Merchant and Mills for divine dressmaking

Ah autumn, season of mists and mellow fruitfulness and wanting to do stuff. If my perfect summer is spent on a beach or in a beer garden, autumn is my kick up the bum, Getting Things Done season. The dust has been wiped from my sewing machine, I'm looking at things like haberdasher kits and I'm definitely getting something from Merchant and Mills.

Merchant and Mills sell the most basic objects for sewing - needles, pins, tape measures - but they do so in the prettiest possible way. It's highly likely that my finished garment won't live up to the beauty of their packaging. Just look at how beautiful they've made the humble safety pin look. At £4.25 it's certainly not punk but the box will at least be most attractive thing in your sewing kit.

The objects are all sourced by Carolyn Denham while Roderick Field does the packaging bit. They sell things that would look lovely on your clothes too, like this set of six mother of pearl buttons for £4 (if you ever want to rip open the package that is), as well as leather handles and buckles.

This box of notions contains nine of their favourite bits in one box, everything from a needle threader to tailor's beeswax. At £42, it's crying out to be a generous gift to someone (yourself?).

Explore their website to discover more fabrics, patterns, kits, needles and scissors. There's good news too for people who love the look of their products but are not the least bit crafty. You can buy this Merchant & Mills print for £35. Put it up and hope for some autumnal inspiration to strike.