Elliemagpie has been open for 5 weeks!

So, Elliemagpie was opened on April 14th 2012 to a fantastic crowd and a very warm welcome from the people of Prestwich.
These are some of the pictures taken just before we opened, the calm before the storm!

The owl cushions on the bed went straight away! The addition of the bed was a last minute stroke of genius - I needed extra space to display all the soft goodies and remembered that daughter Ellie's shabby chic bed was sitting unused in my top bedroom as she has had a 'cabin bunk' for last Christmas!

 Beautiful fabrics on the custom made display shelving from Steve at A&S Joinery. http://www.salfordjoiner.com/

 View from the front of the shop, as you walk into the store...

And again, one the the hand painted upcycled cabinets both offered for sale and used as display in the store.

My bench! Made by my Dad for me to serve customers and cut the lovely fabrics and ribbons :)

The 'back'; my workspace - no longer looks as tidy as this and now has three sewing machines, an ironing boards and piles of project work on it!
I had to re order these pictures frames with 'A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear' as they all went on the first day!

 View from the back of the store towards the front - awaiting all the lovely customers!

 The gorgeous cabinet that went on the first day and now has a lovely new home.

The wicker hearts in the front of this picture have been a great seller - more are due in this week!

I was far to busy chatting, serving, and eating delicious nibbles from both the Cheese Place and Five!, local businesses in Prestwich to take photos on the opening day. I think my mum managed to take some, I will try and post again with these!
http://www.thecheeseplace.co.uk/ - thanks to Kath and Louise
http://www.freshfoodatfive.co.uk/ - thanks to Barb and Joe

Since the opening I have had so much fun getting to know loads of people from Prestwich, hearing their views about the shop and what they like to come in for.
I am now stocking ranges from the following local designers:

Jane Dennerly - http://janedennerly.blogspot.co.uk/
Harris Tweed bags and brooches in new and innovative shapes. Unique uses of vintage silks into brooches, handbags and bows. Classic yet quirky and real statement pieces. Jane also make beautiful cards and pictures.

Loula Belle at Home - http://loulabelleathome.blogspot.co.uk/
A lancashire lass putting a bit of glamour into mundane household chores to bring out the inner goddess! Loula Belle uses retro inspired prints in stunning colours to make sexy aprons, washbags, tea towels and cushions. Loula Belle also does some fantastic kids products and gifts; brooch kits and bake sets.

Summer Willow Creative Cards - http://www.summer-willow-creative-cards.yolasite.com/
Handcrafted cards for that special occasion. Summer Willow will also make to order and take commissions - just pop in or send me a message and we will have one ready for you!

Louise's Felted Crafts
New in this week; Louise makes sweet felted brooches, hanging decorations and keyrings; upcycling knitwear to make new unique pieces.

And also working with Eliza M to create fantastic 50's inspired dresses and skirts.
http://www.elizamvintagesewing.com/
Eliza M is a regular in Sew magazine and also supplies dress patterns and kits.
We will be running an Eliza M Vintage 50's dress sewing course in July. Pop in to see the pattern or go online to book at:
http://www.elliemagpie.co.uk/collections/workshops/products/vintage-50s-dress-course


Elliemagpie workshops launched this week - we had a fantastic time on the beginners learn to sew course on Tuesday and also on the Owl Cushion workshop on Wednesday.
Angie from @idesignworkshop, began the courses and will be teaching each week from now on.
More to follow on a later blog about the workshops!

I have been working away on some commissions these past few weeks and have made some lovely things!

A cute taggy for Tanya & Erin. Another order coming this week as Erin loves it so much. Also a taggy on order for a new baby and the fabrics have been chosen from the Feather & Stitch range from Sarah Watts - will be so cute!

Drawstring rucksacks for the lovely Penny who just loves her rucksacks! Since making these two beauties I have had orders for two more too - they look just ace in all the lovely fabrics!

Doesn't it look fab in this fabric!

I have also made cushions, throws for a hotel makeover and a new dress for a vintage doll - more pictures to follow on later blogs!

This week I have orders for more throws, curtains, a patchwork quilt and some outdoor birds and cushions for Joan Mulvenna's garden at  RHS Tatton 2012 (July 18th - 22nd)
http://www.garden-design-manchester.co.uk/
More about these in later blogs!


So in a bit of a roundabout way here is how the Prestwich Laundrette was transformed into Elliemagpie!

 All painted but still waiting for that sign....

Brother in law Steve and my dad get ready to unveil the sign.

The sign and all the lettering are on. Ladders still in place and dad in the doorway!

I look forward to the next few weeks - meeting new people, more new friends, workshops and new stock! and more blogs too, now that I have promised them!

Enjoy and keep sewing! :)x