#AD We’d like to say a huge congratulations to Purple Stitches for placing Highly Commended in the British Sewing Awards 2022! This amazing supplier is the go-to store for crafters on the hunt for an array of vibrant and modern fabrics. From stylish patterns and nifty haberdashery notions to fantastic retreats and wonderful workshops, there’s something for everyone. We caught up with founder Vivian Chan to find out more…

How did it feel to find out that you were nominated?
I’ve heard of the British Sewing Awards before, but I never thought I would be nominated for it. I had to read the results a few times to check if it was real; and lo and behold, it was! I couldn’t believe that we had been nominated for the Best Independent Retailer in the South East! I’m amazed that we’ve even made it this far. Even now, I’m at a loss for words, but I’m extremely humbled and grateful. 

How did it feel when you found out that you were highly commended in the awards?
To say that I’m over the moon is an understatement. It has been a tough couple of years, especially during the pandemic. Thankfully we were fortunate enough to launch a new website and grow our online presence. Although, there’s something special about welcoming sewers in person, sharing ideas and giving advice. It’s such a privilege to connect with other like-minded people. I love seeing our customers’ enthusiasm and excitement at the prospect of a new sewing project, attending a workshop, jetting off on a crafting holiday, or even buying a new fabric. Receiving this commendation reminded me exactly why we’re still here: our customers and the community’s support! I’d like to give a huge thank you to those who nominated us, as they gave us a shot at winning. 

What do your customers mean to you? What would you like to say to everyone who voted?
My customers mean a lot to me because they trust us with their hard-earned money. I am accountable for the products we sell and their quality. We care deeply about their experience with our products and services. Our customers are what keep us in business, after all! We have been overwhelmed by the support and love we have received from everyone over the past few months. I am so thankful to everyone who nominated and voted for us. If you are ever in Basingstoke, please do not hesitate to visit our shop. We would love to show you around! 

Are you proud of how far your business has come? Do you have any proud moments or specific achievements that you would like to share?
We’ve come a long way since we set up our small shop ten years ago. I’ve got to say, I think our proudest moment would have to be our ability to remain true to our purpose. Not only have we helped our customers create beautiful sewing projects, but we have helped them get started by choosing the right materials for them. Our pre-selected collection of bright and contemporary fabrics has our customers in mind. This is invaluable when turning crafting ideas into reality. Every time someone gives us feedback or shares their progress, we feel that we have fulfilled our purpose. It’s incredibly heart-warming!

 
What are your plans for the upcoming months? Is there anything exciting on the horizon that you would like to tell us about?
We will continue our Block of the Month subscription boxes and update them with new and fun designs. Our plans for January 2023 revolve around the launch of a fabric bundle subscription, which will highlight all our modern materials and carefully curated fabric bundles. Plus, we’ve got two Sewcial Retreats planned for next year. Our Sewcial Retreat consists of two and a half days filled with crafty fun and all the room you need to relax and be inspired. We’ll be joined by Carolyn Foster in March, and Nicholas Ball in September. Registrations for these events will open this month. For more information, don’t hesitate to follow us at @purplestitches on Instagram and Purple Stitches Fabric Store on Facebook. You can also drop by our website at purplestitches.com.