A WOMAN with a passion for sewing has launched a new business she hopes will make people proud to be handmade.

Fleur Lane set up online haberdashers The Village Maker in June and is now planning to establish a range of sewing classes and a ‘sewcial’ club in Sayers Common.

The idea for The Village Maker began during long London commutes. Fleur, who has been sewing all her life and is also gifted at crafting, knitting, gardening and cooking, says: “I spent a lot of time soul-searching on those commutes and I was looking for something I could work on locally. I wanted to be part of the small business community with something I feel passionately about and also that I am knowledgeable about.”

She adds: “I think there is a passion and a want for the traditional crafts that have somehow missed a generation.

“In a resurgence of the “make do and mend” mentality, there are some great skills to share and an opportunity for like-minded people to get together ‘sewcially’ and locally.

“Make something you need, something you want – either way, make it and be proud to be handmade. Make something to last the seasons and beyond, maybe recycle a treasure found, add some vintage bling, make memories out of what you already have in the cupboard. We can help you learn some new tricks.”

The Village Maker Classes take place on Monday nights, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and Saturdays.

Phone 07740 003540, email fleur@thevillagemaker.co.uk or visit http://www.thevillagemaker.co.uk/thevillagemaker.co.uk