FK chats to Kate, the creator behind bright and beautiful handmade textiles and homewares label Taylor + cloth, bringing together a combination of all Kate’s loves from craft to crochet!
Tell us a bit about Taylor + cloth and what we can expect to discover?
At Taylor + cloth you can expect lots of colour and texture and tones of handmade goodness. I’m passionate about all things made by hand and made with love. There is something truly special about something that has been lovingly created and crafted by hand. The time it takes to make and the individual nature of each piece makes them truly special and unique. At Taylor + cloth you will find lots of unique items for your home with an emphasis on colour and fun, to brighten any room.
What is your background and how did you get started working with homewares?
I’m a frustrated maker and crafter and I have been from a very young age. I love making things with my hands, I love making things with my kids. I love making things for the people I love. Pre-kids I was a landscape Architect, so I have a strong design background. Once the kiddies came along and I spent most of my time at home, I began to focus more on what was around me… The products you see on Taylor + cloth started out as things I made or wanted for my own home. The pillowcases and wall hangings I made for my kids and then for friend’s kids… It grew from there.
Which other textiles and homewares labels do you love? And what inspires you?
Wow where do I start, there are so many awesome creatives out there, I love Rachel Castle, Harvest Textiles and Bonnie and Neil for their use of colour, pattern and the handmade nature of their products. But I also love Mr and Mrs White, for their gorgeous furniture and the tranquil colour schemes of their homewares range. Honestly though, I’m inspired by all things design and anyone who is brave enough to put their creativity on show. It can be quite scary sometimes.
What is your workspace like? and what is your creative process?
I work from home… from my kitchen table to be exact. I’m constantly surrounded by the things most dear to me and these are what inspire me daily. My kids, my family, our home. Creativity can strike anywhere, I carry a couple of sketch books with me wherever go to quickly jot down any ideas I might have. Then when the kids are in bed I refer back and develop the ideas. I spend a lot of time drawing and screen printing, I find the best way to develop an idea is just by making and doing…
What challenges have you faced starting your own label, and what are some things you love about it?
The greatest challenge was probably self doubt. Would the label be successful, could I do it on my own? I would look around me though and see all these people pursuing a career in textiles and homewares and I would think ‘wow, they are the luckiest’. I want that feeling also, to wake up and be truly inspired to go to work and to have the opportunity to be creative everyday. I got to the point where I thought, if I don’t give this a go I’m going to regret it later…
I love the flexibility of working for myself. With three small kids I wanted to be able to do something I was truly passionate about whilst still being able to be a mum first and foremost. Starting Taylor + cloth has allowed me to continue being the mum I want to be whilst also pursuing my creative passions.
What aspirations do you have for your label in the future?
I’m looking forward to growing the business this year, increasing our stockists, getting the brand out there and maybe even getting out of the kitchen and finding a space of my own. I would like to expand our bedding range to include sheets and quilt sets, I also want to focus more on the customisable products in our range like the screen printed flags and the macrame plant hangers. I’m looking forward to continuing to work closely with our artisans in Nepal, to produce gorgeous and unique handmade homewares. Wish me luck!
Image credit: All images by Jessie Alexandra www.jessiealexandraphotography.com
