The Fabric Bug, which already has a shop at Sherwood Forest Art & Craft Centre in Edwinstowe, opened a second store in December at Merica Marina in Derbyshire. The official launch at the end of January included in-store promotions as well as a special visit from Peter Rabbit.

The Fabric Bug specialises in embroidered, personalised children’s gifts produced in-house, including the bestselling personalised Storytime Cushions. Complementing these handmade products is a selection of children’s toys, gifts, nursery decor and clothing from brands including Lanka Kade; Orange Tree Toys; Bigjigs; The Puppet Company; Mary Meyer; Kaloo; Powell Craft; Usborne Books, and Keel Toys. Joanne Barker, The Fabric Bug’s owner, sewer and embroiderer, explains how she founded the business on her love of creativity.

 

 

“I’ve always been interested in sewing and creative design,” she says. “After giving up my legal career to become mum to two adopted children, I rediscovered my passion for sewing and started to attend my local community market and other craft fairs. This then developed into a website, and around five years ago I opened my first bricks and mortar shop in Edwinstowe.

“The studio in Edwinstowe enabled me to make personalised gifts on-site. As I moved into larger premises, I expanded the business to sell wooden toys and nursery decor as well as the personalised products. The shop in Mercia Marina is my second, and like the one in Edwinstowe, I love its unique setting.”

 

 

The Fabric Bug may be a small independent family business, but it has big ideas. With a focus on providing exceptional customer service, hopes are to continue expanding the business and its offering of personalised gifts and toys that are sustainable, educational, and most of all, fun.

The Fabric Bug, Mercia Marina, Willington, Derbyshire DE65 6DW