Bethie's Open Day at Merino Country | Local Manufacturing

For years, friend & avid Merino Lover, Beth has wanted to have an event showing her friends & family local manufacturing in Australia and we granted her wish!

We took the opportunity while people were in town for the Ekka to put on our own show with Mal demonstrating cutting & all the different machines needed to make different garments. Kerrie explained how we began & the incredible journey we've had from starting in the shearer's quarters in Western Qld to our current "wool shed" in Brisbane & the trials & tribulations making our fabrics, underwear, thermals & clothing locally!

Over the years we have seen a decrease in local manufacturing  but we made the conscious decision to keep our production local and this decision has paid off for us. Opening our doors to the public was a great way to meet new and old customers and to show people some of the processes that go into making the Merino underwear and clothing that you love!  

Here is Beth's tour group learning from Mal how this one cutting machine can cut up to 2000 t-shirts in 2 days by one person laying, cutting and bundling the garments ready for sewing, whereas before it would take about 5 days and 2.5 people to do the same amount by hand!

Mal is explaining to Kate from Reckless Abandon Boutique the benefits of automated cutting. The group then saw the machine in action and here you can see the pattern pieces being cut. These are then marked with their sizes, bundled up ready for sewing in their colours and sizes. Patterns are digitised into a computer program called Stylecad which links to the cutting machine which means that our patterns remain the same and the cutting is always precise and sizing is consistent. 

Kerrie then explained the different specialised industrial sewing machines that we need for the different styles of garments, the challenges we face right now with an aging skilled workforce, no formal training available and the issues in the supply chain.

We had two groups through and Tracey was kept busy in our showroom with people trying on and buying plenty of Australian Made products. 

Beth and Tracey both came in wearing similar outfits in our Pocket Dress with Long Sleeve Scoop Tee and Leggings and boots. Beth accessorised her outfit with our Infinity scarf to match her t-shirt.

We love to share our story and knowledge, if you'd like to book in your own small group tour please contact us to discuss how you can organise one with us. Please note numbers are limited. 

Click HERE to find out more about our Local, Ethical & Sustainable Production and watch our videos

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