About Needlewitch

My name is Bernadette Thomas, trading as Needlewitch, and I am a licensed antiques dealer (ACT), custom dressmaker and dressmaking teacher and have been located in Canberra since 2002. Previously my antiques business operated at various Sydney antiques fairs. 

As a licensed specialist antiques dealer I am able to provide needlework and sewing tools and textile valuations for insurance purposes - please contact me to make an appointment and get a quote - at this stage the valuation service is only offered on a regular basis in Canberra but I am happy to arrange an appointment if I am travelling to your city.

I am an active embroiderer and quilter and have also trained as a dressmaker which has proven useful when discussing the fit of the vintage patterns I sell. I am a member of a number of specialist needlework and sewing interest groups. This year I am also teaching dressmaking on the Garment Production Course at Reid Campus at CIT, privately at my home studio in Barton and in local shops - please see the Teaching Page for more information.  

The business developed as a result of my needlework interests and my love of antique thimbles. My stock has expanded over the years to cover a wide variety of sewing, needlework, jewellery and fashion items. I also now stock a wide range of trims, Swarovski flat back hot fix crystals, sequins, haberdashery, beads and fabrics. These items are only available at my home studio.

I have a shopfront (which only stocks the antiques and collectables) within Canberra Antiques Centre, 37 Townsville St, Fyshwick ACT 2609. The shop is open 7 days from 10am to 5pm. See the "Contact Needlewitch" page for further information.  I am also very interested in BUYING jewellery, fashion accessories and sewing and needlework related items. I am interested in treadle and hand crank sewing machines in good condition but the only electric machines I will buy are the Singer Featherweights and the Elna Lotus and Grasshopper.  An appointment can be made at the shop in Fyshwick or for large quantities I can visit your home.