Yarn & Cloth Dry Goods
This week we are bringing you another Designer Spotlight. We are proud to introduce Melissa Sailer, the designer behind Yarn & Cloth Dry Goods.
- Tell us what you’re up to! What changes are you making to your business?
I have been busy lately making a change to my product assortment. Originally, I designed and sewed different children’s wear items but this last year I decided to change things up. I had been using fabric from the market to make all my items and I was tired of using fabric that every other person had access to. In 2016 I decided to change gears and get back to textile design with a focus on home goods and bags. I have been painting, creating fabric designs via digital printing, and sewing up new products. I recently purchased a loom and will be weaving some of my own yarn dyes and various other textiles to use in my products. I expect to release my new line Yarn & Cloth Dry Goods in a few months.
- What made you decide to leave the corporate world and venture out on your own?
I left the corporate world in 2010 after the birth of my second son. My husband who also works in design had a great opportunity that our family couldn’t pass up. We moved to Maine in 2011 and there were very few if any corporate jobs in textile design. So in 2012 I started my company, Yarn and Cloth, while also being a stay at home Mom. I decided it was important to me to keep working any way I could. I started small and have kept it that way for the first 5 years. I have always wanted a balance between my work and family life, which was something I found hard to have in the corporate world. I now have three little boys and love that I can work from home and focus on them while maintaining a creative job. I feel lucky that I am able to do both!
- What is the best part about owning your own business?
The best part of owning my own business is that I can design what I am passionate about. In corporate design you have to put your own style and personal taste aside. You are designing for a brand and rarely have a final say about what is being made. In my own business I design only what I love to make. I also appreciate orchestrating the entire process. I do everything from painting or weaving my textile designs, to designing the product, sewing the product, and doing all of my photography. It is incredibly fulfilling to create something from beginning to end and then to see a customer enjoy and treasure it.
- Tell us about your brand and what sets you apart?
The thing that I hope always stands out about Yarn & Cloth is attention to detail and quality. I put hours of work into every piece I make. I go extra lengths to make sure my products will hold up over time. I want to create heirloom pieces that people will treasure. I feel passionate in the slow fashion movement. We waste too much as a culture and I believe I can help by creating products that will hold up and won’t need to be replaced in a short time.
- What long term opportunities do you see for your creative viewpoint and products?
I am always trying to figure out new products to make and do. The list of what I want to create is inside my head and is a million lines long. Three little boys keep me busy and sometimes the lists has to stay in my head but I try to create something new whenever I get a chance! I am also a person who lets things grow organically. As long as people keep buying them I will keep making!
You can find Melissa and her work below:
Pat Nugent