Dressmaking, Alterations and Decoration Service

My name is Bernadette Thomas, trading as Needlewitch (ABN 43 950 367 267), and I am a qualified custom dressmaker and dressmaking teacher. I also provide a decoration service and am a proficient machine and hand embroiderer. My business is GST registered and I can provide a tax invoice for my services. I am fully insured. I opened my dressmaking business in 2004 - working from home and then from my own premises in Fyshwick (ACT), before moving to Kingston in August 2016 to be co-located with the Cardif Collective.  I now live in Rostrevor in Eastern Adelaide and work from home - strictly by appointment.  Please see my Dressmaking page for more information.

I am an active embroiderer and beader and have also trained formally as a dressmaker (CIT Canberra 2004). I am a member of a number of specialist needlework and sewing interest groups. I have taught dressmaking on the Garment Production Course at Reid Campus at CIT and have taught at a number of stores in the Canberra, the South Coast of NSW and now Adelaide since 2005.  I am happy to travel to teach group classes or individuals - please contact me for a quote if you are interested.

I have in stock a wide range of coloured fold over elastics, stretch trims and laces, rayon seam binding, top quality English made satin bias bindings, Swarovski flat back and glue on hot fix crystals, sequins, quality haberdashery and other decorations/accessories and bling.

Antiques Business

My antiques business was registered in 1999 and operated at various indoor specialist fairs around Australia before I was invited to open a stand within Canberra Antiques Centre in Fyshwick ACT in 2004. As a licensed specialist antiques dealer I am able to provide needlework, sewing tools and textile valuations for insurance purposes - please contact me to make an appointment and get a quote - at this stage the valuation service is only offered on a regular basis in Adelaide but I am happy to arrange an appointment if I am travelling to your city.

My antiques business specialises in sewing and needlework tools, buttons and vintage haberdashery, sewing patterns, ephemera and jewellery. I am still located within Canberra Antiques Centre, 37 Townsville St, Fyshwick ACT 2609  The shop is open 7 days from 10am to 5pm. I am also very interested in BUYING jewellery, fashion accessories and sewing and needlework related items. I am interested in treadle and hand crank sewing machines in good condition but the only electric machines I will buy are the Singer Featherweights and the Elna Lotus and Grasshopper. An appointment can be made for Adelaide locations or at the shop in Fyshwick (when I travel there three times a year).