Individual themes relate to our personal experiences, memories and stories experienced or created whilst wearing an item that helps to reinforce our individual sense of self. I have a very faded and worn sweatshirt that is at least 18 years old I love it and wear it because I have lovely memories of beach combing in northern France wearing this sweatshirt. It reminds me of the precious time with my children when they were still young children!
When I try to analyse my decision to name my designs after people and places, I think it is because creativity and emotion became entwined. It's the only way I can explain it. This would fit with the cultural theme which relates to items that are connected to familial and social ties that help foster a person’s sense of belonging in a family, community or group.
The theme of utility is linked to the use and performance of a garment. We love certain items because they perform well. This could be a dress, a pair of walking boots or even a bag. A person may become attached to these items because of their quality, shape, fit, weight of the material, repairability, functionality, longevity or ease of maintenance.
The last theme, sensory, is all about the attachment that a person has to a garment because of the comfort that they receive through the body. This body to garment interaction is connected to the feel of the garment on the skin, and how much comfort a person receives through that sensory experience. If an item feels good when worn we are more likely to wear it often.
If we use these themes as a guide when we purchase a new garment we are more likely to make considered choices. Will it be comfortable? Is it functional for what I want? Will it last?
We weave these themes into the Withnell journey. We work hard to source quality materials that will perform well, feel good and can be easily maintained. We provide repair kits with each item to encourage you to maintain your pieces. Styles are simple and timeless, quiet and stylish and can be worn all year round.
When it comes to sustainability, attachment to garments has an important role to play. We create the conditions to want to care for, repair, alter, postpone the replacement of, or never let go of certain garments in our wardrobes. This reduces over consumption and the amount of clothing ending up in landfill.
Whilst there will always be new clothing to buy and wear, it is the stories and memories hidden within the seams over time that help us to build loving relationships with our clothes.
We are proud that our clothes are made slowly, consciously and with care. We don’t cut corners and sometimes it may take a little longer. We are happy to say ‘yes, our clothes cost.’ Anyone who sews knows the time it takes to cut, sew and press a garment. Every garment we make is personal and made especially for one person. We embroider the name of the owner on a ribbon inserted in each garment.
This is our way of valuing the memories you will make in your Withnell pieces. 
Read - Mending Matters by Katrina Rodabaugh
Mending Matters explores sewing on two levels: You won't need a sewing machine either! First, it includes more than twenty projects that showcase visible mending—styles that are edgy, modern, and bold, yet draw on traditional stitching. It does all this with just four simple mending techniques: exterior patches, interior patches, slow stitches, darning, and weaving. In addition, the book addresses the way mending leads to a more mindful relationship to fashion and to overall well-being.