Tucked off a side street by the Shore in Leith, Paradigm Shift Open Studio is a sewing enthusiast’s dream. The social enterprise and communal creative space was established in June last year with the aim of taking a new approach to retail. Customers can book into sewing workshops, rent space to sew their own garments, mend an existing one or simply browse the store for one-of-a-kind designs (most of which are made by hand from deadstock fabrics).

‘My designs are made-to-order and made-to-measure to try and cut down on waste and also to give people stuff that actually fits properly,’ says Blair, the shop’s founder. Knitwear pieces by local maker Maisie Delaney are also on display. ‘She does a lot of hand-knitted stuff and also spins her own yarn.’

The initial idea for Paradigm Shift was born out of a need for space. ‘Sewing is a passion of mine but I always felt unable to do it in my bedroom, so I thought that something like an open studio, where people could come and use the equipment, would help other people find their own creativity and get into the passion of sewing,’ says Blair. Customers can use sewing machines (domestic or industrial), knitting machines, an overlocker and large cutting tables to work on their projects. For a more guided experience, she offers mending workshops and sewing classes for absolute beginners.

‘Our mending workshops last about two-and-a-half hours and people will often bring two or three pieces with them. The first hour is an introduction with me where I’ll give advice on what to do, and then the rest of the time can just be their studio time, or I run group courses that are super hands-on.’ 

Paradigm Shift, 9 Tolbooth Wynd, Edinburgh.