SEW FAB
Leanne Ivanoff made a long-standing dream come to fruition when in her
fiftieth year she decided to create Sew Fab to share her passion for the art
and patchwork.
The business plan comprised sales of quilting and patchwork supplies and
skills workshops for fellow fanciers of sewing. Leanne understood the need
provide her customers with a number of ways to engage with the business.
“It was important to offer sewing products and equipment through an on-line
and also promote my workshops on the web, and through a presence at
exhibitions, as well as providing a bricks and mortar store and workshop
space.”
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Leanne made quick work of converting her double garage into a store-front and equipping it with a
large work table to create a workshop area. “I was also able to create a workspace for me in the
house as well, and a comfortable space on the deck for workshop overflow and to provide a
comfortable place for clients to take a break. Fortunately we are located close to the Narrandera
CBD so it’s easy to locate; a bonus for clients drawn from surrounding townships,” Leanne said.
The Sew Fab offering includes classes most Thursdays and Saturdays, ‘Sit and Sew’ days on
Tuesdays and Fridays as well as Thursday nights. Also provided are workshops delivered by visiting
textile makers. There is a range of a range of patchwork and sewing fabrics, along with patterns and
supplies. Leanne was also able to negotiate to become a Bernina dealer. A very wide range of fabric
collections and patterns and Bernina products are available from the online store at
www.sewfab.com.au.
Leanne’s plan was to provide a place that inspired people to be creative no matter their level of
expertise or social circumstances. “I wanted it create a warm, welcoming, supportive and creative
environment. I try also to meet as much of town’s sewing needs as possible, so that no-one has to
travel to a larger centre just to ‘buy a reel of cotton’,” said Leanne.
Sew Fab now attracts a large number of customers from Wagga, Griffith, Leeton, Deniliquin and
surrounding smaller communities, and numbers continue to grow with groups arriving by car or in
buses to enjoy a day out in Narrandera as well as visit Leanne’s business.
Leanne believes Narrandera is well placed to capitalise on its particular character. “Many customers
have commented that they prefer Narrandera shopping to that of larger centres, despite the fact that
they offer large stores like Spotlight and Big W. They say they like the boutique feel and friendliness
of Narrandera,“ said Leanne.
True to Leanne’s dream the shop has become a social hub for sewers, with Leanne and her family
reaping the benefits of the growing interest in all things hand-made. “I get to do and share what I
love, in my own home in my home town. It’s a dream come true for me, but I have many more plans
to continue to grow Sew Fab’s offering in the future so watch this this space.”
w: www.narrandera.nsw.gov.au
t: 02 6959 5510
e: [email protected]