Taylor & Abel Taylor & Abel

Meet Jo – The Next Chapter at Taylor & Abel

Today isn’t just about goodbye…… it’s about hello.

We’re so excited to officially welcome Jo into her new chapter at Taylor & Abel πŸ’›

Jo has already been quietly learning the rhythms of the shop β€” from heart cushions to haberdashery drawers, from WIP evenings to those everyday β€œcan you help me fix this?” moments.

She brings warmth. She brings humour. She brings that calm, steady presence that makes a creative space feel safe.

The scissors have been gently passed. The thread continues.

If you’re in Penge this week, pop in and say hello to Jo. she’s ready to help you choose fabric, pick yarn, or start something beautifully ambitious 🧡✨

Same heart. New hands. Exciting future.

Read More
Retirement Taylor & Abel Retirement Taylor & Abel

Vanessa’s Retirement from Taylor & Abel – A Farewell from Your Local Penge Haberdashery Shop πŸ§ΆπŸ’•

Taylor & Abel, the independent haberdashery shop on Maple Road Penge, is celebrating the retirement of long-standing team member Vanessa, who joined in April 2021 during the challenges of COVID.

Over nearly five years, Vanessa helped build one of South East London’s most welcoming knitting and sewing communities, launching WIPs evenings and supporting the Maple Road Market initiative.

Now stepping into retirement after becoming a first-time Nanna in January, Vanessa leaves behind a legacy of creativity and community in Penge.

We’d love to share her story of independent retail resilience and community building.

 

If you’ve ever visited Taylor & Abel, our independent Penge Haberdashery/knitting shop on Maple Road, chances are you’ve met Vanessa.

Vanessa joined Taylor & Abel on 12th April 2021, during one of the most uncertain periods for independent retail. Over nearly five years, she has become part of the creative heartbeat of our Haberdashery/knitting shop in South East London, supporting customers, building community and growing her own skills along the way.

Now, as she becomes a first-time Nanna, she begins a new chapter in retirement.

And while we’re saying goodbye to her behind the counter, we’re celebrating everything she helped build here in Penge.

 
 
 

A Steady Presence in Our Penge Faberdashery Shop During COVID

When Vanessa joined our Haberdashery/knitting shop in Penge, the high street was quiet and the future of small businesses felt fragile.

Through COVID closures, re-openings and ever-changing guidance, she brought calm and reassurance to our customers. The gentle rhythm of her knitting needles became a familiar, comforting sound inside Taylor & Abel.

For many local makers across Penge and South East London, our shop became more than somewhere to buy yarn, it became a place to reconnect. Vanessa helped make that happen.

Her warmth reminded us why independent craft shops matter.

 
 
 

A Personal Chapter – Support Beyond the Shop Floor

Some chapters are personal. Tender and private. One of the main reasons Vanessa joined our little business is because of our IVF process.

Vanessa walked alongside me through my IVF journey, the emotional highs and lows that come quietly but heavily. She didn’t offer clichΓ©s. She simply stood beside me.

She was by our side when both my husband and I lost our dads, 18 months apart, dried my tears, supported my mum but more recently giggled as professionals finally made sense of my crazy behaviour.

There were cups of tea, ( cold drinks for me ) gentle conversations, quiet understanding.

In those moments, she was not just a colleague. She was a friend.

And that kind of support cannot be written into a job description.

 
 

Supporting Maple Road Penge & Local Independent Retail

Over the past few years, the face of Maple Road Penge has evolved. New businesses have arrived, others have moved on, and the street has continued to grow into a vibrant independent hub in South East London.

Vanessa didn’t just witness that change, she contributed to it.

She proudly supported the relaunch of the Maple Road Market, helping strengthen the local maker community. Market mornings meant early starts, shared laughter and welcoming faces for visitors discovering Maple Road for the first time.

Her belief in supporting small businesses and shopping local helped reinforce Taylor & Abel’s place as a trusted independent craft shop in Penge.

 
 
 

From Knitter to Sewing Confidence – Growing at Taylor & Abel

Vanessa arrived as an experienced knitter, helping customers across Penge choose yarns, understand patterns and fix dropped stitches with patience and care.

If you’ve searched for a β€œPenge haberdashery/knitting shop with friendly advice,” that reputation exists because of people like her.

During her time here, she also developed her sewing skills, learning new techniques, building confidence and proving that creativity never stands still. Watching her grow as a maker was one of the quiet joys of these years.

Taylor & Abel has always been about learning, sharing and evolving and Vanessa embodied that spirit.

 
 
 

WIPs Evenings – Building a Knitting & Sewing Community in South East London

One of Vanessa’s most lasting contributions was launching our much-loved WIPs (Work In Progress) Evenings.

What began as a simple idea β€” bring your knitting, crochet or sewing project and sit together, grew into a supportive creative circle for makers across Penge and South East London.

These evenings became:

  • A welcoming entry point for beginners

  • A confidence boost for nervous makers

  • A social space for local residents

  • A reminder that craft connects people

For anyone searching for a crafting community in Penge, WIPs evenings became exactly that and Vanessa was at the heart of it.

 
 
 

Retirement – A Beautiful Reason to Step Away

In January, Vanessa became a first-time Nanna, and that is the most joyful reason to retire.

Now her knitting will turn toward tiny cardigans, heirloom baby blankets and precious time with her grandchild. Her rhythm will change, slower mornings, projects made purely for joy, and family moments that matter most.

While she may be stepping away from our Penge β€˜Faberdashery’ shop, her impact remains woven into the fabric of Taylor & Abel.

 
 
 

Thank You from Your Local Penge Haberdashery Shop

From 12/04/2021 to today, Vanessa has helped shape Taylor & Abel into the welcoming independent craft shop Penge knows and loves.

If you visit us on Maple Road Penge, you will still feel the warmth, creativity and community she helped build.

Vanessa, thank you for every stitch, every market morning, every WIPs evening and every steady conversation.

You will always be part of the Taylor & Abel story.

With love,
Claire, Alex, Chris, and Jo πŸ§ΆπŸ’•

 
 
Read More
Vanessa Vlogs Taylor & Abel Vanessa Vlogs Taylor & Abel

A New Chapter in Me Made Style at Taylor & Abel Haberdashery

Discover Vanessa’s Me Made creations at Taylor & Abel Haberdashery! Get inspired by handmade fashion, sewing tips, and beautiful fabrics like Sally Kelly prints. Shop fabric, patterns, and more in-store or online.

 

Vanessa Vlogs!

Welcome to the very first blog edition of Vanessa Vlogs, where we spotlight handmade makes, sewing successes, and the beautiful people behind the stitches here at Taylor & Abel Haberdashery!

Today, we’re thrilled to share a new creative venture by our own fabulous Vanessa, who has taken on the challenge of championing her "Me Made" journey and we couldn’t be more excited to support her.

A Fabric That Speaks for Itself

In the photos to the side, Vanessa is wearing one of her recent makes: a breezy, V-neck top crafted from a vibrant blue and green printed cotton available right here at Taylor & Abel. The cheerful pattern pairs perfectly with her signature smile, and the relaxed silhouette is just the thing for summer sewing projects.

You’ll notice that Vanessa also matched her top to a bolt of fabric; yes, it’s the exact one she used to create this gorgeous piece. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, this kind of simple top is a fantastic addition to your Me Made wardrobe.

Why We Love This Make

  • Fabric used: 100% Cotton from our Sally Kelly collection (available in-store and online)

  • Pattern style: Boxy V-neck with wide sleeves – perfect for warm weather

  • Skill level: Confident beginner

  • Sewing tip from Vanessa: β€œDon’t overthink the fitβ€”let the fabric do the talking!”

Vanessa’s Me Made Mission

At the heart of Taylor & Abel Haberdashery is a deep love for creativity, craftsmanship, and communityβ€”and no one embodies that more than Vanessa. After years of helping customers select the perfect fabric, find the right haberdashery tools, and troubleshoot their trickiest sewing patterns, Vanessa has decided it’s her turn to step into the spotlight.

Her new personal challenge? To embrace the Me Made movement and share her journey, one handmade garment at a time.

Vanessa’s mission isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, personal style, and the joy of making your own clothes. With each project, she hopes to inspire others, especially beginners, to have a go with a sewing machine, try that first pattern, and experience the satisfaction of wearing something you’ve made from scratch.

Expect to see Vanessa feature a variety of styles using fabrics available right here in our shop, paired with sewing patterns that are beginner-friendly and full of creative possibilities. She’ll be sharing tips, tricks, and plenty of laughs along the way as she builds a wardrobe that’s truly her own.

In Vanessa’s words:

β€œThere’s something really powerful about making your own clothes. You learn, you make mistakes, but you end up with something that's 100% you. I want everyone to know that they can do itβ€”no matter their age, shape, or skill level.”

Through Vanessa Vlogs, she hopes to help customers discover not only what they can makeβ€”but who they become through making. Whether you’re tackling your first sewing pattern or finishing your fiftieth, this is a space to celebrate handmade joy.

Want to Make Your Own?

Everything you need to create your version of Vanessa’s look is available right here at Taylor & Abel Haberdashery:

  • Browse our curated fabric collections

  • Pick up essential haberdashery supplies

  • Chat with our friendly team for tips and advice

πŸ“Visit us in-store or shop online at www.taylorandabel.co.uk

Join the Movement

If you’ve got a Me Made Make you’re proud of, tag us on Instagram @taylorandabel and use #MeMadeAtTaylorAndAbel β€” we love featuring our talented community!

 
Read More
Taylor & Abel Taylor & Abel

πŸͺ‘Why You Should Sew: The Art of Learning a New Skill this New Year

Why should you consider a new skill

 
 
 
 

Rethink

In a world that’s always shifting, where trends come and go and technology evolves faster than we can keep up, there’s something deeply grounding about learning a timeless skill like sewing. Whether you’re fixing a button, creating a handmade gift, or crafting your own wardrobe, sewing offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. Plus, it’s a skill that’s not just practical; it’s fun, creative, and incredibly rewarding. If you’ve been thinking about picking up a needle and thread, here’s why you should take the plunge and learn to sew.

 
 
 

Empower Yourself with a New Skill

One of the most satisfying parts of sewing is the feeling of empowerment that comes with creating something with your own hands. Whether it’s altering a piece of clothing to fit better, mending a tear, or designing a unique garment from scratch, sewing allows you to become self-reliant in ways that everyday life doesn’t always offer. And the best part? It’s a skill that only gets better with practice.

 
 
 

Sewing Is a Creative Outlet

Sewing isn’t just about repairs or practical needs it’s an incredible creative outlet. You can experiment with colours, textures, and patterns, making every project a unique reflection of your personal style. From choosing fabrics to deciding on designs, sewing gives you control over how your creations come to life. If you’ve always been drawn to DIY projects or enjoyed crafts, sewing opens up a whole new world of possibilities

It’s Therapeutic and Mindful

In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced and digital, sewing offers a much-needed break. It’s an activity that demands focus, patience, and a steady hand, which means you can leave your worries behind while you work on a project. The rhythmic motions of stitching and the repetitive nature of the task can be meditative. Plus, the satisfaction of seeing your progress unfold before your eyes is truly soothing.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Sewing is Environmentally Friendly

In our throwaway culture, learning to sew is a sustainable act. Instead of discarding old clothes, you can repair them, giving them a second life. You can even repurpose fabrics from old garments to create something entirely new upcycling at its best. As you develop your skills, you’ll also have the option to create your own clothing and accessories, reducing the need to constantly buy fast fashion and contributing to a more eco-conscious lifestyle.

 
 
 

It’s More Accessible Than You Think

Many people assume that sewing is a complex skill that requires specialised knowledge or expensive equipment. But in reality, starting with sewing is simpler than you might think. At Taylor & Abel classes are set up ready for all abilities. A basic sewing machine, some fabric, and a few sewing tools are all you need to get started. Even hand-sewing can be incredibly effective for small projects, and it’s a great way to learn the fundamentals.

 
 
 

You Can Save Money

Sewing can be an incredibly cost-effective way to meet your needs. Instead of buying expensive clothes or paying for alterations, you can make or mend things yourself.

The Joy of Personalisation

Ever bought a garment you loved but wished it had a different colour or style? With sewing, you have the power to personalise your clothes and accessories to match your exact preferences. Whether it’s adding custom embroidery, changing the hemline, or incorporating special fabric patterns, sewing lets you have a wardrobe that’s uniquely yours’ designed by you, for you.

Connect with a Community

Sewing isn’t just a solitary activity; it’s something that brings people together. At WIP’s Mondays and Wednesdays, you’ll find a welcoming community of fellow sewists who share your passion. From sharing tips to inspiring each other’s projects, sewing can open the door to new friendships and experiences.

We have clubs on;

  • Monday 10am til 12

  • Wednesday 6pm til 8pm

 
 
 

Getting Started with Sewing

If you’re ready to pick up a needle and thread, here’s how to get started:

1. Start Small: Don’t feel pressure to jump straight into creating a full wardrobe. Start with simple projects like a pillowcase, tote bag, or basic alterations to get comfortable with the process.

2. Learn the Basics: Familiarise yourself with the different tools and materials you’ll need. There are plenty of beginner-friendly online tutorials to help you understand the basics of stitching, using a sewing machine, and reading patterns.

3. Practice Patience: Like any new skill, sewing requires patience and practice. Don’t worry if your first few projects don’t turn out perfect, each mistake is a lesson that will make you a better sewist.

4. Have Fun: Above all, remember that sewing is supposed to be fun. Explore your creativity, experiment with different designs, and enjoy the journey of learning something new.

 
 
 

Embrace New Skills this New Year

Sewing isn’t just a skill, it’s a way of embracing creativity, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. It may seem intimidating at first, but once you start, you’ll be amazed at what you can create with a little thread, fabric, and imagination. So why not give it a try? You might just discover a new passion and a new way of expressing yourself!

 
 

Class / Workshop Enquiries

 
 
 

T & A

β˜“

Read More
2025 Taylor & Abel 2025 Taylor & Abel

✨Happy New Year 2025 ✨

Remember to give good hugs!

 

Happy New Year from Taylor & Abel

As we step into 2025, we want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year! May this year be filled with creativity, joy, and new beginnings for all of us.

As we bid farewell to 2024 and step into the fresh possibilities of 2025, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to all of you. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us, especially through the challenging times we've faced. Whether it was during our temporary closure or as we navigated through a period of grief, you stood by us, and for that, we are truly thankful. Your kindness has been a source of strength and encouragement, reminding us of the wonderful community we are privileged to be a part of.


We are so excited to welcome the new year and all the potential it holds. One of the things we're most excited about is expanding our capacity to host more craft workshops and social craft events. These gatherings have become such a special part of our journey, and we can’t wait to offer even more opportunities for you to connect, create, and share in the joy of making things by hand. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, there's always something new to learn and enjoy here at Taylor & Abel.


Mindfulness remains at the heart of what we do, and we’re continuing to focus on mental wellbeing this year. We’re thrilled to announce that we'll be dedicating an entire week to this causeβ€”offering resources, workshops, and activities aimed at supporting your mental and emotional health. Crafting is such a wonderful way to find peace and relaxation, and we’re here to help guide you on that journey.


As we look ahead, we’re also reflecting on some significant milestones, including the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day. These important commemorations will be marked with special fabric collections perfect for creating bunting, memorabilia, and other crafts that pay tribute to this pivotal moment in history. We can’t wait to see how you all bring your creativity to life with these beautiful fabrics.



In addition to these events, we are also thrilled to share a special project with you. This year, we will be stocking the first book by our good friend, David Morrish, titled Digital Embroidery. This inspiring and comprehensive guide delves into the art of digital embroidery, offering techniques, vibrant ideas, and finished examples. David and I have known each other since our college days, and while I moved into teaching, David continued to develop his exceptional skills in fashion and embroidery. He has made a name for himself, appearing on BBC's Make it at Market, becoming a member of the Crafts Council, and earning a prestigious QEST scholarship. We are proud to support David and share his brilliant work with you all.

 

Thank you again for your incredible support. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful community of crafters, creators, and supporters. Here’s to a bright, creative, and mindful 2025! We look forward to seeing you in the shop, at our events, and throughout the year ahead.

With gratitude and excitement
T & A

 
Read More
New Year 2023 Taylor & Abel New Year 2023 Taylor & Abel

Happy New Year

 

We just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for your continued support throughout 2022.

To understand how much it means to Us….

After a continued need for a haberdashery in the area, we set up our little shop in 2019, providing the basics for folks who perhaps had run out of thread or fabric. It was also about a sense of community. You could come into the shop and meet people, talk to people who know their stuff.

When the pandemic hit, we had to close. it was heartbreaking. When we reopened, it was positive and we were heading in the right direction when finally, full restrictions ended in spring 2022, strangely our shop went quiet. This was coupled with the deterioration of my father-in-law who sadly passed in September 2022; a week after The Queen. In between all this, we were struggling keeping our little business going. I was determined along with my husband, Vanessa and Rebecca to keep going, other traders willing us on. My parents still supportive even though secretly worried about their own health.

 

 
 

2022 was the biggest fight I have ever had to fight personally also with my business. I was not going to give up having come through the restrictions. My Late Father-in-Law told me, I had to keep this shop going, you must, he said!

It has literally broken me but the people that keep me going are you, the customers. The ones that believe in the shop and buy from us before trying other bigger outlets. You, the customer are the ones that provide us with awesome fun challenges and test our skills and knowledge every time. You give us reasons to stick around and try again.

 

 

This is why I want to say a huge thank you and you to know how much that really does mean THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.

 

 

2023 will pretty much be the same for us, yet another heartbreaking situation in my family and a struggle to make ends meet for the shop however, we are determined that learning from 2022 will be our strength and you, our biggest supporters will get us through this year.

In essence, lets create a better year and a more crafty community where we talk and learn new things that purpose our lives better and forget our woes, enjoy the days ahead… embrace the rain too.

 

We’re now bouncing into 2023 with a fab January Sale with more ideas to get you excited about sewing, knitting and crocheting plus other crafts.

Not all sale items are online. we are reducing products as we go so pop along to the shop and pick up a bargain.

 

New Shop Opening Hours for 2023

In light of our complex situation we’ve had to have a creative rethink about how we operate over the next year.

 
 
 
 

! However, just because we are dropping one day. we are not dropping our dedication to online orders or our commitment to print patterns from Edie the A0 printer. If orders come in, we will be there actioning them asap.

 
 
 

2023 is the going to be a very crafty new year!

 
Read More
Christmas Taylor & Abel Christmas Taylor & Abel

Have Yourself A Crafty Little Christmas

 

Festive cheer has found its way to Taylor & Abel

 

 

Our " Have yourself a Crafty Little Christmas" campaign is about making sure that we encourage mindfulness, companionship and encouragement of new skills over the Christmas break.

Take a break away from the news or from social media platforms and immerse yourself back into projects that give you joy and comfort.

Let's create a merry crafty handmade Christmas this year and for 2023.

Stuck for ideas? Visit in store for bespoke craft gift boxes/kits, even dress patterns with fabrics or pre-made up craft kits.

Can’t get to our shop, no bother! Go online and use our "Kits" tool bar to find a specific craft kit.


 

Because we are also very keen to make sure you have a very crafty Christmas, we are now open on Thursdays til 8pm for those after work shoppers.

We will be serving up Mulled non-alcoholic Wine and mince pie for santa’s little helpers.

Wednesday - 10am til 4pm

Thursday - 10am til 8pm 

Friday - 10am til 4pm 

Saturday - 10am til 5pm

 
 

look forward to seeing you


 
 
 

Learn more about our Craft Classes

 
 
 
 

TAYLOR & ABEL 164 Maple Road, London, SE20 8jb, United Kingdom 07770223680 taylorabelmail@gmail.com

 
 
 
Read More
Taylor & Abel Taylor & Abel

Craft for Ukraine

All about our crafty group that raise money for Ukraine.

 

When Russia invaded Ukraine, many of us sat by and watched in disbelief.

I remember being stunned and thinking there must be something I can do?

I realised that as someone who ran a small craft shop, I could do something and use craft as a way to;

1, reduce fear and anxiety

2, to raise money.

On the forth day of the invasion, i set up a facebook group called β€œ The UK stands with Ukraine Craft Club” . We quickly saw that the group grew in size primarily we realised there were other crafters in the UK wanting to do the same.

 
 

Group members set too and started creating beautiful crocheted and knitted items such as awareness ribbons. not too long after, members came up with all sorts of products such as resin keyring’s, crocheted Religious crosses, pom pom keyring’s, stunning acrylic fine artwork, fabric ribbon broaches and much more.

 
 

These are all great but we needed a way sell them for donations and as the makers agreed, 100% of the money raised should go to Ukrainian charities.

Some of the members sold them at their local churches or village halls but as I knew I had a shop, I believed that would be one way to help sell the products. I then set up a donation button on my website.

 
 
 
 

Soon I would have products Trickling in from wales, scotland and other parts of england. Mainly the products would come from local craft around Bromley. However, more importantly, it meant that the crafters work could be seen and bought and raising money in the effort to help get aid to Ukraine.

 
 
 
 

Some of the members craft but wanted to show solidarity in a different ways. Lots of crafters choose to knit postbox toppers in Ukrainian colours. Others choose to dress their gates and tress up.

 

When I keep in contact with the group, it is amazing how the members use the group to keep feeding ideas to other members and keep talking.

Now we feel we can help in the way of craft, to raise money at the same time as reducing our fears and anxiety levels.

If you want to join the group just click here

Thanks for Reading. If you wish to donate in exchange for some of the wonderful crafted items, you can visit the shop or you can visit our donation page

 
 
Read More
Taylor & Abel Taylor & Abel

Celebrate The Platinum Jubilee with Lewis & Irene

 

As we get ever closer to the 4 day bank holiday to celebrate Hm Queen Elizabeth 11 70th Year on the throne, we have invested in fabrics that we think are fabulous and very royal.

 
 
 
 

Introducing Lewis & Irene Jubilee Range

Lewis & Irene Have Done An Amazing Job At Designing A Range Of Beautiful And Quintessential Fabrics.

You don’t have to stick to just buying metre lengths but you can buy Bunting Panels or even Fat Quarters.

 
 
 
 

If you wanted just Fat Quarters, they are available in each design measuring 50cm x 56cm

 
 
 
 

If however you just want to go for metre lengths then there are a range of designs such as the ones below. You could go mad with ideas. You could create clothing, aprons, cushions, napkins… a whole host of cool projects.

 
 

Before We Stock Any Fabrics, We Like To Check Out Suppliers Backgrounds And It Was No Different For Lewis & Irene. We Asked The Question…

β€œ Are Your Fabrics Certificated? β€œ …..And Within A Moments Notice The Brilliant Claire Wrote Back With This Message

__________________________

β€œOur Textile Mill Is Certified By The Sustainable Apparel Coalition And Uses The Higg Index To Assess Sustainability Throughout The Supply Chain From Cotton Plant To The Mill!

We Are Proud To Say That The Mill Is Also A Member Of The Better Cotton Initiative, A Brilliant Non-Profit Organisation Working With Farming Communities, Workers And Smallholders To Improve Working Conditions, Tackle Inequality And Provide Sustainable Cotton To Our Mills.

We Are OEKO-Tex And EN71-3 Certified. β€œ

_______________________

We Feel Confident That When You Buy Lewis & Irene From Our Shop That You Are Getting Quality, Moral And A Sustainable Product.

Why Wouldn’t You Buy Lewis & Irene!

 
Read More
Taylor & Abel Taylor & Abel

The one when PaddIngton Bear Visited T&A

The one when Paddington Bear visited Taylor & Abel

 

Paddington Bear waiting at the Station.

We had a special visitor this week in time for Half - Term at Taylor & Abel.

 
 

Thanks to Bricklive we have had the Opportunity to have Paddington in and around SE20 as part of a fabulous trail for the kids.

Paddington waiting at the station was a particular Favourite as I myself tend to be waiting around the stations a lot as I travel a lot. This was a perfect tie to Taylor & Abel.

 
 

WOW!

What an awesome stat from BrickLive.

If you are local to Taylor & Abel and like the idea of following the Paddington Bear Trail, you can catch it on until 20th February 2022.

 
 

Special Thanks To PENGE SE20 BID for helping put this together.

 
Read More
Taylor & Abel Taylor & Abel

How fabulous to be open.....

 

Crikey....

What a year it has been. I think no one can dispute the craziness of it all, the loss or the despair that has been endured but equally for some, it has been a chance to change they way the live their lives for the future.

For me, it was like we had permission to get off the roller coaster ride and actually take a break, staying safe, make and take in the beauty of nature.

 
 
 
 

Although, when reality kicked in, it was fraught with anxiousness of how I'm going to keep my little business going.

Only in the December 19 I had stopped being a school teacher, taking the decision to come out of the profession to concentrate on passing my skills that I have learnt onto others from my shop when lockdown 1.0 happened.

So, to reopen on the 12th April 2021 was a miracle. I had, had so much support from family and friends that I had to make it work for them and for those who have continually supported the shop in-between lockdowns and during lockdowns.

 
 
 
 

Can I go crazy and wild with happiness that I'm open? hrmmmm tentatively....but it is fabulous to be open again.

Independent retail is not the same as a pub or a restaurant. It isn't something we think of first as a tangible product nor does it get the same publicity so independent retailers have to work ten times harder to bring customers back. However, being in my industry, it is one of the known industries that creates a sense of relaxation and mindfulness. It is also one of the industries that can bring people together again.

 
 
 
 

So moving on, we have created a way to move our shop into a place that spending time together again is really important and you learn at the same time.

 
 
 
 

Queue our Courtyard, Craft & Chat sessions. These sessions have been developed so that we can offer a chance where crafters can gather COVID safe and chat face to face. Session places are being offered twice a week through subscription or on a ad hoc basis. You will receive a loyalty card so when you build up so many stamps, it means you can get money off items or free stuff which is always a bonus! Not only that, you will receive a free tea or coffee from nearby cafes while we chat.

 
 
 
 

https://www.taylorandabel.co.uk/craft-lessons/new-year-courtyard-craft-chat-1

It is our commitment to mental health combining skills crafting and reducing loneliness.

It's FABULOUS to be open again !

Thank you to you all for trusting us.

Come over soon or support us online.

Online 24/7
Our shop is open: Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10am til 4pm

 
Read More
Taylor & Abel Taylor & Abel

Gin & Craft Nights

Gin & Craft nights at Taylor and Abel

 
 
 

Excitingly, we are running our 1st Makers Gin and Craft night on Saturday 5th February.

Makers are invited to bring their current craft projects to our craft garden where they will be met with three different gins, ( distilled by Craft & Courage ) set up to taste different flavours of London Dry.

 
 
 
 

The makers are asked to taste all three with different tonics and garnishes to find a clear stand out Makers Gin which will evoke a relaxed makers style while crafting their latest project.

 

Thanks to TENS ( Temporary Events licensing ) we get to help nights like these and as a maker myself, take complete advantage of it as it’s not just a taster session, it’s an amazing chance to meet new like minded people.

After the difficult times we’ve had, isn’t it great that we can go somewhere and safely craft together for our mental health?

 
 
 
Read More
Taylor & Abel Taylor & Abel

Classes are Back!

 

Hello!

We have news of a selected few classes for you

Classes, Yey!

we have some up and running again. We need to, it was becoming very difficult to be a craft shop and not be creative. Times are so different but I think we can do this for sure.

Teddy Knits

Our 1st offering is Teddy Knits class for beginners. Just two places available on each class owing to social distancing, almost like one to one tuition.

Terri who runs the class is an experienced knitter who use to hold classes of her own elsewhere however we connected when I opened the shop and before lockdown she ran the knit surgeries from Taylor & Abel.

Her class for beginners is a chance to perfect knitting skills you may have picked up over Youtube or other video lessons you may have Used to Teach yourself. With Teddy Knits You can now experience face to face Tuition which we really do love at the minute.

 
Teddy+Knits+customers.jpg

here is a lovely photo captured of one of Teddy Knits customers. Fantastic lady from Durham, seen here with her daughter.

To secure your place

with Teddy Knits

 
 

Lampshade Making

We also have Lampshade making classes available. Taught at Taylor & Abel, they are a great way to create something for your home but making it bespoke to your personal taste.

As the nights draw in we can create light from the dark. I love this idea, seen as we have just gone through some tough times.

Like Teddy Knits classes, we are limited to 2 persons per class because of social distancing. You receive all the equipment and the fabric of your choice and should you require a second set to match, you will receive a 10% discount on any further purchases.

 

To secure your place Lampshade Making

Screenshot 2020-09-16 at 00.09.09.png
Screenshot 2020-09-16 at 00.09.01.png
 
 

We are working really hard to introduce more classes for you but we know we have to factor in many things due to COVID-19 so please keep an eye out on our website, Facebook and Instagram.

Make sure you swing by 164 Maple road as we also sell the lampshade kits too, just incase you fancy having a go at it on Your own. We also have many more kits for you to pick from. Keep us in mind, don’t forget we post out too.

Till next time…. in a twist of Brucy’s infamous catchphrase…. Keeeeeppppppp Crafting!

 
Read More