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

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: “Don’t overthink the fit—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 community—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:

“There’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 it—no matter their age, shape, or skill level.”

Through Vanessa Vlogs, she hopes to help customers discover not only what they can make—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

📍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 — we love featuring our talented community!

✨Happy New Year 2025 ✨

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 cause—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