Leicester Made – Online Directory Launch
25-05-2022
Newsletter 25th May 2022
Introducing ‘Leicester Made’
Leicester Made is a free to use online directory for anyone, UK or overseas, who would like to make in Leicester.
Leicester is the heart of textiles and garment making in the UK and has a diverse mix of talented and ethically minded businesses. This online directory showcases a selection of businesses, ranging from printers, knitwear manufacturers, fashion houses through to fabric, embroidery and label services. Leicester truly offers the full end-to-end supply base for textiles and garment making.
This initiative is part of ‘Leicester Textiles Renewal’ Project, the project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund for 2021/22. The fund aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment.
Tap here to visit Leicester Made
Fashion-Enter Family News…
———-FCFTA Leicester———-
SEG Level 1 Workers Rights and Labour Exploitation – GN Euro
FCFTA – Leicester made a return trip to GN Euro to provide more workers with the opportunity to do this accredited course. This course has been developed to raise awareness of the basic employment rights provided by UK law and has been funded by the Community Renewal Fund.
Manager Jackie said: “Its great to see GN Euro invest in their workforce – we have now delivered this course to 29 workers at GN Euro. They were a great group of learners and contributed fully to the course.”
New Learners – Level 1 Stitching
Last week we welcomed 20 new learners to FCFTA Leicester. These learners have all enrolled on Level 1 Stitching which is an accredited SEG Level 1 award in fashion and textiles.
The course last for 6 weeks and the learners are taught the fundamentals of using a variety of industrial sewing machines and identify the correct settings for fabric. They learn how to correctly measure and then cut and construct a basic pattern as well as identifying what constitutes good and poor quality stitching.
This course is Free through funding form Community Renewal Fund.
Cynthia – New Full-Time Role
Fantastic news, Cynthia one of our Level 1 stitching learners has secured a full time Job in the garment industry in Leicester. Cynthia was given the opportunity by UK Pique to learn draw threading at the academy, a technique to separate knitted articles. This is a skilled role and Cynthia took to it extremely well.
Cynthia said: “I am very happy to get a full-time job, thank-you to the Academy for your support.”
———-FC Designer Workspace & Collective———-
Full Class for Stitching Level 1 and 2!
This week a new cohort of Level 1 and 2 stitching learners commenced their course at the Workspace. 23 learners in total have started which is fantastic. They will now embark on their sewing journey with full support from the team. If you are interested in learning a new skill the next Level 1 course starts 27th June.
Email: education@fashion-enter.com to enquire.
Repair & Upcycle Workshop
Last Friday (20th May) was buzzing at the Workspace with the return of the free Repair and Upcycle workshop. Another huge success with guests learning how to repair items from their own wardrobe and even signing up to the Level 1 sewing course.
Feedback included:
‘Lovely team, especially, Ana, Gintare, Nick. The energy is beautiful here.’
‘I loved the atmosphere; everyone was so lovely. I felt very safe and I can’t wait to be back and learn some more.’
The next Repair & Upcycle workshop takes place Friday 24th June tap here to sign up.
Telestia Open Day
Also on Friday 20th May we welcomed pattern guru and founder of Telestia, Anastasia, to the Workspace who delivered a demo and talk on sustainability when creating accurate patterns. We are now reviewing dates for the first Saturday Technical CAD and pattern cutting course using the unique Telestia methodology.
In the Diary
We will be taking part in the Stakeholders Open Day with Ingeus on 8th June to talk about the Workspace and courses available, and on 18th June we will be exhibiting at the Thane Works London Festival of Architecture where we will also be promoting the courses available with live sewing demonstrations!
Free Sewing Tuition
We are currently hosting a series of weekly sewing masterclasses at the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road, these sessions are FREE for all Islington residents. 2-hour masterclasses include: Basic Sewing Techniques, Upcycle Your Wardrobe and Using Industrial Machines.
Tap here for dates and availability.
———-Fashion-Enter Haringey———-
Orders On The Up
The factory floor at Fashion-Enter HQ in Haringey, London is bustling with production activity. Fashion-Enter Ltd’s CEO Jenny Holloway comments:
“It’s fantastic to see the factory in London ablaze with colour at the moment and all of this production is for ASOS. As everyone can read for themselves retail and etail has been badly hit with sales in the last quarter and figures are down for companies in the clothing sector. It has been a difficult trading year for Fashion-Enter Ltd but I have to absolutely give credit to ASOS who certainly have supported us in the last quarter. Our financial year ends 31st May and this has been a challenging year but one that has ended on a high note.”
Working with the Refugee Employment Network
We are currently employing industrial machinists, fabric cutters and supervisors through the Refugee Employment Network. We have several positions available in Haringey, London, and Powys, Wales.
Tap here to find out more.
Email: ben@refugeeemploymentnetwork.co.uk to apply.
Grant Success for Maria
Stitching student Maria successfully gained grant funding from the Skills and Education Group which will now support her ongoing fashion journey.
Maria said: “I’m really grateful for this grant, this will enable me to purchase the materials and equipment needed to start my own business and to improve my skills as a machinist. The process was quick and easy, and the support I had from Fashion-Enter to get this grant has been great.”
Good Luck Kelly
Fashion-Enter’s Junior Digital Designer, Kelly, spent her last day with the team yesterday, 24th May. After 3-years with the team Kelly is going on to pastures new and we wish her the best of luck. She has been a fantastic multi-tasker and visual creative during her time with us.
———-Fashion-Enter Wales———-
Newtown Spring Fair
Last Sunday 22nd May Fashion-Enter Wales had a stand at the Spring Fair held at The Hub in the Pryce Jones building. The event attracted a strong turn out and members of the team were on-hand to talk about the courses, jobs and production on offer as well as promote in-house homeware brand Spyce Jones.
Novel Yarn Development
Fashion-Enter Wales continues its novel yarn research and development which combines traditional Welsh wool with recycled fibres from discarded clothing.
NIRI have been commissioned to undertake shredding tests on recycled garments. Richard Carter Development Manager of the Potter Group will be working closely with NIRI operations manager Manoj Tathod on the tests. Manoj will pass a sample of recycled jumpers through their Laroche Cadette Rag pulling machine to rip apart the garment in order to produce a flock which will subsequently be spun into a yarn.
Fashion-Enter Wales took receipt of a pallet of recycled jumpers from JMP Wilcox and Co Ltd this week (24th May). In order to speed up the shredding process at NIRI we have been busy removing all seams, necks and hems from the garments. Once NIRI have created the flock this will in turn be passed on to Leeds University who will undertake the all important yarn spinning trials.
Save the Date
Made in Wales – The Fashion Event will take place Friday 8th July at Focus Enterprise Hub in the Pryce Jones Building.
Jobs & Apprenticeships
We have several positions available with a new apprenticeship for a Product Technologist based in Leicester. Tap here to view all job and apprenticeships on offer and to apply.
Masterclasses & Courses
Ongoing Stitching, Patterns and Tailoring Courses
How to Grow Sales downloadable masterclasses with Carley Johnson
Free Sewing masterclasses in Islington (Throughout May & June)
Leicester – Manufacturing Meet & Greet event (16th June)
Gerber Accumark 3-day course for Beginners (6th July)
Outfit of the Week
With the Chelsea Flower Show well underway we are feeling floral inspired! This week we have picked out this Belles of London poppy monochrome midi dress in a super flattering fit and flare silhouette. Tap here to view and shop. We also provide a bespoke fit service.
This Week on FC…
We take a look at the growing use of tech to support sustainability in the fashion and textiles industry and the 4 trends to watch out for.
And Finally…
Not Long Now…taking place on the 16th June the FCFTA Leicester will be holding a Meet and Greet Event at Athena in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter.
This is to showcase the fantastic manufacturing hub that is available in Leicester today – over 40 businesses will be present who’s textiles and garments are Leicester made. The evening event will also celebrate the Community Renewal Fund programme.
If you are interested in attending please tap here.
Until next time, we wish you a great week.
The team FashionCapital
