SEWING machines and tape measures were out in force yesterday (Saturday) as craft enthusiasts of all ages came together to celebrate independent haberdasheries.

In Nettlesworth, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, Goldstitch Embroidery Studio and Sew Cafe organised a series of workshops in which sewers were given two hours to create an item using a 45cm by 56cm piece of material.

Darlington teacher Amanda Gledhill, who appeared in The Great British Sewing Bee on BBC2, judged the entries, which ranged from makeup brush holders and pin cushions; to a stuffed toy dog and an outfit for a teddy bear.

The event, organised by Goldstitch owner Jean Westgarth, was part of Sew Saturday, a national campaign by Sew Magazine aimed at promoting bricks and mortar fabric shops and haberdasheries.

Ms Gledhill said: “It was a great afternoon and everyone was so engrossed in their sewing. It was very hard to judge the final makes but I loved dinging the bell and shouting the time.”

Aside from sewing, customers were treated to tea and homemade cakes and demonstrations by experts from Tully’s Sewing Machines in Sunderland.

Crafters also raised £57 for Uganda- Together We Can, a Darlington-based charity which helps impoverished families in the East African country.