Accountability
We want you to know who is involved in making your capes. Here we'll feature those who've been pivotal in helping develop Cat's ideas into physical capes. Now and again we'll feature others and their key roles in the manufacturing process.
Why?
We're proud of the UK textiles industry. We love supporting family businesses. Information sharing means accountability, which means a fairer deal for workers. Cat was brought up in a family business and her respect for hard graft means she won't take credit for others skills, knowledge and hard work.
Why?
We're proud of the UK textiles industry. We love supporting family businesses. Information sharing means accountability, which means a fairer deal for workers. Cat was brought up in a family business and her respect for hard graft means she won't take credit for others skills, knowledge and hard work.
Made in the UK
Cat is the founder and owner of Carny Valley
How long have you been doing what you do?
"I first drew a cape design in April 2018.. it was the middle of the night and I couldn't sleep and ideas had been playing around my head for some time."
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"Seeing people wearing my capes and realising that I have got it right after all! Self-doubt can creep in easily in self-employment especially if you have hyper-critical tendencies. But validation from satisfied customers just keeps that at bay and comes in all shapes; an instagram video of someone unwrapping their carefully packaged cape, a plus size woman surprised that my capes fit them, a festival lover vibing off me describing the hands-free stow system, a traveller posting pics from a mountain top.. "
What's the worst bit?
"The quiet times when I'm not selling, when that little voice starts to tell me that it's all a crazy idea...
Also admin.. receipts, being organised.. sigh."
What are you most proud of in your life?
"Reaching a point at which I know it's a good thing to be different. And those kids of mine -they're pretty awesome!"
Have you ever been to a festival?
"So, so many. I love them. Favourite is Shambala.. it's like a pilgrimage now"
Which colour cape would you pick or nominate someone to wear?
"I've allowed myself two - I'm currently wearing a Sig Riding Hood in double tier and I also have a Cardinal Singh Mark 1 in single tier.
I reckon my mum would look lovely in pink.. and I'm still hoping Noel Fielding will see sense and grab a Cape Noir before they sell out."
How long have you been doing what you do?
"I first drew a cape design in April 2018.. it was the middle of the night and I couldn't sleep and ideas had been playing around my head for some time."
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"Seeing people wearing my capes and realising that I have got it right after all! Self-doubt can creep in easily in self-employment especially if you have hyper-critical tendencies. But validation from satisfied customers just keeps that at bay and comes in all shapes; an instagram video of someone unwrapping their carefully packaged cape, a plus size woman surprised that my capes fit them, a festival lover vibing off me describing the hands-free stow system, a traveller posting pics from a mountain top.. "
What's the worst bit?
"The quiet times when I'm not selling, when that little voice starts to tell me that it's all a crazy idea...
Also admin.. receipts, being organised.. sigh."
What are you most proud of in your life?
"Reaching a point at which I know it's a good thing to be different. And those kids of mine -they're pretty awesome!"
Have you ever been to a festival?
"So, so many. I love them. Favourite is Shambala.. it's like a pilgrimage now"
Which colour cape would you pick or nominate someone to wear?
"I've allowed myself two - I'm currently wearing a Sig Riding Hood in double tier and I also have a Cardinal Singh Mark 1 in single tier.
I reckon my mum would look lovely in pink.. and I'm still hoping Noel Fielding will see sense and grab a Cape Noir before they sell out."
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Pam Chalmers is a freelance pattern maker and produced the Carny Valley cape patterns from Cat's ideas.
We thought you'd like to know a bit more about Pam so we asked her a few questions...
How long have you been doing what you do?
"I graduated with a BA Honours in Fashion at Manchester University. I have been self employed as a pattern maker for over 25 years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"I enjoy my work because it is both creative and technical, particularly when working with designers to transform their designs / ideas into fashion items. I get satisfaction seeing these clothes on people and looking fabulous!"
What's the worst bit?
"When busy seasons start, I work long hours to meet deadlines. I find it quite tough - lack of sleep."
Have you ever been to a festival?
"I went to Weston Park V Festival once, it was a good experience."
Which cape would you pick or nominate someone to wear?
"I would go for single camo."
We thought you'd like to know a bit more about Pam so we asked her a few questions...
How long have you been doing what you do?
"I graduated with a BA Honours in Fashion at Manchester University. I have been self employed as a pattern maker for over 25 years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"I enjoy my work because it is both creative and technical, particularly when working with designers to transform their designs / ideas into fashion items. I get satisfaction seeing these clothes on people and looking fabulous!"
What's the worst bit?
"When busy seasons start, I work long hours to meet deadlines. I find it quite tough - lack of sleep."
Have you ever been to a festival?
"I went to Weston Park V Festival once, it was a good experience."
Which cape would you pick or nominate someone to wear?
"I would go for single camo."
Kailash Raindi is a clothing manufacturer and also created samples to finalise the patterns.
We thought you'd like to know a bit more about Kailash so we asked her a few questions...
How long have you been doing what you do?
"I have been doing this job for over 30 years."
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"I enjoy that I can come and go as I like in this job."
What's the worst bit?
"The worst is when there is nothing to do. You like to keep busy."
What are you mosy proud of in your life?
"I am mostly proud that I have done a degree at my age. I did a degree in mental health nursing about 7 years ago. Working at the factory and studying was challenging."
Have you ever been to a festival?
"I have never been to a festival."
Which colour cape would you pick or nominate someone to wear?
"I would wear the maroon one."
We thought you'd like to know a bit more about Kailash so we asked her a few questions...
How long have you been doing what you do?
"I have been doing this job for over 30 years."
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"I enjoy that I can come and go as I like in this job."
What's the worst bit?
"The worst is when there is nothing to do. You like to keep busy."
What are you mosy proud of in your life?
"I am mostly proud that I have done a degree at my age. I did a degree in mental health nursing about 7 years ago. Working at the factory and studying was challenging."
Have you ever been to a festival?
"I have never been to a festival."
Which colour cape would you pick or nominate someone to wear?
"I would wear the maroon one."
