Here are some highlights from my conversation with Clair and Charlotte:
Both Clair and Charlotte were lucky enough to have learnt sewing from their family members, so sewing has been a part of their lives for as long as they can remember. Charlotte got really into sewing after her second child was born, and then started working at Emporia with Clair.
I asked who has the largest sewing stash, and Charlotte confessed it was probably her! She said the biggest temptation for fabric shopping was ‘just browsing’ at the sewing shows as there are always so many wonderful things. Both ladies said they have a weakness for Rainbow Fabrics. Fabric shopping aside, Clair and Charlotte both said they end up collecting a few fabrics from the Emporia range – Clair said it’s inevitable since her own taste plays a part in what she chooses to stock for the shop. I asked whether Clair and Charlotte have similar tastes and they said there is definitely overlap, as they often end up picking the same fabrics as each other. They said they don’t mind matching, although Clair said it was a bit awkward when she replicated one of her handmade dresses for her mother and they both ended up wearing the same dress went they went out together!
Sounds like there is a lot of exciting change coming up for Emporia over the next couple of months. The Emporia shop has recently closed, so a lot of inventory is currently in Clair’s house. They will be moving to a new studio in the new year. Penelope is still Emporia’s number 1 selling pattern, although perhaps not for much longer, as Clair teased a new pattern release coming soon!
