Angela Pok Wei Fun grew up in a family of tailors in the small town of Kuala Pilah in Negeri Sembilan. Today, the 59-year-old shares her wealth of experience at Two Moles Sewing Shop in Subang Jaya, Selangor.
Crafting everything from colourful stuffed toys to stylish baju Melayu, these classes helmed by Pok have become a therapeutic haven for many.
“I have been sewing all my life,” Pok told FMT Lifestyle, sharing that most of her childhood had been immersed in the world of needle and thread at her parents’ sewing shop, Shanghai Tailors.
Established by her grandparents in the 1960s, it was one of Negeri Sembilan’s most renowned tailor shops, frequented by dignitaries who trusted their expertise in formal wear.
In fact, “it was the oldest tailor shop in town. Since young, my five siblings and I would help my late parents take care of the business”, Pok recalled.
Speaking about her family legacy, she added: “My grandfather was from China. When he came down to Malaysia, he only knew how to sew.”
After four decades of operation, Shanghai Tailors closed in 2019 following the passing of Wei’s parents. But Pok, who retired four years ago after working for over 30 years in the education sector, didn’t want it to fade into oblivion.
“Once I retired, I had a desire to return to my childhood,” she mused.
Her passion for sewing was reignited by her two children, who inspired the name “Two Moles”; it was they who encouraged her to take it up again after her retirement.
For Pok, however, it was important not just to sew but to share the craft with others. “I thought, why not do something more meaningful?”
Today, Two Moles Sewing Shop welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including those with zero sewing experience. Pok adopts a personalised approach with each student, guiding them from crafting simple coasters to intricate bags, various craft items and, finally, dressmaking.
Teaching students as young as nine and as old as 69, she said her classes are more like a support system. “They come from different walks of life. Sewing, in a way, helps them relax.”
During FMT Lifestyle’s visit, 21-year-old Rafiq Amrie acknowledged that he had struggled to learn at the start, but with Pok’s guidance, “I finally found my groove”.
Stitching his very own baju Raya for the first time, he reflected on the therapeutic nature of the craft, saying: “Sewing lets my mind go numb.”
International student Yumnu Adnan, 24, chimed in: “I usually spend a lot of time in front of a screen. Since this is something I have to do with my hands, it’s a great break for me. I can feel my confidence and coordination improve.”
Beyond being a stress-relieving activity, sewing has ignited the entrepreneurial spirit in many of Pok’s students, who now earn extra income with their new skills.
“No matter the project, when they finally see the end result and hold it in their hands, I can see the joy and happiness on their faces,” she said warmly.
So, why not sign up for a class? Who knows, you might end up with a closet full of your very own creations!
Follow Two Moles Sewing Shop on Instagram and Facebook.
Two Moles Sewing Shop
B-9-20, Empire Subang Soho,
Jalan SS16/1,
47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Business hours: 10am-4pm (closed on Thursdays, Sundays & Mondays)