Toowoomba’s Sally Scarlett opens business, sewing school, event studio Sensational Sewing

A Toowoomba woman who grew up making clothes for her dolls out of just a needle, thread and pair of old socks, has come a long way after opening a sewing studio in the heart of the CBD.

A woman who grew up watching her mother and grandmother sew has turned the hobby into her bread and butter.

Sally Scarlett has come a long way since the age of four when she began sewing clothes for her dolls with nothing but a needle, thread and a pair of old socks.

Now aged 54, she has opened her own studio Sensational Sewing, offering classes for adults and children from the age of eight as well as Sip and Sew events.

Sensational Sewing owner Sally Scarlett in her new and improved Station St premises. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ms Scarlett started the sewing school from home in 2013, along with alteration services, and after a decade expanded her humble business into a new professional studio in April.

The qualified sewing teacher said her programs catered for beginners and people with intermediate skills.

“It doesn’t matter what age they are, but I love when I see the joy on their faces when they’re finished a project – I wish I could bottle it up,” Ms Scarlett said.

“I want this studio to be a creative hub for the community because creativity is soul food – it does wonders for the mind and keeps harmony in your heart.”

The mum of three said she could not have achieved the expansion of the small family business without the support of her daughters.

Sensational Sewing owner Sally Scarlett in her new and improved Station St premises. Picture: Kevin Farmer

With the rise of fast fashion ending up in landfill and cost of living, Ms Scarlett said sewing was a more affordable and environmentally-friendly option as it allowed items to be repurposed.

“The op-shop movement has taken off but it also helps people to find a bargain on fabrics or reuse clothing,” she said.

“Sewing really is in my blood because I grew up in a household filled with sewing machines, watched my mother and grandmother sew and taught my own daughters.”

The 40sq m site at 2A Station St, took about two months to renovate and involved a paint job, the installation of a new kitchen and custom made furniture.

It was previously home to YellowBridge Community Housing Service and Mahana Energy.