Merchant and Mills, the famous drapers in Rye, East Sussex has an array of everything you need to get sewing with. Their website is like stepping back in time with their black and white photos.
Apart from their own sewing book, they have vintage patterns, oilskin, notions, kits, stationery and cloth. Their patterns are card patterns as they behave better in use and can be used time and time again. They are more rigid and can be persuaded to lie perfectly still and flat. Their patterns are supplied in individual sizes from 8 to 16 and some up to 18 with full, illustrated instructions. They also hold online sewing classes and residential sewing retreats and much more.
They have some old-school packaging with mother of pearl buttons in small paper packets and safety pins in sets that make you want to buy them, just to admire the packaging.
Whatever you may need for your dress or cushion cover projects you will find it here.
They say “The former toy factory on Tower Street is a key part of our history, at one time housing our whole operation: warehouse, studio and shop. Today, the shop is a treasure trove of beautiful cloth, inspiring even non-sewers to pick up a pattern and have a go. Our sewing studio upstairs is where we host classes and creative retreats. We have hundreds of pattern samples made up for our customers to try on and our team is always on hand to offer sewing and styling advice (or just to have a friendly natter). If you are visiting for a specific product or fabric do call before hand so we can check stock for you. Visit wearing your finest and favourite Merchant & Mills makes and have your photo taken in our in-store Social Club photobooth. Learn more about The Social Club below. Rye is a perfectly quaint English town with an abundance of character, history and shopping temptations. “
Source: Merchant & Mills
