Tag: alberta business

2021

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2021. We finally are into a new year.

2020 was certainly a strange year, and almost everyone I know couldn’t wait for 2021 to arrive. Business and project planning is almost impossible at the moment. We have no idea from week to week what retailers are allowed to be open. We have no idea the future of travel and tourism. We have no idea of the full impact this current situation will have on the economy. In short, everything is in flux.

In light of all of this, the great question is “what do we do?”.

I’ve actually been pondering this question daily for months. The current global situation has meant all my previous plans are no longer feasible. Covid has forced me to go back to both the literal, and figurative, drawing board. The most sensible focus at this moment seems to be concentrating on one-of-a-kind pieces. A step away from “production” work, with attention spent on creating unique bespoke pieces.

In the coming months there will be patterned ribbon scarfs, handcrafted ties, scarves, and larger pieces such as sweaters, coats and wraps.

Expect to see a mix of wool, organic and regular cotton, bamboo, Tencel, and our personal favorite, alpaca, that we use for our 100 Mile Wardrobe series.

Most product will be presented for sale online, or through direct messaging (on the larger pieces), plus through a few retailers that carry our one-of-a-kind pieces.

If you like to follow along with how we create pieces, or have a look into life inside our studio, visit us on Instagram at @w1hundred .

2021 is going to look a little bit different……but that is a good thing!

Weigh Day

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It’s “Weigh Day”!
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There is a lot of discussion among society regarding transparency within the clothing and textile industries, including how things are made and priced. When we are pricing pieces, prices are based on three things: the weight of fibre, the length of time it takes to create a piece (labour), and dyeing costs (materials and time). I’ve always felt this pricing method is fair and transparent as it reflects the different material and process costs, and even more so, the cost of labour.
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No matter the piece, labour is always the most significant price factor, which makes sense when you consider our pieces are “yarn forward factory free”.
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I always feel it is important, and interesting, to know about how things are made. It is part of the story of our knitwear.
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http://www.w1hundred.com

The 100 Mile Wardrobe

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Today we are working on one of the “100 Mile Wardrobe “ pieces. These are pieces where the wool is either produced or milled within 100 miles of where the piece is crafted.
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The “100 Mile Wardrobe” is a really interesting concept from both the standpoint of the local economy, plus environmental benefits . This concept, by utilizing local fibre, supports local mills, local Alberta businesses, and depending on the wool, Alberta farmers. It also reduces the distance the fibre travels .
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The “100 Mile Wardrobe “ pieces created this year will feature minimal styles, making the pieces wearable for years and years.
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Shop update in progress. Please DM for purchase info in the meantime.
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http://www.w1hundred.com
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#marchmeetthemaker – story

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During the month of March many creatives participate in #marchmeetthemaker , which is a way to share with others aspects of their creative process. The first prompt was “story”, which I thought would be nice to share.

W1 Hundred was born out of an interest of textiles, local fibres, and ethical, ecological and historic practices. I started knitting at age 6 and sewing at age 9. Add in an Art diploma and a fascination with natural dyeing, and a business was formed.

As the business progresses, it is interesting to see the challenges created by staying true to core values, especially in a world of mass produced product. However, the core values are the main story: factory free knits, carefully selected materials, natural dyeing, Canadian produced wool, and Canadian inspired pieces. Pieces built out of a belief in quality and process, and pieces crafted to last.

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http://www.w1hundred.com

 

 

Grassroots Canadian Business – an interview with 630CHED and CHQR

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Have you ever been curious about W1 Hundred, or the person behind it? Well tomorrow morning you have a chance to find out a little bit more.

At 6:13 am you can hear an interview on 630CHED and CHQR. Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta radio stations. You’ll hear me chat wool, knits, and how it all started.

I hope you’ll tune in!

– Debra