Arts and crafts are making a comeback, including in Woodbridge.

East Anglian Daily Times: Stitchworks in WoodbridgeStitchworks in Woodbridge (Image: Archant)

A resurgence of interest in arts and crafts has been good news for a new business set up in Woodbridge last year.

American Karen Meyers and her Spanish husband fell in love with the town through sailing on the River Deben.

It was those memories that prompted their move to Suffolk, where they opened gift shop and sewing centre Stitchworks in December. It was tough in the early part of the year with the bad weather, said Ms Meyers.

“Fortunately I had my alterations side to keep me going, and that has developed with word of mouth. People are finding us,” she said.

“Now we are developing the workshop and classes side, and I am finding people.

“Local people are bringing their work into us, and some of them have been teaching classes too

“I was a dressmaker in the US. I have been sewing since I was nine, and I have always earned my living from it.

“I worked in an alterations shop and liked the customer interaction.”

“I also taught in the States, and this brings all those things together.”

The classes and workshops are also growing. During the summer there are special fashion camps for teens, with local designer Clare Perkins, which are proving popular.