Hello, my name is Kelly Hanson and I am "Sew What Ipswich" in conjunction with a few very important and talented people behind (and sometimes in) the scenes. These include, my most talented and patient (most of the time - haha) husband Adrian, who makes just about all of my crazy ideas come to light, one way or another. He is a talented woodworker who not only did the shop fitout and made that ama
zing 3mx3m workshop table, workbenches and the front counter top in the 'old shop', he has also recycled those materials to make a unique and bespoke sewing studio here in our own home in Brassall, Ipswich QLD. Other members of my valuable team are that of Miss Lilly (almost 4 years), who is my most honest critique of my sewing creations - particularly when it comes to here outfits!!!! Next up is Erin, who is my wonderful helper bee in just about EVERYTHING. She has just about the same amount of energy and enthusiasm for sewing as I do. Lastly is Beryl - she is a 13ft gorgeous old lady who is yet to make her full debut, but has appeared at our Market Stall...........
Sew What Ipswich was initially developed around 9 years ago, as a way to meet new people and also to provide encouragement and support to both experienced and novice sewers, by providing sewing classes and workshops (as it continues to do to this day). Its origins started in 2011, with sewing classes being held in a local church hall. This then lead to me renting a house in West Ipswich to have a fun open space in which I didn't have to pack up after each class and carry all the materials and sewing machines back home again, only to do it all again in a weeks time. So it was pretty cool to be in a position to rent a house just for this purpose. We had some great fun there!!! Life and its difficulties then came to haunt me - I suffer from severe endometriosis and its ability to wreck havoc on my body/life and fertility prospects were very pronounced and difficult. And so, Sew What Ipswich then took a back seat for a few years until a very cute and spacious commercial shopfront became available close to my home. The thought of having another wonderful space to help others to learn how to sew had always stayed in my head - you know how it goes.......the constant thought of 'What if?' So, I jumped in with all guns blazing, and experienced a ride and a half!! It was CRAZY, and fun and exhausting! But I made amazing friendships and met a huge amount of absolutely wonderful like-minded people. It was just beautiful :-) What can I say, Sewing is at the heart of us all :-) Just embrace it (hahaha). The pressures of running a commercial space became too much, and so the best decision to date, was to pack up (2 weeks prior to COVID - thank you very much) and move to a home based sewing studio. And so, this is where we are. We love it here and it is a great feeling to know that the hard work that we put in to Sew What Ipswich will now be benefiting us 'a little' more now. I LOVE creating items from scratch, and I really want to share the wonderful emotions that are associated with the art of sewing. Sew What Ipswich offers sewing classes at a beginner and intermediate level (Mostly for teenager/adults with the occasional children's program (apologies :-( ) - see our EVENTS section on our page for up to date sessions), together with commissioned sewing items for individuals who may not have the time or skills to fulfil a desired piece of clothing. The whirlwind year of 2020 instigated changes to all facets of life globally, and Sew What Ipswich was no exception. This year, 2021, Sew What Ipswich will be expanding its repertoire in a few VERY exciting avenues. I don't want to give too much away just yet, however I will give you this - the presentation of our own in-house clothing label of simple, yet feminine garments will be on offer late January/early February and then quarterly thereafter. (Honestly, I can not wait for this exciting adventure!!). Until next time, happy creating :-)
Kelly x
