About Needlewitch

My name is Bernadette Thomas, trading as Needlewitch, and I am a custom dressmaker and dressmaking teacher as well as a licensed antiques dealer (ACT), and have been located in Canberra since 2002. Previously my antiques business operated at various Sydney antiques fairs. I opened my dressmaking business in 2010 - working from home and then my own premises in Fyshwick, before moving to Kingston in August 2016 to be co-located with the Cardif Collective.

I am an active embroiderer and beader and have also trained formally as a dressmaker. 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 but will now only teach in Canberra at the Cardif Collective - please see the Teaching Page for more information.  I am happy to travel to teach outside the Canberra region - please contact me if you are interested.

I prefer to specialise in performance costumes and Cardif stocks a good range of stretch/Lycra and knit fabrics as well as wovens - including cottons, stretch wovens, silks, chiffons and organza's. We also stock a wide range of coloured elastics (155 at last count), stretch trims and laces, rayon seam binding, top quality English made satin bias bindings, Swarovski flat back and glue on hot fix crystals, a good quality flat back hotfix/glue on DMC crystal, sequins, quality haberdashery and other decoration/accessories and bling. 

As a licensed specialist antiques dealer I am able to provide needlework and 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 Canberra but I am happy to arrange an appointment if I am travelling to your city.

I am still located within Canberra Antiques Centre, 37 Townsville St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 (which only stocks the antiques and collectables) albeit on a smaller scale. The shop is open 7 days from 10am to 5pm. See the "Contact Needlewitch" page for further information.  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 at the shop in Fyshwick or for large quantities I can visit your home.