Page 18 - Oundle Life December 2022

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Alison Osborn opened Little Blue in October 2020, just as Covid took a grip on the country. Ali had previously run her upcycling business ‘Little Blue Furniture Company’ as a hobby, so it was great for her to have an actual shop.
What made you choose Oundle? I live here and after Oundle In Stitches closed its doors,
I saw the need for a haberdashery and wool retailer in the town. I thought it would be a great match with my love of upcycling and preloved items, so when suitable premises became available I didn’t hesitate.
Favourite item on sale today? We sell original prints and cards of images produced by myself and my husband, Steve. My favourite item currently on sale is a print of four beetles. We named them John, Paul, George and Ringo. The Beetles are prints of a pen and ink drawing on a psychedelic background. I like its quirkiness!
What is the best thing about your job? I get to work in a shop full of things I love and to continue with my upcycling business. I am
passionate about bringing old things back to life and it’s great to sell something you have created.
How have you seen the High Street change?
Oundle is changing rapidly and we have lost a few established businesses of late. Times are hard so please do support local businesses.
Anyone famous popped in? No, but I did come face-to-face with Craig Revel Horwood peering through the window one day!
You have £10 to give to charity, who do you choose? It would go in the pot for Bradley,
the local lad battling a brain tumour. We have just finished raising £700 for a couple of local Ukranian organisations, by selling ribbons and donated sewing patterns at the shop.
What’s the best thing about being in Oundle? It is a very special community – a welcoming town, and we feel accepted here even though we have been here a very short time.
What makes Little Blue so special? Little Blue is full of unique items, preloved and new. It’s very eclectic and I source items from French
LITTLE
BLUE
Haberdashery heaven
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