Sewing is for everyone

Skygarden is here so you can find what you need. The right fabric, honest advice, community, at a price that works. We're here to help you accomplish success.

A few years ago a friend from my sports team admired my clothes but told me she could never make her own. I knew that wasn't true. So at the end of the season I organised a sewing getaway for women from the team. Everyone made a boxy top or dress. Some bought or brought their own recycled fabric, some used pieces sourced by me, and everyone went home having made something they were proud of. My friend made a wonderful top. She was a star student.

We've done it every year since. People come back making more complex things each time with greater ambition and confidence. A few new faces join every year. I've been told it's one of the highlights of the season.

That's what I want Skygarden to be. More of that. The right fabric, the right support, a space where people feel genuinely welcome and leave having succeeded at something, perhaps something they didn't think they could do.

I'm Claire. I've been sewing my own clothes for over 20 years, and I started Skygarden because I want to bring this to more people.

Skygarden is a space for everyone. Whatever your background, ability, age, or identity, you're welcome here, whether you're browsing for fabric or sitting down at a machine for the first time. Sewing is for everyone, and so is this studio.

If something ever doesn't feel right, please tell us, in person or at fabric@skygarden.org. We want Skygarden to be a space everyone feels good being part of.