Maker’s Way Studio…Where Creativity Begins

You may not have noticed it, tucked away near the corner of the Midtown Mall parking lot next to Aroma Joe’s, but a new retail shop has opened in Sanford to serve the crafting community. The space was formerly home to Alpha PRC and before that, Taylor’s Jewelry store.

It’s called Maker’s Way Studio and is the result of years of planning and dreaming by owner Mellacent (Melly) Thibault, a Sanford resident and mom of a large family. When her youngest child, now seven, went off to school, she got serious about looking for just the right space for the business.

She found what she was looking for in the heart of downtown and set about turning it into the perfect spot to offer supplies for making all types of needlecrafts. The shop’s multi-room layout will also be host to classes, beginning later this month.

Maker’s Way’s yarn room carries a range of Jagger Spun yarns made just down the road in Springvale. You can choose from Jagger’s Green Line of organic wool, Berwick Bulky, or fingering weight. There is also a selection of yarn from Natural Fiber Producers, which includes alpaca from a farm in Lebanon. Need needles? There’s a great selection of bamboo needles, circular needles for sock making, crochet hooks and more.

There’s plenty for sewers here too, with clothing patterns from independent designers Sarah Kirsten and Sew Liberated, and a great selection of contemporary fashion fabrics, including linen, rayon and cotton twill. Cotton fabrics for quilting and making children’s clothing is stocked as well. Thread, trims, tools and notions line the walls.

A new knitting pattern and sewing pattern are featured each week, along with all the supplies you need to bring the projects to completion.

Other craft supplies include high-quality embroidery floss, felting needles, rotary cutters and blades, and much more. Books provide instruction and inspiration on many types of crafts. Makers can also pick up the latest issue of Taproot, a fabulous magazine of ideas and projects.

No time or talent, but love handmade things? Not to worry, the shop has you covered with a lovely selection of locally-crafted gifts for friends and family (or yourself!).

Melly is especially excited about hosting classes. The first one, starting March 24, will be a beginner knitting class on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. In three weekly sessions, participants will learn to knit a scrunchie. The cost is $30. A wool appliqué class to create an adorable mini beehive wall hanging (see below) is scheduled for two Friday morning sessions (10:30 to noon) beginning March 25, priced at $35. All supplies are included in the class prices. Call Melly at (207) 324-0340 or email melly@makerswaystudio.com to sign up.

Sewing classes will be available for various experience levels. Instruction in making other types of crafts, like wreath making and stained glass, will be explored. And it’s not all just for the ladies – classes specifically for men and kids may be offered as well.

Maker’s Way Studio is open Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 to 2:00. Follow the shop on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest news and products, and sign up for the email list through the website to be notified about upcoming classes and special events.