Hi, I'm Siobhan the founder of Shiv Textiles and it's a pleasure to meet you! Thank you for taking the time to consider my fundraiser.
I launched Shiv Textiles in April 2018 when I moved into Rodhus Creative Studio in Brighton. My vision was a contemporary textiles studio with sustainability at the forefront. Slowly and organically my independent business has grown to the point of specialising in ethical woven textiles, short courses and workshops, unique contemporary homewares and lifestyle products that are designed to educate and complement their environments.
The studio aims to rediscover how local businesses can thrive alongside global manufacturing companies. The key to supporting our community is producing locally while inspiring and investing in creative community-driven craft workshops. I am committed to celebrating the art of weaving whilst simultaneously reinventing elements of the craft to make my pieces unique. Over time I have increased the efficiency of my production processes, with careful consideration of my environmental impact.
My journey began as an intern within the textiles and fashion industry whilst studying at the University of Brighton. I saw the amount of waste that was left behind and knew I had to start designing in a different way. I started contacting British mills & factories and buying their deadstock by the kg, this includes yarns, zips, threads, leather and buttons. This way of creating products never gets boring as you have to think on your feet and design with what you have. Every box of up-cycled materials that lands in my studio is a small personal victory to me. The materials that I receive are used in my weaving workshops and to create handwoven cushions, blankets and scarves. Any leftover fabric from these products gets turned into purses and pouches making us an entirely zero-waste company! I want to change the perceptions of upcycled and sustainable products have to be beige and boring. I want to honour the beauty of the fabric by educating customers about their origin. I do this by celebrating their unique worth in both my products and during my workshops.
Its time to grow and I have big dreams. I have a clear and exciting vision of what the next chapter is for Shiv Textiles. The support from this crowdfunder would enable me to invest in new equipment, which could increase production levels allowing me to save more deadstock from entering landfill.
Recently demands have been growing for more in-depth weaving workshops. Currently, I offer beginner's workshops where people learn the basics on my handheld looms. My customers are provided an insight into the art of weaving and for some this develops into a new interest. In order to be able to provide further tuition, I would need additional tabletop looms.
I would like to engage more with the local community by running external workshops in places such as schools and mental health facilities. The focus would be to educate and explore the positive effect crafts could have on people’s mental wellbeing. Equally engagement in the workshops would create a greater sense of unity between the members taking part. Funding would allow me to place wholesale orders of weaving kits. The kits that I designed are currently created by a local laser cutting business, which is located in the same studio as me. Larger orders means lower cost, which provides me with the flexibility to sell packaged deals at reduced rates to these local communities. I would like to work closely with a skilled illustrator to develop a clear instruction booklet that would be suitable for all ages and abilities.
Breakdown Cost:
Tabletop looms, Shuttles, Reeds, Bobbin Winders, Heddles - £3000-£6000
Steam iron and bed - £550
Weaving kits production including packing & yarns. Development of booklet and Printing- £1500
Additional Money:
Paid Advertising - £1000
Content Creation & Website development - £1500
Yarns and other upcycled materials for future production & workshop - £200-£500
Sustainable packing - £200
I am offering a range of different rewards which are all designed and made in Brighton. From coin purses to cushions, there is something for everyone. My rewards are perfect as gifts or treats for yourself. Feel free to check out my products on my website - www.shivtextiles.co.uk
If you have any questions about the rewards, how to donate or want to find out more about Shiv Textiles. Please get in touch! I would love to hear from you and show you around my studio.
[email protected]
By supporting my independent, women-led business, you can join the modern makers’ movement against fast fashion. Together we can empower and make a positive environmental impact and encourage well being in an unusual form.
Follow my journey on Instagram - @shiv_textiles
or visit my website at www.shivtextiles.co.uk