So Long Slipstitch
updated 20th June 2025 with some more news
some news
Slipstitch will be closing its doors at the end of July 2025.
This does not spell the end of Slipstitch as an idea, a community, or a business.
As I came to this decision, the hardest part was considering what would happen to the people who have congregated around the shop. I have made so many friends running this business and I have no intention for that aspect to end just because we aren’t tied to one building.
I will be taking the summer off to look after myself and then returning in September with new ventures. I am planning to continue Meet and Make and Queer Craft, both in person and virtually. I will still be teaching. I will still be selling yarn and haberdashery online. I will still be doing shapeless instagram lives and writing silly newsletters.
I know this news will disappoint a lot of you.
There isn’t one simple reason for this decision but I feel in my bones that it is the right one. Craft is for everyone. Slipstitch is forever.
what’s next?
As of this moment, everything* is on sale. (*Okay, not my book or events. But everything else is.)
There are several active discount codes: SOLONG10, SOLONG20 and SOLONG30. The first gets you 10% off, the second 20% etc. You can use any or none and I wouldn’t list a 30% discount if I didn’t want you to use it. If you would like to help me recoup as much of my costs as possible, while still getting a bargain, the 10% discount is there.
Code SOLONG40 currently applies to threads only as we have literally thousands of them. 40% off all embroidery threads, sewing threads and tapestry wools.
All current classes, workshops, and socials are still going ahead.
Our opening hours are now Thursday and Friday, 10 till 1, Saturday 10 till 5. Any changes will be advertised.
Please put 3pm on Saturday 26th July in your diaries for Slipstitch’s going away party.
FAQs
how can we save the shop?
That’s really kind. In two rather blunt words, you can’t. This is the plan and it’s the right one. If you would like to make the transition out of a physical location easier, you can get your bargains now rather than hoping they all go to 60% off. That will help mitigate any losses and mean Slipstitch’s return is on the front foot.
didn’t we give you ten grand?
Our fundraiser last year bought us another year of trading and I am forever grateful to you for that. Unfortunately, it didn’t reverse the long term trends in trading and I would rather actively make this decision now than have my hand forced by economic circumstances later.
will you still be teaching?
Once I have a new location nailed down, yes, I will be teaching again in the autumn, in person and online.
what is happening to your staff?
My beloved Team Slipstitch - Charlotte, Toby, Ayça, and Kris - were the very first people to know this decision. I simply would not be able to have run Slipstitch without them - and Faith, Rebecca, Andy, Janel, Martha, Freddie - and I am very grateful for their supportive response to this decision. Unfortunately I will never speak to them again. (That’s a joke. My chum-ployees can return to being just my finest chums.)
can I buy…?
Do you want some furniture? Do you want to buy the samples? Make me an offer. Seriously. I do not have space for a haberdashery counter and six identical raglan jumpers in my studio flat. As the stock clears, we’ll be flogging all of the fixtures and fittings. Like the cabinets? Ask now!
can you order…?
Hey, maybe! Obviously I am trying to divest myself of the stock but if you really need something, we can discuss it. Not one ball of something that comes in a pack of ten but if you need a jumper’s worth of something, there’s no harm in asking.
what are you going to do next?
More of the same, just not at 108 Alexandra Park Road! I plan to take the summer off to do very little. After that, Slipstitch Sails Again - just in a new format! I hope you’ll come with me. Please remain subscribed to the newsletter and keep following us on social media @slipstitchldn to be first to hear my plans.
June 2025 update
Slipstitch is still closing.
However we have some absolutely fantastic news for fans of Alexandra Park Road.
In September, our lovely next door neighbours Tash & Tanya will be moving from 106A into 108 - with a mini Slipstitch inside it. You already know them for their wonderful eye for gifts, homewares, art and generally fab stuff so I would be excited enough for them to be expanding into this lovely space already (it may have been my imagined Best Case Scenario for closing.)
Our collaboration means a small Slipstitch department can live on at 108. I’ll be stocking a (smaller!) range of wool, books, patterns, kits and some essential haberdashery.
so you’re not closing then?
No, we emphatically are closing. The shop at 108 will be T&T with their name above the door. We’ll be a proud part of it and having a little department here will be part of the next phase of Slipstitch - also to include online sales, teaching locally and more pattern designing.
but you’ll still be working there?
Incorrect. The shop will be staffed by Team T&T - for one thing, I quite desperately need to recover from burnout. (My back went this week. Whose back just goes?) Obviously you may well see me in there chucking wool about but it’ll be Tash and/or Tanya at the counter. I’ll keep them briefed on what we’re stocking but they won’t be deciphering your knitting pattern for you.
socials? classes?
Still being worked out! There will be space for workshops in the new T&T and scheduling everything is on our (very long) list. Obviously everything will get announced as soon as we have news.
I guess you don’t need to get rid of everything then?
CIRCUS MUSIC BEGINS TO PLAY