Step into the warm and welcoming world of Fiddlesticks Haberdashery, one of the oldest shops in Hout Bay, where a passion for creativity and community thrives. Owned by the dynamic mother and daughter team of Anthea Cooper and Heather Holtman, this shop has been Hout Bay’s go to haberdashery since 2006.
Heather, a former airhostess, saw an opportunity to join forces with her talented mother, who was already running a small shop from her home. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as Heather was expecting her second child. “Working with my mom has been an incredible journey,” shares Heather.
This cherished haberdashery transcends mere retail. It has become a hub for supporting local entrepreneurs and giving back to the community that has embraced it. Fiddlesticks Haberdashery has recently introduced a heartwarming winter donation initiative. Customers can drop off leftover bits of wool in a designated basket, ensuring that no strand goes to waste. These leftover treasures are then available for others who wish to knit beanies or teddies for various charitable causes. “We want to ensure fairness, and prevent one person from taking all the wool, so, to participate, we kindly ask for a small monetary donation. Whether you can spare just R2 or R20, every contribution counts. These funds are then donated to a different charity each month such as a soup kitchen or Little Lambs,” explains Heather.
“Supporting our local entrepreneurs, businesses and charities are important to us,” adds Anthea. “Apart from dropping off wool, people can also drop off their clean soft plastic for the Re.Bag.Re.Use initiative which empowers local ladies from the community who use the plastic to crochet marvellous multifunctional products, a percentage of their sales also go to local charities. It’s a win win all around!”
