Career change is a dream come true, says Stitch in Time’s Gail

This story is sponsored by Gail’s Stitch In Time.

A Harrogate grandmother who swapped her office desk for a sewing machine says changing her career has fulfilled a long-held dream. 

Gail Byrne was head of HR for a local car dealership, but had been sewing as a hobby for decades. During the Covid lockdowns she started taking on small jobs, and then last year she finally launched her own business, Gail’s Stitch in Time. 

Working from home, she does “anything a sewing machine can do”, making dresses, cushions, curtains, and even Roman blinds, doing alterations, and using all kinds of material, from lace to leather. 

She said: 

“I just wanted a change – I didn’t want to be firing people anymore! My mum died when she was 60, and I’m now 55; I thought if I carried on in my old job I might just never to do what I really want to do. 

“I’ve been sewing as a hobby for 30 years, but I never thought I was good enough to do it as a job. But I started Stitch in Time last November and have never looked back. I’ve never been happier, both mentally and physically.” 

Photo of Gail Byrne, who quit her job in HR to set up her own business, Gail's Stitch In Time, from home.

Gail has converted her dining room into a workroom, complete with changing room for fittings.

Gail has completely dedicated her dining room to the business, and has even turned a walk-in cupboard into a very “glitzy and bridal” changing room for clients when they come round for fittings. Recent jobs have included a hanging rail for a Campervan and a fabulous prom dress for her granddaughter. But she says she doesn’t have a favourite kind of job. She said: 

“The best bit is getting an email from a client saying that what I’ve made fits perfectly, or that it’s exactly what they wanted. There’s no feeling like it.” 

Since striking out on her own, Glasgow-born Gail has been busy backing up her experience with a sewing course which she passed with a distinction last year. Since then, she has been doing jobs for clients of all kinds, who are attracted by the quality of her work, competitive rates, and her friendly, local service. But she says she’s not in it for the money. 

She said: 

“Once I’m working, I forget what time it is. My husband even has to phone me from work to remind me to eat something for lunch! 

“There’s less stress and pressure, and I love to make people happy. Just seeing the smile on their face when they see what I’ve made makes it all worthwhile.” 

Find out more: 

If you have clothes that need altering, or would like something made to fit you perfectly, check out Gail’s website at www.gailstitch.com, email her at info@gailstitch.com, or call her to discuss your requirements on 07742 429281. 

 

Help for businesses to support staff through covid challenges

The well-being of employees at businesses across the Harrogate district will be under the spotlight next week.

A meeting is being held to help businesses understand how they can support staff, both working remotely and in person, as the coronavirus crisis continues.

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the event, with four speakers giving their advice. Among them is Emily Snaith, HR advisor for the 200-strong workforce at CNG, who will explain the measures taken by the company in the last year to look after its employees.

She will be joined by Laura Brett, head of fundraising and promotion at Starbeck-based Wellspring, who will look at the impact of poor mental health on a workplace, as well as outlining the work done by the charity to support local businesses.

Also speaking are Steve Ellis from Prosperis Ltd, focusing on returning SME employees to full productivity, and Phil Holdsworth of AurumGold, looking at the impact of financial stress and how employers can support their staff with money worries.

Sandra Doherty, CEO of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said:

“With the covid pandemic propelling mental health and employee wellbeing to the fore, this meeting is a must for all employers, and will provide plenty of useful and practical advice from four local experts.”

The meeting takes place on Monday, March 8 at 6pm and is open to any local businesses to attend. For more information or to book a place, visit the chamber’s website.

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