It’s (almost) that time of year again! While we won’t be digging out our Christmas jumpers, putting up decorations, or getting excited about Christmas day until at least December, there are some things which are worth thinking about ahead of time! With logistics companies still struggling in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, there has never been a better time to support UK-based manufacturers for your gift shopping. One of the best things about selling industrial sewing and cutting equipment is that we get to work with so many amazing British businesses who produce top quality items! Whilst we wish we could mention everyone, this article shines a light on a few customers whose products would make great gifts. Investing in quality pieces which are made to last is a great way to reduce waste and support independent British businesses like these who really appreciate your orders!
Accessories:
Amy Britton
Amy Britton is an independent Scottish manufacturer of contemporary Harris Tweed® accessories including glasses cases, purses, cosmetic bags, and face coverings. The range of products is creating from a unique Harris Tweed® woven especially for her in the Outer Hebrides and inspired by traditional Scottish landscapes and seasons. All products are designed and handmade in Scotland and are manufactured to the highest quality by their team in Stirling. They are also very reasonably priced and make great gifts!
Example machine:
The Juki DDL 7000A-7 single needle lockstitch machine is a great all-rounder which can be used to make a variety of products with light-midweight materials.
Clothing for children and babies:
LoveBeeBaby
LoveBeeBaby make organic and eco-friendly clothing for babies and children. Laura was inspired to create LoveBee when searching for quality clothing for her son. She was looking for hardwearing, comfortable, trendy, and affordable pieces, and when she couldn’t find any, she decided to make her own! The beautiful prints which feature on the organic cotton are gender neutral and the clothes are soft and movable to allow children to play and learn comfortably. Each piece is made-to-order and many can be customised with a choice of cuff colours. Leftover fabric is used to make items like pads and pre-sized pieces for market night sales to minimise waste. Christmas pre-order is now closed for the season, but Lovebee will soon be having a market night sale where you can find some lovely unique pieces in time for the big day! If you’d rather not buy new, you can find pre-loved LoveBee clothing online, which is testament to the high quality of their sewing!
Milos baby and toddler wear
Milo’s baby and toddler wear specialise in handmade clothing and accessories suitable for children from premature to age 12. Ashley started Milos when she was pregnant and struggling to find fun and exciting clothing which differed from the supermarket and high street options. They also stock items for adults of all sizes so no one gets left out! You can currently get your hands on their range of pre-made items such as leggings, jumpers, and dresses, we recommend ordering early to get them in time for Christmas!
Example machine:
If you’re looking to invest in an industrial sewing machine for making clothing for children and babies, one of the most popular models used by our customers is this one:
The Juki MF 7923 U11/UT51/PL semi-dry head cylinder-bed top and bottom coverstitch with additional puller has become known around the office as “The Lovebee Machine”. This machine is used for producing high-quality seams efficiently and is perfect for making childrenswear!
Swimwear:
Usual Objections
Usual Objections make ethical and sustainable inclusive swimwear, which is designed by swimmers, for swimmers. Their pieces never compromise on quality and are engineered to stand up to lengths in the pool or miles in the open ocean. With distinctive designs, their goal is to liberate wearers from the hang-ups and “usual objections” which hold them back from achieving their goals! Rich and Linda determined that they could produce a higher quality of swimwear in-house than any of the factories they sent samples to, so they started sewing their own unique pieces. They now offer sizes 6-24 in 3 different lengths with a total of 30 sizes for each style instead of the usual 5 or 6. It’s one of the biggest size ranges available and as each piece is made to order there’s minimal wastage!
Example machine:
The Siruba 747 KS high speed cylinder bed overlock machine which is used for working around seams and is ideal for stretchy materials used in making swimwear.
Gifts for pets and their owners:
Paws Trading
https://www.pawstrading.co.uk/
PawsTrading is a family run company making high quality dog toys under their brand Paws Made. All of these products are made in house in the UK, and they have used their years of experience and love of dogs to create training toys and blankets which are perfect for pets! The team participate in disciplines like agility, obedience, and showing with their own dogs. This gives them an insight into the products that dogs love and enjoy the most based on personal experiences. They make products suitable for dogs of all sizes and personalities so you can find the perfect treat for your pooch this Christmas!
The Lounging Hound
https://www.thelounginghound.com/
The Lounging Hound produce high quality products including pet beds, elegant sofa covers, and blankets which are inspired by their passion for happy hounds and beautiful interiors. The company was founded by dog lovers with rescue greyhounds, and they are proud to support The Greyhound Trust. Their pieces focus on comfort, durability, and classic design. If you’re looking for practical and stylish pet products, look no further! Their products are handmade in the UK and made to last, so are a practical and stylish gift idea for any pet lover!
Example machine:
https://www.ae-sewingmachines.co.uk/aesbt12080
The Advance AES-BT12080 split-head, programmable bartack machine. Adapted for working with products such as upholstery and pet beds, the 80mm presser foot height makes working with lofty materials effortless. This, combined with the user-friendly digital interface, makes these machines extremely versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications!
Activewear and underwear:
Oddballs
Oddballs sell a wide range of sportswear and underwear in bright and colourful patterns. The company was founded with the idea of selling quirky underwear which would raise money and awareness for relevant charities. They set up The Oddballs Foundation charity and are proud to support Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, raising awareness of these cancers and working to remove the stigma behind checking for warning signs. Their sportswear is all made in the UK and would make an excellent Christmas gift!
Example machine:
The Juki MF-7523-C11 binding coverstitch machine. This machine is used for attaching binding and decorative details and is ideal for making leggings and other activewear items.
Umbrellas:
Ince Umbrellas
https://www.inceumbrellas.co.uk/
Ince umbrellas are a small family business who have been crafting umbrellas for 215 years, making them the oldest umbrella maker and manufacturer in the UK! They are an ethical company and pride themselves in promoting a sustainable supply chain. Their collection includes everything from small folding umbrellas to large golfing ones. They are exceptionally high quality and built to last, making them a great gift.
Example machines:
We created a bespoke machine using a Pfaff 3307-4/01 sewing head adapted for attaching umbrella covers to the ribs. We developed and built this machine using a whole host of technology to create a truly custom product. This includes a specially made tabletop, 3D printed umbrella holder jigs and stainless-steel sewing guide.
