FORGET high heels and cocktails – needlepoint is the latest urban trend to take off in Sheffield.
Dozens of women have signed up to new craft classes so they can learn how to make their own dresses, fascinators and handbags like their grandmothers did in days gone by.
The Sew in the City classes, run by Danielle Downs, even have waiting lists for popular children’s stitching classes.
Danielle also held a free family workshop at The Nichols Building on Shalesmoor, where her firm is based, as part of the first LearnFest fringe festival.
Novices and seasoned seamstresses attended to learn how to make their own brooches from buttons, thread and fabrics.
The 32-year-old said: “We are really busy – we’ve got waiting lists for our children’s stitch classes at the moment.
“What we are finding is a lot of women who didn’t have sewing skills passed down by their mother or learn them at school are wanting to know now so they can pass them on to their children.
“A lot of women in their 20s and 30s are coming to our classes.
“I think sewing is the latest thing.
“A lot of adults throw sewing parties where they take wine and make cupcakes, so there is a social aspect to it too.”
Textile designer Danielle, who lives in Handsworth, Sheffield, first had the idea for Sew in the City after customers at her interiors shop in Castleton asked for lessons to dust off their skills and save cash.
The mum moved into the Nichols Building - which is home to several independent businesses - last year and is about to host her 250th children’s craft party.
Louise Anderson, building owner, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people learning and working together at the LearnFest event, and some of the finished brooches are really great.”
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