Much loved sewing school and shop Crafty Betty to close in Newark for new adventure

A well known and loved business will be shutting up shop in the town this summer.

Crafty Betty, on London Road Carpark, will be leaving Newark as business owner Michelle Baker re-locates to Southampton.

The business has been in the town for nine years, offering sewing workshops, lessons and retreats.

Michelle said: “I have built up my business in Newark over the last nine years and during that time it has grown from a little workroom above a restaurant on Castlegate, to The Buttermarket for my first ever retail shop.

“I quickly outgrew the space and when some former offices became available in The Arcade it was the start of something big for me. I suddenly had space for a large workshop area, and lots of little rooms where I could sell handcrafted goods and start holding group sewing classes. I worked alongside local businesses The Fabric Daisy, BBLB and Charlotte’s Threads as we all grew our sewing businesses.

“Moving into London Road Carpark was the game changer and for the last four years I have become a recognised face in the town, building up a good customer base and being able to use my business to help support local charities, in particular Beaumond House.”

She has also worked with Friends of Newark Castle and Gardens.

Since she has announced her move, Michelle says she has been inundated with well-wishes and people popping in to let her know she will be missed.

She and her husband Mark Baker, who ran Newark Motorist Centre, The Bike Man and was waterside manager at King’s Marina, will be taking up a life by the sea as Mark takes on the role of manager at a Hythe Marina Village.

Michelle already has plans to expand her sewing business on the South Coast, where they will be taking their boat to live on it by the sea.

“When an opportunity like this presents itself you have to leap at it, as they do not come around often,” she added: “I will begin the hunt for new premises once I have joined him and relocate Crafty Betty. I am also launching a sideline to the business which I have named Sew Nautical which will focus on boat upholstery, soft furnishings and flags ­— The Solent will be a great place to be for that.”

Michelle will also be launching an online craft and sewing subscription box that will include video tutorials, fabric and everything needed to make the item, meaning Newark customers can continue to learn from Crafty Betty.

During her time in Newark, Michelle has been recognised for her business endeavours ­— even winning Businessperson of the Year 2021 at the Newark Business Awards.

She explained that she has always lived in the area, with her family close by, and the re-location will be a huge change for her and her business.

Michelle added: “I have mixed feelings about relocation, it is sad to be leaving all my customers behind as they are the ones that have supported me all along and enabled me to achieve what I have. Many have said they will be heading to the South Coast for short breaks so they can still attend my workshops, which is a lovely thing to say.

“However I am very excited, it is a new adventure, a great career opportunity for my husband and a lovely place to be with a boat ­— and as my Grandma Betty’s ashes are scattered in The Solent, it seems things have happened for a reason.”

The last workshop in Newark will be on July 23 and Michelle is taking bookings until then.

As Michelle is looking to re-locate to a studio rather than a shop, she is holding a sale with discounts on wool, craft kits and other items.