Surprise Visit to Immanuel’s and Empress Mill for ABC Sewing Group. An enjoyable trip had by all!

On Saturday 12th May 7 members of the ABC Sewing group had a day out to remember as they visited two fabric houses;Immanuel's Material house in Burnley and Empress Mill in Colne, followed by lunch at thee Pendle Mill Retail Outlet.

The fabric houses are opposite ends of the spectrum - Immanuel's is a cornucopia of dressmaking fabrics; 100% cottons, furnishing and curtaining fabrics. Some seconds and some flawed but all very useable.

We were all wows and ahhs on entering this aladins cave, wide eyes trying to take in the fabric rolls piled high to the ceiling in room after room. One room had fabric at only £1/metre and another great find was John Louden 100% cotton at £2.50/metre.

There was so much to take in, it was good that we had a restricted time! We went onto Empress Mills, another gem of a place which sells quality fabrics at good prices, there were multiple rooms of wonderful fabrics (plenty of stroking went on for a while!), books, fleece and wadding, dressmaking fabrics and threads, fat quarters, jelly rolls - everything for the sewist and crafter. With an added area with comfy seats, coffee/tea and chocolate biscuits - heaven.

Staff were very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Definitely a pleasure to visit. More fabric was purchased here, it would be rude not too!

Then onto Pendle Mill for a delicious brunch and more retail therapy.

To summarise an enjoyable day out, with lovely people, great bargains, quality fabrics and finally home....though apparently some of the party re-visited Immanuel's on the way back!