A NEW sewing shop is opening in Ilminster, hoping to get the community involved in stitching.

The new shop is called The Sewing Corner and will be offering fine yarns, haberdashery, fabric, gifts and cards.

There will also be sewing classes for those who would like to learn to stitch or get help with sewing machines, and stitching groups for those who want to socialise.

There will also be help given with costumes for theatre groups and carnivals, as well as 'make do and mend projects'.

New owner Nicola Kalocsai was taught to stitch by her grandmother in her early teens as she wanted to make her own clothes.

She later moved on to soft furnishings and eventually found her passion in costume making while living in Sydney, Australia.

She went on to gain a diploma in theatrical costume manufacture which taught her skills such as draping and pattern-cutting.

She will now be taking over 26 Silver Street, and says she hopes to fill a niche market in Ilminster and get involved in the community.