June and July has kept me busy and I am truly grateful. Yet I try to find time each day for solace in my garden or by walking. I love to take photos whilst I'm out and about, capturing fleeting moments in time. I find great pleasure in small details. A raindrop on a petal or a snail hiding on a stem.
A recurring theme in my photo gallery though appears to be paths! Maybe it is because I am on a mission or a journey, or I am curious about where it will lead.
I haven't really analysed this. However, subconsciously this must affect my thoughts and staying true to values that I believe in is a mission.
This is a path less trodden and not for the faint hearted! Yet it is one where I can enjoy the journey at my own pace, making my own choices, blocking out the noise and the distractions to seek out the authentic.
Meeting and chatting with so many of you whilst we have been out and about has been wonderful. It is great to know that you hold the same values and ask questions because you want to understand what we are doing to make Withnell as responsible as possible.
We are proud to hand craft each garment, make only to order and use only beautiful natural fabrics. Earlier on this journey we became plastic free champions. July is plastic free month. A month when we can all try to reduce our use of single use plastics and make swaps for friendlier alternatives.
This is one way that we take our design responsibility seriously. Our packaging is totally plastic free. Our threads, labels and even the cord we attach swing tickets with are all made from natural fibres, recyclable and compostable.
It is a joy to be associated with companies like Courtney & Co who strive to keep history and traditions alive whilst making buttons using only natural materials. They have single handedly resurrected button making here in the UK.
In the delivery note above, Andrea Courtney thanks me for my meagre order of 300 buttons. I love their personal touch and how grounded and humble Courtney & Co remain. They are genuinely happy to work with us and delighted to know that we are busy and growing slowly. This is especially heart warming when I know that they supply buttons in the tens of thousands to other customers.
I posted the image above recently on our instagram stories. The Looming waistcoats and Denis shorts in Lupin check and Sophie stripe were ready for pressing and patiently awaiting button and buttonholes. This was a selection for Atwin, a lovely independent store in Norfolk.
Not long after they received their collection we received this lovely message which I wanted to share with you.
"I just wanted to say thank you so much for making the blue and white check set that I found in Atwin. I purchased the set without trying it on and was nervous it wouldn't fit, however I have tried it and it fits very well.
I struggle to find clothes that fit me properly as I am petite but you nailed it.
I have been looking for a set like this for years and I wanted to buy from an independent, ethical and sustainable business and also the history inspired behind it has made it even more special. Thank you so much."
Messages like this are such a joy. We always enjoy your comments and genuine feedback as they help us to develop our offerings.
Thank you if you've read this far It is your loyalty that helps us to continue to grow in strange times where it is becoming increasingly hard to reach customers or even be seen. Every like & comment on our socials truly helps our visibility out there in the fog.
Paula x
