Innovation That Matters

French café serves up sewing machines by the hour

Work & Lifestyle

It’s been a few years since we first came across the Linkle sewing café in Berlin, but recently one of our spotters alerted us to a like-minded establishment in France: Sweat Shop, conveniently located near Canal Saint-Martin in Paris. Aiming to facilitate the DIY movement in the world of clothing, Sweat Shop offers 10 workstations equipped with Singer sewing machines as well as a central communal table. Amid a relaxed atmosphere featuring funky furniture, hot beverages and organic treats, sewing enthusiasts can come and go as they please, paying rates of EUR 6 per hour to rent a machine or EUR 25 for the day, including tee and coffee. A series of weekly workshops on sewing and knitting techniques are also available, ranging from EUR 20 to EUR 80 per class. American brand Singer sponsored the sewing machines; Sweat Shop also sells kits including everything necessary to create a particular item of clothing, according to a report in the New York Times, with prices ranging from EUR 30 to EUR 100. Given the continuing interest in all things DIY, there are still plenty of opportunities to facilitate the customer made trend among crafters in other parts of the world. Time to offer—or sponsor—some “stitch & bitch” sessions in a cozy being space near you…? (Related: All-in-one kits for style-sensitive knitting novicesRetailer helps tweens make their own clothesA being space for learning English.) Spotted by: Lamia Aloui

Email: info@sweatshopparis.com

Website: www.sweatshopparis.com

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