Closing Down

First and foremost, I need to say a ground-shaking THANK YOU to you all.  For everything.  For respecting and restoring the planet through your textile choices.  For the positive impact you’ve made on the people who create these textiles.  For putting your hard-earned money where your values are.  For enabling me to have the most beautiful, incredible adventure for the last twelve years.  Without you, none of this could have been possible.  And honestly, the words “thank you” seem too small to represent how I feel.

 

With your support, advocacy and purchases, the lives we have positively impacted over twelve years have been immeasurable.  I have seen it first-hand.  And I am so very proud, humbled and honoured.

 

I also want to add a huge thank you to all the team members and advisors who have supported this incredible journey over the years - your passion, dedication, and hard work are unrivalled - I see you and thank you.

 

I started Offset Warehouse out of a need - I was a fashion designer and couldn’t make what I wanted in the fabrics that I wanted, and know they hadn’t negatively impacted, even killed, the people in their supply chain and the environment.

 

Offset Warehouse has blessed me with memories and achievements that could fill a lifetime; the breathtaking full-size horse puppet from the stage show “War Horse”, nuzzling into a pile of our textiles at a fair, meeting my activist heroes, speaking to law-makers, and most significantly, meeting her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as a representative of ethical fabrics.  I’ve fought for responsible practices in the garment industry for over a decade; contributed to books, featured in newspapers, interviewed on the news.  And our fabrics have dressed supermodels, superstars and even big-screen superheroes and princesses. 

 

And Offset Warehouse has seen my personal growth too - decorating my wedding and the guests that came, and adorning my daughter from her first days to, more recently, her first World Book Day.  Offset Warehouse has been the silent friend by my side through it all.

 

I shall dearly miss it.

The problem with starting a business that sets out to change the way people behave, is that the aim is for you to one day be redundant. 

 

Well, the other day, I lifted my head from the parapet - in fact, I was sewing something for my latest hobby, wild swimming and needed a fabric we don’t stock.  I looked around and caught myself off guard “… good grief.  I’ve done it!” 

 

Twelve years ago, only a handful of businesses were providing ethical textiles (massive shoutout to Phil at Organic Cotton Biz, now assumed by his daughter Nancy, who are one of the few left standing).  Today, responsible textiles aren’t just seen as “niche”; they are vital.  There’s at least one row of sustainable options in every fabric store (well.. the good ones).  And it’s growing. 

 

My work here is done.  (Although there is still much work to do).  And I’m ready for a fantastic new adventure.

I’m delighted to say that Pascale at Stag and Bow is the exclusive proprietor for the remaining metres of our stock.  If you would like anything, please contact them and pop into their beautiful shop: 8 Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill (London).  They will be releasing the stock on their site in the next few weeks.  Pascale and I are kindred spirits when it comes to understanding the complexities and inherent beauty of handmade textiles, and she shares my passion for responsible practices - I couldn’t have imagined a better place for my beloved stock. 

 

The short answer - everything!

 

You’ll still be able to find me at The Sustainable Fashion Collective.  (And I urge you to keep in touch with me there by joining the Collective for free).  Having space to pour more energy and knowledge into the SFC is such a thrill.  And, of course, I’ll continue my local community growing and re-wilding projects and women’s empowerment group.

 

A billion times, “thank you” again.

All my best wishes,