Oh Sew Sweet Shop

What a find! I discovered this lovely little shop in Mapplewell (Barnsley) while I was out getting a haircut. It is THE cutest little place and I can’t wait to go back. It’s half sewing accessories and half big, tasty, traditional sweeties – YUM. A real treasure trove this tiny shop has it all! accessories, materials, snacks and more… I have to admit I was a bit surprised to hear that in the hidden away upstairs area sewing classes run weekly featuring such fun sounding activities as dress making, bag making, quilting, advanced techniques AND TEDDY BEAR MAKING!! I couldn’t help but think what great and thoughtful Christmas present a home made quilt or teddy bear would be (seeing as it’s getting harder to deny Christmas is sneaking up). It also turns out there is a class dedicated to Christmas projects complete with mulled wine, nibbles and mince pies! It has it’s own website too if you want to check it out online – http://www.ohsewsweetshop.co.uk

Happy shopping!

Barnsley Blonde x

First Blog!

Hi all,

This is my very first blog so don’t judge me too harshly!

I have decided to enter the world of blogging to write about something really important to me in a place that it can be seen. I am (As you might have guessed.) originally from Barnsley in South Yorkshire and I’ve seen my town go through some big changes in the last few decades. Sadly at its lowest it was quite empty with lots of closed shops, a hidden away market that everyone described as a shadow of its formor self and too much 70’s concrete.

The concrete remains but now if you head into Barnsley centre it is a bustling hive of activity, the market, once hidden away in a corner, has been brought out into the center and brings such life and colour to the streets. Small independent shops have blossomed in the once empty shop windows and breathed life back into the town. It was marvelling at this transformation that brought home to me just how important small retailers and unique independent stores are to any town and to the community.

I love this new, better Barnsley and I want to be a part of it. In fact I want more than that, I want to be part of this wonderful change that has taken place and not just in Barnsley, in Yorkshire. That’s why I am going to make it my mission to each and every week find a business you will love. I want to highlight these beautiful colourful unique little traders and show Yorkshire and the rest of the world what wonderful hidden gems and overlooked treasures our towns and cities have and hopefully in the process show you some wonderful places to shop.

I hope you will enjoy getting to know me and your local area through this blog and I would love to hear from you.

Hugs,

Barnsley Blonde x