SOCIETY
STITCH
Charlotte, tell us about The Stitch Society. What does it do? The Stitch Society designs and manufactures premium, luxury work aprons to artisans around the globe. We launched a few years ago
by creating a unique apron design featuring a large pleated pocket. Following its overwhelming popularity we patented the pattern. The society’s ethos is that all the garments are made from the highest quality, most luxurious and durable sourced cloths available.
How did you come up with the idea? What was the inspiration? I have a background in marketing, textiles and design and had designed an apron as a uniform to be worn when teaching sewing, knitting and crochet, with a huge pocket to carry all the bits and bobs I needed whilst teaching. The Stitch Society was launched in response to the many requests for the apron, so we tested the design at a local craft show and sold out.
How successful has it been? What examples can you share with us? We have grown steadily over the last couple of years, building our customer base and developing the brand. This year we took part in Saltaire Makers Fair, the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair and have developed our relationship with Selvedge Magazine – the bible for all things textile related. Last summer we won the highly contested Small Business of the Year category at the Keighley and Airedale Business Awards against strong competition. Our biggest success though has been developing relationships with our customers. We take feedback very seriously and often work with customers to create their perfect apron.
You work closely with Keighley College. Why do you collaborate with them and how does that work? We believe successful businesses reap what they sew and we are committed to addressing the skill shortage currently facing the burgeoning British textile industry. My commitment to textiles has been central to the success of the project
38 SME
WE BELIEVE SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES REAP WHAT THEY SEW AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING THE SKILL SHORTAGE CURRENTLY FACING THE BURGEONING BRITISH TEXTILE INDUSTRY
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and I relish the opportunity to pass on a rare depth and breadth of knowledge, gained from decades of experience, to inspire a new generation of textile enthusiasts. In developing The Textile Academy at Keighley College, we have created a teaching programme reflecting the real skillset needed in today’s market place. The project is an ongoing programme expanding from training industrial machinists to launching an apprenticeship programme.
What were the main challenges in the early days? The Stitch Society was launched while I was recovering from cancer and wanted to focus my work efforts in a direction which really meant something to me. Juggling treatments, family commitments and work has been difficult at times, but having been five years in remission, I feel the past challenges have built the person I am now. A life changing event such as cancer puts life into perspective and allows you to determine what is really important to you.
Who helped the most? There have been so many people along the way but the person who has helped me the most has been my dad. He was the one who encouraged me to get my first studio, quietly supporting me along the way. Friends have also been amazing, often
helping at fairs in return for lunch and a chat, while their feedback in testing the aprons has been priceless as well.
What did it mean to win at the Keighley Business Awards? The awards have been running since 2013, showcasing the very best companies in the area championing a diverse range of products, services and innovation, with The Stitch Society shortlisted alongside other strong contenders for the title of Small Business of the Year. To have our hard work and attention to detail recognised was fantastic. Everyone who works with The Stitch Society came to the awards and we are immensely proud of this achievement.
What do you hope to achieve over the next five or so years? Over the next few years, we will be continuing to do what we do best, make fabulous aprons for lovely people. As long as we keep doing that, who knows…
Sum up your business approach in three words? Passionate, forward-thinking, honest.
thestitchsociety.com www.smeweb.com
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