Sliabhin Custom Apparel
Irene Davelaar, Owner
www.lyndhurstseeleysbaychamber.com
P.O. Box 75, 430-A Lyndhurst Road, Lyndhurst ON, K0E 1N0
613-928-2033
sliabhincustomapparel@gmail.com
Tell us about yourself! Hobbies? Fun facts? How did you get started?
Wife, mother, grandmother nearing 60 years, should be thinking of winding down but decided to start a shop instead! Have always loved all types of handwork as a hobby. Both my mother and grandmother were teachers of handwork in the Netherlands and my great aunts had a thriving drapery and sewing business. I have several years’ experience working in a craft/yarn/fabric shop. Some years ago, while visiting our friends' old family homestead called "Sliabhin" in southeast Ireland ('sliabhin' pronounced sle-veen; gaelic: sliabh= mountain, -in = small); while gazing at the fields and grazing sheep, I hoped and dreamed of one day having a business in textiles. Years later, having the opportunity to realize this dream, what better name to call it, than "Sliabhin Custom Apparel"!
Define your business in your own words.
The foundation of the shop is the service of sewing repairs. Our eldest daughter and I are developing an exciting new line of linen/cotton blend clothing and I hope to add other items to the shop. I also offer fur-trimmed, wool-lined coats and hats on order. I think what makes Sliabhin Custom Apparel unique is its versatility. We offer apparel for warm and cold seasons, and in repairs: everything from rebuilding an old favourite hunting coat to antique knitted lace, or from making insulated roman blinds for a farmhouse to sheepskin cover for a motorcycle seat; I love the variety and the challenge.
What business achievement are you most proud of?
Well, I haven't been in business very long, but I do really enjoy making people happy about having an old favourite item restored. There was one elderly gentleman, still wearing his father’s old down coat. When he asked me if I thought it was worth fixing, I could see it meant a lot to him. And so, I said "of course it is". It needed a new zipper but being a very old coat, it needed much more than that. It was a very well-made Canadian coat, made by an awning company in Alberta! Well, I replaced the zipper, patched a few holes and a few other things. The gentleman picked up his coat when it was finished, but later he called the shop to say thank you. He was happy.
Why did you choose Leeds and the Thousand Islands to start your business?
We had the privilege and opportunity of moving here to be near our children and grandchildren.
What words would you use to describe Leeds and the Thousand Islands?
Leeds and Thousand Islands is a beautiful peaceful area.
Provide a message to your future guests!
Come and discover! Discover Leeds and the Thousand Islands! Discover Lyndhurst! Discover Sliabhin Custom Apparel!
Sliabhin Custom Apparel described in one word:
Creative