That’s Sew Lymington tailoring business opened by town mayor

HANDCRAFTING dog coats and bandanas for a “very long boy” led to a Lymington seamstress opening her own store in the town.

That’s Sew Lymington owner Charlotte Noyce-Christmas said she was inspired to launch the business after struggling to find dog clothes to fit her pet dachshund Bertie.

She said: “I started making dog coats and bandanas at home because I’ve got a very long sausage dog and I couldn’t find a coat that fitted him.

“He’s a very long boy, and the breed really does get cold, so I got my sewing machine out and made a few bandanas and coats for him.

“When I would then take Bertie out for walks in his new gear, I would have people asking me if I could make similar things for their dogs.

“I was doing that work from home, through a lot of word of mouth referrals, and I’ve now outgrown the spare room I was working in.

“I decided the time was right to give up my full time retail job and launch my own business.”

Charlotte said her St Thomas Street store, which was officially opened by town mayor Jack Davies, sells dog clothing and showcases the work of local artists. She also offers a clothes tailoring services.

She added: “In the first five days of opening the store I had received 47 orders. I’ve had to put up a notice telling customers there’s now a two-week waiting list on all orders.

“It’s all going very well and, if it keeps up, I will have to hire staff soon.”