Evergreen Hollow's New Haberdashery

 Dear Readers,

I hope you had a lovely Easter! 

Today's post is all about my haberdashery! I got this building as part of a bundle, which included Evergreen Lodge. It was originally Madeleine's Boutique but the building was really sun damaged so I knew that it had to be painted. 

The end result looks like this: 

The dark navy suits the owners, the Dearly's, and the cream just adds this element of class. I really love the outcome. I even retiled the roof following this tutorial: https://youtu.be/iuqjXNPSVFI?si=IuwURhekcCeAEgAH

I made the curtains myself as well, which took a while as the sewing by hand is quite time consuming. I am debating whether to start using a sewing machine for it, I just think that with how short the length is, whether it will be more cumbersome with the machine. 

I am really proud with the result and it has definitely inspired me to collect more of these little shops. I have a plan to create a florist and fishmongers one day. 

Without further ramblings, here is today's post... 

Paul Dearly studied textiles at the Grinpa University. He had always had an eye for fashion and combined with his love of maths he was well "suited" to a career in fashion designing and textiles. His parents could not be more proud of him attending university to follow his dream. 

He was one of a few males on the course but that did not deter him from his efforts. He stayed late most days, ensuring all his seams were razor sharp, all of his darts were crisp and all his items were freshly ironed ready for the next day. By his first year, he had created his own wardrobe, which was common for his class. What was different about Paul was that he really cared about how he made his models, and soon his first clients, feel about what they were wearing. He took time to meet with them, discuss their likes and dislikes. He even had a colour chart to ensure he found the perfect shades. He wanted to make everyone feel comfortable and confident. Fashion was more than looks for Paul, it was ensuring that everyone had clothing that made them feel special. 

No one could sway Paul away from his sewing machine, not even his friends when they went out for lunch or day trips at the weekend. Well, that was the case, until a new student transferred for the austere Berry University. 

Despite having attended a very academic university, Phoebe felt that it didn't suit her style. The university valued looks and following trends. But Phoebe didn't like that, so she transferred in her second year to attend the Grinpa University. 

Paul rushed at the chance to ask her to be his model for their next class project. Phoebe didn't know anyone else, so she accepted his offer and they met for a coffee the next day. She was feeling quite nervous, after her last university she was feeling downhearted about finding the right place. Paul bought her a tea, sat down and pulled out an old leather sketchpad. The pad was full of drawings, first sketches, then colour work and every page was full of words. Phoebe tried to peek at what he had written but Paul had already turned to a blank page. "So" Paul sat back, trying to exude the confidence he wanted Phoebe to think he had. "What makes a piece of clothing special to you".  Paul looked into her eyes and Phoebe was a little lost. He wasn't asking about fabric, cost or her size. "Well, um, that's a good..." she stumbled over her words. "It's okay, I have all the time in the world" he paused "for you". Phoebe smiled back at him. 

Phoebe learnt that it wasn't about the university you attend, it's the values you learn along the way. So, after plenty of sewing, modelling, ironing and pressing, the two of them walked away with their degrees and a bundle of dreams of how to make their careers flourish. And that dream was owning a shop and providing warmth, love and care to all their customers. 

So today, Evergreen Hollow was opened it's first haberdashery and tailor shop. Paul and Phoebe spent a long time renovating and getting the place exactly how they wanted. They knew that they needed to sell supplies as well, it would widen their target audience to those that can sew. 

The two of them are very proud of what they have achieved!

"Come and have a look around!"

"I made some custom curtains for our shop, to show that we do even more than clothes" Paul explained. "We sell fabric, buttons, cotton reels, scissors and provide a tailoring service as well" added Phoebe. 

They have a sewing machine at home as well as in the shop so Paul and Phoebe can work together. They love chatting with the hum of machine in the background. Paul even added a lamp for the occasional late night sewing. 

"In this basket I have lots of fabric swatches as we cannot stock everything here, I like being able to offer lots of different fabrics through our order in service". 

"I even let people take swatches home and test run it on their machines, it's really important to find the right texture you are looking for."

"Me and Paul have some fabric in the shop, the kind that we know will be popular. We have lots of organic cottons, perfect for babies, and lace for curtains". 

"From time to time me and Paul make buttons we well, from clay and wood". 

Paul points to the cottons "I also purchased so many cotton threads so there is every possible colour match. I personally like a contrasting thread colour but I know others like a perfect match". 

I hope you enjoyed this tour of my new shop, I have really loved creating something unique for my village. As I said, I think I will create more shops like this as it adds more depth to the characters when the setting matches their personalities. 

As soon as I saw the Dearlys I was a little stumped on what they would do for a living. Most of my villagers have the typical sylvanian "country" theme with their clothes but this family look quite well-to-do. Then I realised that my village only had certain people who could sew, but not a place to buy supplies or have items altered or sewn for them. With their fancy clothing, the Dearlys were a must for this job. 

I have planned a story about a typical day at their shop, which I plan to post soon. 

Best wishes, 

Helly