visible and we have been plagued with non-stop road closures (not to mention the clean air zone, dividing up the city) since we moved in, making it hard for people to get to us.
I really try to keep things positive around here, but I have found the last year really tough. It is so sad to see a business that you love, die a slow death. When it’s busy, I love it so much, but when there are days of no customers, it is heartbreaking and I feel like I am wasting my time.
My goal was to reach five years in business, which I did in April this year, and then make a decision as to the future of the shop. Since then, I have been looking for part-time work to supplement my income from the shop as the cost of living increases, and I still have to pay my own bills, as well as the running costs of the business.
But then I found a job that actually really made sense for me and my own career and when it was offered to me, I just couldn’t turn it down, so in a couple of weeks, I will be going to work for Simply Sewing Magazine as their new Technical Editor!
So, what does this mean for Like Sew Amazing?
Our physical shop in Bristol will be very much scaled down over the coming weeks. With immediate effect, we are moving to an appointment only system throughout the week. We will be open normally on Saturdays between 11am and 4pm each week. Once I have started my new role, we will continue with normal Saturday opening and will be open by appointment only on Fridays and occasionally other times.
The online shop will remain open as usual, however, orders will only be posted out twice a week.
The workshops that we have in the calendar for the next few months will go ahead (providing we have enough people booked on to them) but as it stands, it is unlikely that we will be running many more following that.
I truly believe in the power of crafting – it has so many positive benefits, from fostering creativity, to helping you to create your dream wardrobe and make clothes that make you look and feel great, to all the amazing ways it boosts mental heath. It is heart breaking to see the effect that the current economy is having on small craft businesses that many people rely on and it really saddens me to think of a world where fabric and craft shops are a thing of the past.
As to whether the shop will still be here after Christmas, really depends on you (our treasured customers). I know how important it is to be able to see and feel fabric in real life, and I also really love the local community that we have built up, but it needs to be financially viable to still cover our costs. I am committed to keeping the scaled down shop running for the time being to see if we can make it work but it will all depend on how these next few months go.
I want to take this opportunity to say a massive thanks to everyone who has supported the business to date. To last five years (especially in such challenging circumstances) is no small thing, and I am immensely proud and grateful to have achieved so much in this time.
All the best
Sarah
Good luck Sarah in your new role. You will be brilliant
I have bought some lovely things from your shop and I really hope it can continue
Gillian
Thank you so much Gillian x
Best of luck Sarah in your new job – it sounds amazing and the right decision to make. X
Thanks so much Hagar x
Good luck! The new gig sounds like a great opportunity and hopefully you can keep the shop going too. Best wishes.
Thank you Heather! x
Sad to read this but well done for the 5 years! You and your fabric have inspired me with my sewing but I think this job sounds great for you….good luck with it and thanks for all the inspiration!
Karen
Perfectly understandable decision and what a job offer. Congratulations and good luck in your career.
So sad to read this Sarah, best of luck in your new role, and fingers crossed for the new shop stage
Cl Hardie
thanks so much CL x
oh goodness Sarah, that was unexpected. But what an amazing opportuity for you in your new role. Congratulations & Good Luck. I am lucky enough to live nearby so can pop down to the shop on Saturdays when I need to. take care brenda
thanks Brenda x
So sorry to hear the above news, because we really need fabric shops in Bristol, there’s hardly any choice at all.
I really don’t like buying online. I find I buy it and often don’t use it because I’ve not seen it in reality. That being said I totally understand the quandary you must’ve been in during the last few months.
I’ll look forward to seeing your pages in Simply seeing magazine! Good luck for the future. I’m sure you’ll be great.
Thanks Chrissy – yes definitely agree about the lack of fabric shops in Bristol – so strange for such a big city x
Good luck in your new job which sounds very exciting. I’ve never been in your shop ( I live 80 miles away) but have bought some fabric online. I try to buy from small independent businesses where possible. Very best wishes for the future and you are to be commended for trying to make a difference.
thank you so much Jackie x