Sewing shop offers creative 'escape'

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October 13, 2009

By Paul Leighton The Salem News Tue Oct 13, 2009, 01:01 PM EDT

BEVERLY — Phyllis Vray wasn't sure what the future held when she left her job to open her own sewing store. Five years later, Sew Creative is still going strong.

As Vray prepared to mark the fifth anniversary of her store on Elliott Street, we asked her a few questions about the business and the art of sewing.

Why did you decide to start your own business?

I wasn't happy in the job I was in. I didn't want to be a secretary anymore. I was looking at buying a sewing machine, and I looked online and saw they had dealership opportunities, so I looked into that.

Was it scary to start your own business?

Oh, yeah. It was very scary, because it meant I had no real income. We had to depend on my husband's income and he was just retired.

Have you always been interested in sewing?

I've been sewing since I was a little girl. My grandmother taught me how to knit, sew, crochet, hook rugs, embroider, everything.

Is sewing a lost art?

'Beginning Sewing' is our most popular class. Over the last year, we've found that a lot of people are pulling out their sewing machines to have serviced. They're telling us they want to get back into sewing.

Why?

It may be that people aren't traveling as much. This summer, the weather wasn't as conducive to outdoor activities.

Do you think it has anything to do with the economy and the recession?

We don't mention those words in here. This is their safe place to come where they can be creative and make friends. It's kind of an escape from the world.

Do many men come into your store?

I get more and more men — and boys. They want to try it out. They don't offer it in school anymore. The younger boys aren't so intimidated. The younger people have seen "Project Runway," so they all want to be fashion designers.

What's new for the future?

The thing people are asking for is more fabrics to make clothing. We plan to have a series of classes to learn clothing construction. We want to make it a true sewing store and not just a quilting store.

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