Latest news with #handcrafted
CBS News
2 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
78-year-old Philadelphia seamstress shop gets storefront makeover after city grant
For more than seven decades, Garris Fabrics & Fashion has been a quiet staple on 60th Street in West Philadelphia. What began as a manufacturing company in 1947, founded by the parents of Denise Garris, has evolved into a beloved seamstress shop, still handcrafting little girls' dresses in the same tradition. Now, thanks to a city grant and nonprofit support, the shop has received a brand-new storefront, complete with modern signage and lighting. Inside the store, legacy threads run deep. Vintage sewing machines still hum, tools passed down and preserved. "That's called a blind stitch machine," Garris said, pointing to one of her favorites. "And it still works." The shop specializes in formal dresses for young girls, echoing the work of Garris's late father, who once created flower girl dresses for Princess Grace's 1956 wedding. A replica of that dress is on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A retired Philadelphia school teacher, Garris has fought to keep the family business alive despite economic challenges. "The few little pennies we make a day are important to us," Garris said. "Every little bit of help matters." Help arrived through a storefront improvement initiative led by the City of Philadelphia's Department of Commerce and the nonprofit ACHIEVEability. The program is currently assisting up to six small businesses on the 60th Street corridor at no cost. "We're really trying to bring back the spirit of what this corridor has meant for so many residents over the years," Jamila Harris of ACHIEVEability said. Garris Fabrics & Fashion was one of the first businesses to complete the process. Garris contributed design ideas, while the grant covered all renovation costs. She now hopes to continue improvements inside the store. "We're not as lucrative as big businesses, but we're still here," Garris said. "And we're not stopping." Her granddaughter is already learning to sew, keeping the dream alive for a fourth generation. "My hope is for my great-granddaughter to one day take over the business," she said. For Garris, this isn't just a storefront. It's a symbol of tradition, pride and resilience. By sharing her story, she hopes that other small businesses will take advantage of the same opportunity.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How A Family In Ohio & A French Pot Became America's Oldest Family-Owned & Operated Ice Cream Maker
Selection Of Ice Cream From Graeter's While most of the Midwest region (and the United States in general) was grappling with industrialization and the evolving social dynamics of the Reconstruction Era, in 1870, a young Louis Greater dared to do something that many would call revolutionary and bold. He took to the streets of Cincinnati with two carts in tow, to sell handcrafted ice cream churned just two gallons at a time with a now-antiquated French pot. Snapshot Of The Graeter's Factory Circa 1960 Today, 155 years later, the Graeter name still resonates in the ice-cream industry, a testament to the enduring legacy of the family. The business is now in the capable hands of fourth- and fifth-generation relatives, who continue to uphold the traditions and values set by Louis and Regina Graeter. First Comes Ice Cream, Then Comes Love As the old saying goes, 'behind every great man is a great woman.' However, in the case of Louis Graeter, his wife, Regina, was not just a supportive figure in the background. After their marriage in 1900, the couple relocated their ice cream business to a storefront location, where they both played active roles: manufacturing the ice cream in the back and selling it from the front. Regina Graeter and Children In 1920, after a few decades of marriage and co-running a business with her husband, Regina found herself a widow with two children and an ice cream shop to run. With the odds stacked against them, Regina persevered despite the barriers and struggles set before her. She faced difficulties, gender discrimination, societal expectations, and the loss of her husband. Yet, she managed to expand the empire, opening another location and setting the precedent for what Graeter's has become today. Over the years, they continued to grow, sharing a small joy and luxury with people during tragic times in our nation's history, such as the Great Depression and even during World War II. Remarkably, despite the sugar shortage that followed World War II, they were able to maintain production. Ice Cream That Was Perfect From The Start, Crafted in Small-Batch French Pots Inside The Graeter's Factory Circa 1970 In any business, it's easy to get caught up in what competitors are doing to wipe them out or stay relevant. Despite ongoing changes in the industry, such as factories becoming more modern or cutting costs, Regina and her children were firm that there was only one way to stay ahead: continuing to make ice cream in small-batch French Pots. This old-world method, long forgotten, produces 2 ½ gallons at a time, making it the industry's smallest batch size. Over the course of 155 years, the process has remained largely unchanged. Celebrate National Ice Cream Month (And Day) With Graeter's They may be producing in small batches, but there's big flavor in every scoop. There are 34 flavors available (16 of which use decadent chocolate chips), ranging from Oregon Strawberry to S'mores, Madagascar Vanilla Bean, and Dark Chocolate Brownie. There's also a range of seasonal flavors like Key Lime Pie, Pineapple Passion Fruit, and Peach. If you love sorbet, treat yourself to a delightful scoop of mango, lemon, or raspberry! Graeter's Bourbon Ball Ice Cream Since July is celebrated as National Ice Cream Month, and Sunday, July 20, marks National Ice Cream Day, Graeter's is excited to offer a special sweet deal for everyone to enjoy! They are offering 10% off online orders from now through July 20 with code ICTREAT10. Plus, they are also offering an in-store promo of $1.55 single-dip sugar cones for Graeter's Sweet Rewards Loyalty members from July 18-20. Scoop Of Graeter's Ice Cream Currently, Graeter's has 56 locations and is available in many grocery stores across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. But fret not. If you're not in the region, the delicious small-batch ice cream can be shipped directly to your doorstep via their website or Goldbelly.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Dunelm slashes price of 5* garden furniture essential that will transform your garden
SHOPPERS are rushing to get their hands on a cut-price piece of garden furniture at Dunelm. The essential feature is sure to transform your garden into a comfortable yet stylish hangout. 3 3 Woven hammock chairs are being flogged at Dunelm for just £17.50. The hanging seats give you a practical perch spot, while adding a touch of charm to the aesthetic of your garden. They are handcrafted with elegant interlacing patterns, and decorated with rustic-chic dangling tassels. The macramé mesh is both soft and firm - perfect for supporting your weight for a prolonged period of time. A polyester fabric has been made with just the right feel to accommodate And it's also handcrafted - meaning every knot and weave has been carefully put together. It doesn't come with standing gear required to hang it - so you will need to find a structure capable of taking the weight. It does, however, come with the ropes and fixtures for hanging. And other than needing to be attached, the chair comes fully assembled - meaning you can screw in and sit with no hassle. Shoppers have on the whole been delighted with the chairs. Dunelm shoppers are scrambling to their local store and their 'massive sale' kicks off with posh glasses for 89p and £8 gadgets to keep the Spring chill out One review on the website read: "Great seats to chill on in the summer - good value too." Another said: "Bought two of these chairs for my children's outgrown, wooden swing set. They are fabulous! "Really good quality and take the weight of a grown man. You can attach the ropes together or separately." And a third wrote: "Looks great and stylish Highly recommended. Good value for money." To add another stylish dimension to your garden, you could check out Tesco's latest range. Their summer set will make your space feel like a sunny Spanish escape. The Classic Madrid Bistro Table can turn your garden, patio or balcony into your very own chic city-style coffee spot - and is going for just £13. The powder-coated metal frame offers solid strength and support all summer long, yet it's still lightweight enough to shift around with ease whenever you fancy a change of scene. It's topped with tempered, textured glass that catches the sunlight beautifully, casting dazzling reflections on the ground below. 3
Entrepreneur
14-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Quild Reimagines the Art of Modern Quilting in Dubai
The brand operates with sustainability at its core and follows a conscious approach to fabric consumption to minimize the impact on the environment. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Known for their artistic and distinctive handcrafted quilts and diverse quilting products, Dubai-based quilt brand Quild blends classic quilting techniques with modern, contemporary design, offering a selection of unique and sustainable pieces for fashion as well as home décor. The brand is the brainchild of Farida Talaat, a talented artist and designer who grew up in Dubai and studied in Canada. She dabbled in arts and crafts, sewing, and fashion design before specializing in designing and sewing quilts and quilted products. Quild reimagines the old-world craft of traditional quilting. Made of high-quality natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or a blend of both, their products are as aesthetic as they are functional. Quild's collections and product lines include bed-size quilts, children's quilts, quilted blankets, throws, jackets, hand bags and beach bags, makeup pouches, and other soft furnishings and accessories that can be used around the home. Each piece is meticulously designed to ensure beauty, comfort and functionality all around. The quilts' artistic appeal doesn't end there, with all quilts being made sustainably using eco-friendly fabric and material. The brand operates with sustainability at its core and follows a conscious approach to fabric consumption to minimize the impact on the environment. We speak to Farida Talaat about her quilting journey. Tell us about the early beginnings of Quild. What inspired you to start a quilting business in the UAE? My passion for quilts began in Dubai in 2017, when I designed and produced my first quilt by myself without any prior training or experience. Then, after moving to Canada, I learned the basics of the craft by connecting with quilting groups and collaborating with quilting professionals in Canada and the United States. I immediately loved quilts because they evoke an authentic old-world feel and a sense of nostalgia. Describe your creative process, and what steps you take to ensure no two items are alike? The process of designing any quilt begins with thoughtful planning as to the layout of the colors and patterns of the overall quilt. I then decide on the concept and artistic vision for the piece Then I begin by selecting and arranging fabrics based on color, print and texture. After determining the overall shape, I cut the fabric and expertly hand-sew the quilt using a quilting technique, which involves sewing and passing threads across the surface and bottom of the fabric to secure the layers together, creating a single cohesive quilt. Once the sewing is complete, the final touches are applied like adding a label and ensuring quality. The process of sewing quilts is a laborious, but it's a fine process that requires artistic flair and dextrous skill. It is also very time-consuming. Each quilt is considered a valuable and unique piece in and of itself because of the amount of work that goes into it. Throughout my work, I brainstorm and take my time in designing and refining my creations. I also focus a lot on hand sewing which ensures that no two pieces are ever alike. How do you obtain the raw materials you use in manufacturing your products? All Quild products are made from premium fabrics and fabric blends. I work on purchasing special fabrics and sewing supplies from retail and wholesale traders in the UAE. I also contract wholesale fabric suppliers to import the raw materials I need from around the world. On my trips to Canada and the USA, I visit haberdashery and notions shops to buy unique accoutrements. Can you share an example of a custom design request from a client and how you brought their vision to life? One time we received a request from a mother who commissioned a quilt to be made from her daughter's clothes when she was a baby. We cut the small garments to highlight the best parts and then sewed them together in a patchwork style. She was really happy with it as it was a meaningful keepsake for her and her daughter. There are other instances where we receive requests to create 3D quilts or orders that include embroidery of specific words in colored thread, as well as ones with striking vibrant designs. A client would submit a custom request via an online order. The first step in the design process is conceptualisation where I draw on experience and inspiration to envisage the look of the quilt. I start thinking about the design, taking into consideration the feel of the fabric, texture, material, size, thickness, weight, and final shape. We then begin to create the quilt by cutting the fabric, stitching, quilting and lastly binding. Sometimes we embroider names or birth dates on each quilt, depending on the client's request, to create something truly bespoke. Then comes packaging. We carefully wrap the order and prepare it for shipping and delivering it directly to the customer. I also make sure to follow up with customers after delivery to ensure their satisfaction and answer their queries. Source: Farida Talaat Can you describe your eco-friendly production practices? In recent years, we started working a lot on sustainable quilts with 'green' materials and waste-efficient techniques. We select the optimal fabrics for each type of quilt to ensure their efficiency and prolong the life cycle of each product. Most of our quilts are made of sustainably-sourced material; some are made from lightweight smart fabrics that serve dual functions making the quilts suitable for both winter and summer. We also follow intelligent and thoughtful fabric cutting practices to minimize fabric waste. Additionally, we use the surplus of fabric to create quilted products and accessories, creating new one-of-a-kind pieces full of spontaneity and individuality. Who is your target audience/groups that purchase your products? We attract several slices of the market and community. Among our most important clients are parents looking to buy baby blankets for their little ones or as gifts to other families with newborns. In addition to art enthusiasts seeking unconventional artistic objects with modern designs. We are often approached by interior designers, home stylists, and real estate staging and marketing firms wanting to stage their properties with unique and eye-catching pieces and quilts as alternatives to paintings. Our quilts can be used as bed spreads, covers for sofas and chairs, but also tablecloths and wall hangings. How did you finance the project and how are you looking for funding? In the early stages, the project was financed from my own funds as well as from angel investors. Initially I set a specific budget for it and gradually it started generating profit. With more revenue coming in we then followed a revenue-based financing model and began to use a percentage of revenues to reinvest into the business and repay investors. Lately, we approached other investors for more substantial funding to allow for growth and scaling. How do you achieve returns and profits from your work, and how do you market the product? To ensure the project's profitability and achieve optimum returns, we make sure to keep expenses within reasonable limits, in addition to constantly studying the pricing policy and negotiating with wholesale fabric suppliers. Our Marketing is carried out through several channels including displaying our products directly at brick-and-mortar stores, as well as online. We complement this with direct public relations, and advertising through social media and partaking in pop-up markets, exhibitions and events. What are your plans for the future? Are there any new products or initiatives on the horizon? We are currently working on launching a new fall collection inspired by the glorious colours of a Canadian fall season. In addition to speaking to a number of e-commerce retailers for potential partnerships over the coming months. As one of the first quilt art studios in the UAE, we plan on organizing a quilt exhibition in the UAE soon to serve as a collaborative platform for quilting professionals, fabric wholesalers and quilt enthusiasts. We are also preparing to design and create special quilts to celebrate the UAE's 54th National Day in December, 2025. All this while carrying on our operations to fulfill customer orders without interruption. What advice would you offer ambitious women entrepreneurs, especially those looking to start a business in a niche market like sewing and quilting? A key piece of advice is to use the skills you acquired during your corporate career to support your business. Also focus on one specialty area and master it, rather than succumb to the pressure of diversifying and offering multiple types of products without a focus on each. Believe in your product and do work you care about. I truly believe that if you attach a personal meaning to your project, its chances of success increase ten-fold!
South China Morning Post
10-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
How ‘Made in Hong Kong' is a badge of pride at artisanal craft shop Oelili
Exploring Sai Kung's Old Town in Hong Kong's New Territories is a bit like hunting for treasure. You never know what you might find. Advertisement Foodies are spoiled for choice with a range of eateries dishing up everything from dim sum and dumplings to freshly baked cakes and cookies. Explore the narrow alleyways and you will also discover boutiques selling artisanal items. Oelilia is one of them. Easy to spot thanks to its orange facade dominated by a vibrant wave-shaped mural, Oelilia is a treasure trove of goodies, from leather bags and lamps to ceramics and cards. The common thread connecting all brands stocked at Oelilia is that they are handcrafted by 22 artists based in Hong Kong, including a range of leather accessories made by owner and Sai Kung resident Hebe Law (@hebelawcraft). A handmade leather bag by Hebe Law. Photo: Oelili Law founded Oelili in 2008, setting up in Kowloon's Mong Kok district before moving a year later to Sai Kung and a bigger shop.
