Thread Den is the carefully nurtured dream of four determined girls – who have turned a collection of sewing machines and over-lockers into a first-of-its-kind vibrant sewing lounge and vintage-inspired retail outlet.
Bonding over their common love of the 50s and 60s, and vintage goods, Thread Den partner Erica Menting says it all started when they realised a need for a drop-in style sewing space that taught basic and advanced sewing skills.
“I guess it is just a generational thing,” she says. “Our mothers all seemed to learn to sew – but now there is a whole generation of people who weren’t taught when they were growing up, or had no interest in it and didn’t pursue it because clothes are reasonably cheap to buy.”
Originally set up on Errol Street in North Melbourne two and a half years ago, the business has recently doubled in size, to include a new sister premises in Fitzroy, and a bi-monthly designer market also in North Melbourne.
“When it was first started, there were only about 3 or so classes a week,” Menting says, “But now there are classes every night, and up to four on the weekend days – we are just trying to keep up with demand!”
She says they get a broad mix of people, including older men, who come in not only for the classes, but also to use their machines and cutting tables to mend clothes and complete creative projects.
Add to this to their covetable collection of vintage clothes and accessories, and unique range of Australian-made designs, and there is no doubt these girls will be influencing more than just one generation of consumers.
Thread Den
threadden.com
North Melbourne Market
northmelbournemarket.com