A BOURNEMOUTH craft store has been named best independent retailer in the south west. 

Craft store, Haberdasherdo in Southbourne Grove, has won best independent retailer in the south west in the inaugural 2023 Stitch Industry Awards. 

The Stitch Industry Awards were created by craft world and aim to recognise excellence and innovation within the crafting industry with winners voted by the public. 

Haberdasherdo owner, Jane Scott, 57, said: "It's really lovely to know that our customers really value what we're doing and appreciate what we do.

"We all work pretty hard and we're a small team. It's just me and my two ladies and we pride ourselves on the service we give people."

Haberdasherdo opened in September 2019 on the site of the former haberdashery The Treasure House which was founded in 1932. 

With aims to continue the same style of business, Covid brought the store to a halt almost immediately. However, Jane believes the period was a blessing and curse.

She said: "I think Covid did the whole knitting and crafting world a favour because people had time on their hands to learn new things. 

"Ever since we have found a real resurgence in people wanting to learn how to knit and crochet and get involved with sewing.  In many ways, it did us a big favour." 

The store offers a range of workshops for people to learn and develop skills which includes 1-1 workshops, a Sunday sewing club and a crochet and knit club.

Able to take advantage of the wave of interest in crafts, Haberdasherdo has worked hard to create a community and also build on what they can offer. 

Jane said:  "I think people appreciate what we do because we take time to help people choose the right wool or pattern or fabric."

"A couple came in the other day and as he left, he turned to his wife to say 'that's a proper shop where they talk to you' and it's lovely to get that recognition."