NEW SHOWROOM + WORKSHOP SPACE COMING SOON!

Japan Crafts will be moving into new premises very soon!!!

I must admit, when I moved from rural North Yorkshire to the Midlands in 2020, I wasn't sure I would ever really feel at home here, but amazingly I've found that I fit into the city much better than I could have imagined. Most days I end up zipping around Birmingham in my trusty old bright red Berlingo, never needing a SatNav or map, like a proper native Brummie Bab.

So, after 16 years of business and many months of squeezing everything into Man's attic, lugging every order up and down two flights of steep stairs (including a treacherous spiral staircase) and boxes spilling into every corner of our lives, I have decided it's time to expand!

Welcome to Japan Crafts' new headquarters - a lovely big, bright space in a gorgeous old building in central Birmingham.

The Arch is located on the iconic Floodgate Street in Digbeth (the other end of the street to Red Brick Market), just a few minutes' walk from New Street Station and The Bullring, amongst many old warehouses and factories which are currently being redeveloped into exciting work and leisure spaces. There is a gated private entrance and a peaceful courtyard for relaxing in.

There is plenty of space for all my stock for day-to-day cutting and packing, but I have much bigger plans than that! Being on the ground floor, I will be able to start attending shows again (hooray!!!) and also allow customers to come and visit the shop by appointment, either individually or in groups. 

There is also space to seat about 12 people comfortably, so I can teach workshops! I plan on organising my own workshops, as well as hosting groups who want to book specific ones. Of course there will be all the goodies on display for shopping opportunities, too.

The space is currently being refurbished for me with a brand new kitchenette and accessible bathroom, so I can't wait to show you pictures of the inside...it should be ready to move into in about 3 weeks.

For now though, could I ask you a favour?!

I would love to know what you think about the space and whether you would like to come and visit. Would you prefer to come for shopping, or a workshop, or both? How about a regular craft and natter session, or do you have any other ideas?

Are there any other Japanese crafts/fabrics/threads etc that you would like me to stock, since I will soon have lots of extra space???

I'm open to your suggestions, thoughts and comments!

Katie x

P.S. I have another exciting thing to announce on Monday so keep your eyes peeled for another newsletter! As you might know, next week is JAPANESE WEEK on the Great British Sewing Bee, so I have a very special offer for you!!!