PATTON Street’s Stella Stitch sells fabrics and threads, patterns and embroidery kits.
Owner and embroidered Lyndal Graham opened the shop in January of last year to offer crafting and quilting supplies to Broken Hill residents, and plans to offer workshops and talks for those interested in learning the craft.
“We’re trying to offer something that’s not available,” she said.
“It’s a little niche and people can come in and be creative. They can by some fabrics, choose some craft items.”
Graham, who was born and raised in Broken Hill, said quilting and sewing was a skill passed on through her family for generations.
“I’ve been a stitcher and crafter since I was a child,” she said.
“My grandmother, she was Stella. My first sewing machine experience was on the treadle machine with her.”
Graham said though she’s always been creative and experimented with painting and drawing, an interest in industrial arts in high school redirected her from textiles.
“I went more into timber work and stuff,” she said.
“But then when I got a bit older I drifted back into textiles, making clothes. Then once we started families I made things for children as well, handmade gifts like a dress or a hat. And embroidery came along as well, to decorate.”
Graham has since become a passionate embroiderer and quilter, and offers custom quilting to her customers.
Currently she’s working on a quilt for a customer that features vintage doilies belonging to the customer’s family, which are hand embroidered with decorative designs.
Graham said quilting is not only a meditative experience, but also offers an alternative view on things.
“It challenges you to think in a different way,” she said.
“You get inspired by colours and textures, and end up with hundreds of ideas.
“It’s very relaxing and therapeutic.”
Graham said a focus on supporting Australian designers is an important part of the store, though she also stocks fabric by a Norwegian designer called Tilda.
“We obviously have a lot of international designed fabrics, but it’s really important to me that we support Australian designers too,” she said.
Her plans for the shop next are to offer workshops and classes to those wanting to learn embroidery and quilting.
“People come in and say they want to learn,” she said.
“So we’re rolling out classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels.”
Crafters are also welcome to attend a group crafting session on Friday evenings at the store for only $10.
