Former flight attendant establishes sewing start up in Central

You've heard of a book club and a coffee club, but a sewing club? It may seem a little old-fashioned, but a band of loyal enthusiasts are hoping to stir up more interest in going back to basics in the craft of sewing.

The Sewing Lounge, based on Lyttleton Road in Central, is a haven for those who want to enjoy a few hours in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with fellow sewers.

Its founder, Melanie Bell, was originally from Detroit and came to Hong Kong 16 years ago to work as a flight attendant.

A year ago, she decided to provide a platform for sewers and crafters to share their ideas and creativity. She had lived in Berlin for a time, where she experienced the world's first sewing cafe, and felt the time was right to start up one of her own in Hong Kong.

"I learned to sew from my mother. As a teenager I loved making clothes for myself and friends," she says. "After college, I lost interest in sewing and didn't take it up again until years later when I lived in Berlin. It's a chance for people that love to sew and craft to get together."

She now combines her hobby with her full-time job as general secretary for the Dragonair Pilots Association.