Fashion Week (and a few stern words from your bank manager) has inspired you to start making your own clothes.

Head to Ray Stitch, the recently opened sewing boutique and cafe in Islington where you can learn the tricks of the trade while munching healthy salads and heavenly cakes.

Classes ranging from basic sewing to more advanced pattern cutting start at the end of the month in the downstairs workshop (wine is available during evening sessions). Upstairs, owner Rachel Hart sells a carefully edited selection of ribbon, organic printed fabrics, embroidery thread and gifts (we’ll take the Merchant and Mills sewing box, thanks), with a wider collection available online.

All the colourful bits and pieces displayed on the walls make it look as wonderful as the sweet shop where you used to blow your pocket money.

We think we see a pattern.

Ray Stitch Haberdashery Shop and Cafe, 99 Essex Road, N1 2SJ (020 7704 1060 or raystitch.co.uk).

Photo: Courtesy of Ray Stitch Haberdashery Shop and Cafe