Johnstons of Elgin opens new centre for sewing excellence

JOHNSTONS of Elgin has opened a new centre for excellence in an effort to preserve traditional skills while investing in sewing mastery.

Maker's Croft has been opened near the business' Elgin weaving mill as it celebrates its 225th anniversary.

The business says that as well as safeguarding traditional skills, the new centre will also allow for expansion as well as the recruitment of new staff members.

Chris Gaffney, Johnstons of Elgin CEO, said: "Our Maker’s Croft houses the final step in our manufacturing process, crafting the fabric we have made in the mill across the river into capes, blankets and cushions.

"As well as providing a new home for our talented sewing team, this space also allows us to expand and recruit new people at both sites, as we continue to grow our business with global luxury brands and our own label."

Maker's Croft is located across the river from Johnstons of Elgin’s northeast mill.

A team of 80 people, including 24 employees from 7 countries outside the UK, are based at the new site aged between 16 and 70.

There are 13 team members with more than 10 years of service with the company.

The centre for sewing excellence will provide access to skills, offering on-the-job training and opportunities for craftspeople to gain further qualifications in their field, including sewing machine apprenticeships and SVQ programmes.

Local companies Robertsons and McDonald and Munro undertook the building work, with construction waste from the site recycled rather than sent to landfill.

And, to coincide with the opening, Johnstons of Elgin has launched a Limited Edition Crofter’s Blanket made with locally sourced 100% British Wool, featuring colours inspired by the local landscape.

Each piece was created with a vintage Singer sewing machine at Maker’s Croft.

As the machines are no longer in production, Johnstons of Elgin make spare parts when required using 3D printing techniques.

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