There is a resurgence in make-your-own. Knitting is rock n roll and sewing machine sales have increased by 500% in recent times.
Back in the day Clothkits was the watch word in homespun fashion. The brainchild of Anne Kennedy who had the idea of printing patterns directly onto fabric, it ran for 22 years. Their specialty was quirky, bright bold prints. In 1991 it was bought by a large mail-order company who allowed it to become dormant. This is where Kay Mawer stepped in two years ago. She made a deal and *kazam*, Clothkits is reborn. She says, quite rightly, that people remember the brand with great fondness and nostalgia. I didn’t know the name but certainly remember the clothes and even had some fetching elephant print dungarees.
It was launched in February 2008 at the Kids.Modern Show (the kind of place you could find the Bambino Goodies team) and ever since there has been a growing buzz of excitement about them. The buzz is justified; Clothkits has brought back the bold funky design with a modern twist. The premise remains the same; pre-printed patterns, ready to cut & sew kits with all the materials you need to make them. What I love about what Kay is doing is that she is attracting designers from outside the textile world bringing you something completely unique.
My Favourites: I love them all so choosing just a few was really tough.
Russian Dolls Dress
. Such a delicate pattern! I love the purple on white and am this close to popping one in my shopping chicken. Yes, chicken. Available in size 1 -3 years and 4 colourways at £18.
How lovely to make your bambino a doll. Clothkits used to print the doll’s clothing on the excess fabric of the main kits; this is coming soon as well as a boy chum. £16 and worth every penny.
Rob Ryan Hold Me Skirt. I have long admired Mister Rob’s work onEtsy and was thrilled to find out he was collaborating with Clothkits. This skirt is a work of art and one which has me swooning. As I type this new colours are winging their way to Clothkits central and should be in the store in the next couple of weeks. To fit sizes 8 – 16 at £46.
There are more designs coming and the range is being expanded rapidly. I love the lion dungarees which will hit the shop soon and can’t wait to see what else is up those craftsy sleeves. I have no doubts that Clothkits will be winning awards and going from strength to strength in the coming years.
This is ideal for those of you who want to start sewing but find it a little daunting, fans from first time around and the style conscious. If you don’t want to sew yourself, Clothkits Couture comes to your rescue for an additional charge.
All available at Clothkits.
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