There’s a particular strut on people wearing great clothes they know only they have. You’ll see it on the fashionable folk walking in and out of Thread Den – a new shop with a ‘sewing lounge’. Owned and operated by Melbourne designers and craftsfolk (whose locally made wares are stocked downstairs), they run sewing classes for absolute beginners (what does this knob do?), for op-shoppers (how do I alter this vintage dress?) and the more advanced (mastering foundation bodice patternmaking in three easy sessions). The lounge's Janomes and cutting tables are also available for hire on an hourly basis, including free assistance. It’s a friendly non-threatening place dedicated to spreading the made-it-myself strut.