New(bury) Haberdashery Shop

Please note:

Since writing this article Bex and team have moved to the following address (offering the same services), so please check their Facebook page.  64 Bishopswood Rd, Tadley RG26 4HD

This week I interviewed Rebecca (Bex) Castle, who has recently opened a much needed haberdashery in Newbury town centre. Although I try and source most of my supplies second hand, I still need to buy threads and tools, and the occasional irresistible cotton print fabric, (Bex choses the loveliest cloths and yarns), so I am really pleased that she has arrived in town, and many other crafter's will be too.

Irresistable cotton print -  I will make a sewing machine cover

Bex started knitting at the age of 8, when her nan taught her, since then she has tried many different crafts, but she said "My favourite will always have to be knitting". For many years now Bex has been making baby hampers and children's knitwear. Ever since she was young, she told her parents that her dream is to have a yarn shop, and here she is now living the dream.

Bex has had a varying career, she is a qualified Nursery Nurse, and has managed a pre-school, and she is also qualified in Holistic Therapies, and was a self employed Reflexologist and masseur. I found this fascinating as Bex is in a wheelchair, and wondered how she could do full body massages, but she did, most impressive.

Damaris Crafts (Bexs grandmas middle name), opened in Bartholomew Street, Newbury April 2018, prior to this Bex had a unit off the A4 about ten miles out of Newbury for nearly 2 years. Bex took over the unit at Spire Ridge in Midgham in September 2016, when the previous occupant of the habedashery decided to call it a day. Bex was supplying some of her knitwear to the shop, and when she found out it was going to be up for rent, she had a zen moment where she realised this was her big chance. Now she has moved into Newbury high street, and has bigger ambitions to come.

So, Damaris Crafts.. well she stocks a large range of quality yarns and tools of the trade, over half of the shop is dedicated to this, she also stocks some beautiful contemporary fabrics and sewing notions, then she has a big massive table in the middle of the shop.

A selection of yarns available at Damaris Crafts, Newbury

Now, this is the bit that is really appealing to me and what is special about Damaris Crafts. The table is an area to run workshops, or have social gatherings where people can meet, knit (or whatever their chosen craft is) chat and drink tea. Newbury Crafters Network adopted this approach when we did our Christmas Pop Up Shop, Gillian and I enjoyed it so much, that we have carried on this community building .. by doing our Craft and Cake sessions at Tops Treats. Bex has this same ethereal approach, and welcomes anyone thats got a genuine interest to share her space.

Bex has got the vision, she wants to live the dream of having a shop, but also wants to build a community vibe around it. She wants her customers to feel welcome, she is happy to sit and chat and advise people, or just have a chit chat in general. She explained to me that she doesn't want to manage a 'bog standard' shop, she wants to create a haven for local people that are interested in crafts, and to do things for charity there too. Bex has a genuine passion for this 'ideal', and recognises that we all have 'different skills sets to share'.

Although she has only been in the shop about a month, she has already got regular events happening.

On a Saturday afternoon, she has a children's club for a small fee. They can use resources provided, and learn techniques, and get to take whatever they make away with them. Obviously she has an interest in children as she was a qualified . She tells me "I enjoy passing on the knowledge, and hope that they take these skills into adulthood".

She offers one to one knitting or crochet courses for a very modest fee.

On Wednesdays and Friday afternoons its a chat and craft session for just £2.00 which covers your drinks.

Supporters and fellow crafters enjoying a bit of crochet and a natter

So what does the future hold for Rebecca Castle and Damaris Crafts.
"I want to build a community around the shop, and make it work, and after my 3 years lease ends, I would like a bigger shop"
Watch this space crafters, Bex is on a mission.

Bex doing what she does best

Wishing you all the best with your business Bex, you have full support from Newbury Crafters Network, and I'm sure we will have lots of fun in the future sharing our skills sets.

Damaris Crafts Facebook Link