oB in Detail / Transparency
In all that we create, there is a conscious connection between cloth and maker, construction and wearer.
You can read more below about our approach to design and the steps we take to create intentional pieces.
Hand Worked.
Every oB design is hand worked and created, combining tactile craft with select machinery. There is a personal touch at every stage of creation. We cut out each garment by hand and construct using durable seam finishes, accompanied by ongoing quality checks and individual hand stitches where required.
Adaptable.
The adaptability of oB garments allows for continued wear with our ever changing bodies. Fabric straps allow for loosening and tightening whilst close communication between customer and maker means we can incorporate custom measurements to suit different preferences, in turn helping to increase longevity.
Slow Steadiness.
Beauty can found in repairing the damage caused by fast fashion. We are a part of a movement that supports a reconnection to our belongings through the storytelling that is imbued into all objects. Our hope is for people to wear their oB garments for many years to come and develop a deeper relationship with how they clothe themselves on a daily basis.
Textiles Sourcing.
oB garments are made using slow hand worked garment making techniques, handpicking only natural materials that have a story to tell, whether they are artisanal made, organically grown, from considered fibre growers, reclaimed from waste, naturally dyed or the fruits of an inspired project. Where possible we always share an insight into the fabrics we use to help you make an informed decision as to what you will be wearing next to your skin.
[Milly update here with new fabric sourcing process]
To allow you to experience the available cloths suited to each garment before committing to purchasing a Made For The Body garment, we offer fabric swatches for a small price. As we hand pick fabrics from small scale suppliers, there is often only a small amount of each cloth available, so we regularly update what is on offer - making each piece that bit more special and things fresh from our perspective!
To order fabric samples please see information within the Made For The Body garment you are interested in.
The Studio.
Our studio at Haarlem Mill, Wirksworth, Derbyshire Dales is set within a historical building, shared between a vast selection of wonderful, likeminded creatives; from photographers to jewellery makers, authors to print makers.
[Milly add here about any efforts for reduced waste/carbon emissions from studio!? anything consciously related…]
BUT not fabric waste as I’m adding that below as a more specific oB focused thing.
Offcuts.
When positioning our patterns onto fabrics, before cutting we consider the best layout for reduced waste. Sometimes it is unavoidable that there will be oddly shaped offcuts that aren’t suitable to be used for another garment - instead we rework these wonderful, wobbly and odd shaped pieces into purchasable offcuts designs; such as shirts and cushions. We see value in even the smallest of scrap fabrics - these actually make the filling of our cushions! We also enjoy the process of seeing the fabrics we have worked with from previous collections, as an almost time capsule in useable / wearable form…
[Milly - add offcuts section to Unique Pieces?]
Anything more you would like to say here!