CallyCo

I went to Cambridge last week.  I cannot recall ever having been there before.

A shop that struck me is called CallyCo. located on Peas Hill. 

As a child there was a strong arts and craft focus in our family home. 
Surrounded by my mother, sister, auntie and grandmother, I was actively
encouraged (if not beaten) to learn the finer points (if you can pardon
the pun) of all things needlework related  including tapestry, crochet,
embroidery, knitting, patchwork and quilting.

CallyCo. is a small haberdashery shop with a clean modern style, yet at the same time the shop feels 'traditional' by placing customer service and quality of stock at the forefront of its approach.   The company is owned by Caroline Preen.

This fresh young company produces bespoke items for sale including memo boards, aprons, cushions, doorstops all designed to complement any home.   My description of their services would not be complete if I did not mention their excellent making up service enabling customers to have curtains, blinds and cushions lovingly designed and beautifully made to exact specifications.

The shop display is beautiful demonstrating the diverse stock contained in this quaint little street. It really is very inviting.

A rainbow of coloured ribbons hang tantalisingly, inviting customers to buy just the amount they need.

At CallyCo. customers don't have to buy a pre-packed plastic pouch of too much when the small amount needed can be cut precicely and not wasted or overcharged. 

It's an old fashioned concept but it wastes less, is cheaper and makes more sense.

 Spring coloured material is stored on shelving waiting to me cut by the meter.

The shop is clean, not over-dressed and well ordered.

Racks of material rolls stand displaying their vibrant patterns.  All crying out to be chosen to be made into beautiful things.

Everywhere one looks, coloured textiles hang like flags celebrating imagination and creativity. 

Handmade buntings hang in the window waving to passers-by.

Found throughout the shop are examples of works made from the stock.  A small ballet-shoe cushion  modestly sits in a corner, hoping to attract the attention of a customer, sparking inspiration and the self confidence to make something like this for their nursery or bedroom.

Small knick-knacks and other gift ideas are also available to buy.

More rolls of fabric jostle for attention.

More gift ideas and other pretty little items all compete for eye time.

Patterened material bolts displayed in racks.

Stripes and chickens.

Pinks, white, reds and blue.

I ask you; who doesn't love buttons?  or a full spectrum of threads even.

This whole section of textiles is great and probably due to the union flags print, fills me with a kind of wartime nostalgia.  I instantly want to live a simple life, eat real food, go up to the Penny Pictures for the news followed by the Troxy for a dance; before taking a walk or getting a tram home.  Where did all that come from??  

Ooh buttons!! and a great little Silko chest of drawe.

This is a great  zinc-topped piece in the shop resembling something produced these days by by Kent and London of Whitstable. In this case its is used to sell remnants and fat quarters for patchwork enthusiasts. 

Netty and Bethany go about their work behind a beautiful tradional looking counter with an inlaid brass meter rule.  Here they are stocktaking and dealing with customer enquiries.

If you want to visit the shop or if you have any enquries about products or services, the contact details are:

CALLYCO – CAMBRIDGE

7 PEAS HILL
CAMBRIDGE, CAMBS CB2 3PP
TEL: 01223 778744

________________________

CALLYCO – STAMFORD

5 STAMFORD WALK
STAMFORD, LINCS PE9 2JE
TEL: 01780 753409

 End.