Our homeware is handmade using recycled and deadstock fabrics. So, I thought I’d share a bit more about how we source them!
I am mindful that I would like our collections to be as sustainable as possible – and that includes us not over-consuming fabrics and materials. With this in mind, I keep my eyes open year-round to pick up fabrics that I love and have an idea of what they could be used for.
I create two collections per year – Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter, so I always purchase with these in mind. I know that our style is muted for both collections with different colourways to reflect the seasons. I love florals and stripes, so I’m always on the look-out for these, but I also like to keep an open mind with textures and patterns in case anything catches my eye.
I also like to source natural, quality fabrics so am always on the hunt for 100% cotton or linen.
There are three different types of fabric that I purchase: second-hand curtains, remnants and deadstock.
For curtains and remnants, I check out charity shops from time to time – including a couple of craft dedicated charity shops that I could spend so much time in! I love to shop this way because it means that I can donate to charity whilst picking up unloved pieces and diverting them from landfill.
I also enjoy spending time visiting other small businesses such as antique and interiors shops and they often have remnant fabric for sale which feels like a lovely little treat. It’s a great way for us to support other small businesses whilst also diverting their waste from landfill!
I like to use deadstock fabric to fill the gaps in a collection’s scheme. Deadstock fabric is fabric that has been bought by a manufacturer or brand for retail that hasn’t been used and won’t be in future. There are dedicated sites that sell a huge variety of deadstock fabric – from different colours to patterns and composition. When I know the direction the collection is going in and have identified gaps in my existing fabric stash, I spend a couple of evenings searching for the perfect pieces.
As with everything, there are pros and cons to each type of fabric that we source, which is why a combination works best for us.
Curtains
Pros: you know what the fabric composition is, there is enough fabric to make a few pieces.
Cons: limited amount of fabric, sometimes they are sun damaged in patches.
Remnants
Pros: great offcuts including designer at an accessible price, often from charity or small businesses. Cons: such a small amount of fabric that usually only create one off pieces, you don’t know what the fabric composition is.
Deadstock
Pros: larger quantities are available, prevents fabric that won’t be used by retailers going into landfill.
Cons: can’t see the fabric in person before it arrives.
I’m currently creating our Spring/Summer collection for 2023. If you’d like to read more about how we create each collection, click here!