My Sewers Are Fantastic
There are so many reasons people find themselves out of work or unable to take on full time hours – mostly because employers can’t (or won’t) offer flexible working. People who need flexible working aren’t just parent’s trying to work around childcare issues (did you know that 2 adult’s standard holiday days do not equal the amount of days kids have off school!). There are other reasons… working with illness – physical and/or mental, working whilst also being a caregiver, getting back into work after a trauma perhaps a miscarriage or mental breakdown, struggling with menopause or fleeing domestic violence. The list is endless.
I decided to help these people, with the support of Charity Landau.
Sewer Spotlight
Ivy has come a long way since 2019 when she first joined me, and her growth has been truly inspirational. Once quiet and reserved, she has grown into a more confident person, embracing her strengths and potential.
You can see her newfound confidence in how she carries herself, speaks up, and faces challenges head-on. Ivy’s progress inspires everyone around her. She has gone through so much in her personal life, and yet she comes in with a smile and makes us all laugh so much.
It’s wonderful to see how far she’s come, turning difficulties into chances to grow. Ivy’s journey is a true reflection of her hard work and the amazing person she is today. I am so very proud of her!
How Does Calluna Upcycling Fit In?
All my sewers struggle with a personal circumstance that would otherwise prevent them from doing full time work. But I offer completely flexible working. They take fabric and all the accessories they need to make a product home, and they work in their own time and at their own pace with no pressure. They are paid a fair price per product so it is up to them how much they make with no deadlines. In doing this, they have more confidence and skills to help them in the future.
Our fabric store/office is a ‘hub’ which has become a place where our sewers can come and go and meet up with each other in – helping with soft skills and creating a community for them. As a single mum myself, I understand what it is like to need adult conversation!
How Does This Work With Large Orders?
Easy!
I have a WhatsApp group with all the sewers in. Every order that comes in gets posted into the group along with the deadline, and the ladies all let me know how many they feel they would like to complete.
Some are ultra-confident and will ask to do 100, and others will only want to make 10. Some will not be able to make any, and that’s fine too! Once they have all made their choices we know if there are any left to do, and these ones are completed at the hub by either myself or Ivy.
At extremely busy times of the year or for orders of more than 200 items, we are able to offer “batch deliveries” so that you don’t have to wait too long before you get to meet your new creations.
This way the vast majority of the work can be done by my amazing home sewers, and give them back their confidence!