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December 1, 2006
spitfires and apprentices...
(Claire and Fred discussing the finer points of tailoring)
Well, I'm sorry I've been a little quiet lately, but as always, it's because I've been extremely busy.
I had an excellent trip to the United States, indeed.
It was wonderful to catch up with all my old customers, and meet some new ones as well. Most of my existing customers decided to re-order, a lot. Yes, I consider myself very fortunate to be so busy and yes, I'm delighted new customers are interested in my work. However, this poor tailor can only do so much. So now I'm pulling up the drawbridge for the time being. That means I won't be taking on any more new suit customers until further notice.
Of course, this phase won't last forever. I am sill taking on new shirt customers, and I'm still delighted to hear from you, customer or not, so please keep writing in.
In America I was lucky to have a wonderful new assistant with me, Claire Houston. Claire is studying at Epsom University and is keen to learn the art of hand tailoring. She did a wonderful job for me and was a great help. Lucy couldn't come on this trip as she's on the final hurdle of her college degree. She graduates early next year, so keep your fingers crossed for her; God Willing she'll be on our next trip in March.
And we have some more news for you. You may remember I advertised for an apprentice for myself earlier this year. I had an electronic sackfull of mail arrive in my inbox. I interviewed some wonderful young people, and it was very difficult to make a decision.
(A very serious young striker, Christopher Price)
In the end I chose young Christopher Price. He started with me in September and we've been testing him out in all parts of the business. He's just turned twenty-one and is as keen as mustard. In the run-up to my US visit we worked from 7.00am until 10.00pm every night. So as a result, we've decided he can definitely stay. With the plans that are underway with the stable block I hope Christopher's going to be a far better cutter than myself eventually. Besides, one day I'll be too old for all this running around.
(The new English Cut logo, complete with Supermarine Spitfire incorporated in to the design)
Now what on earth has a Spitfire got to do with all this tailoring talk? Well, I imagine you can guess how much I love this little country of mine, and the businesses and crafts that come out of it. I also have a love of flying (I'm currently studying for my pilot's license) and the Spitfire is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built. The Spitfire was designed out of necessity by a then little-known man who hoped to make a difference. To me it really does represent all that's best about these British Isles, and by having it on my letterhead, it's a constant reminder of why I do what I do.
We asked a super fellow here in Cumbria, Jeremy to design us something incorporating the Spitfire as the English Cut marque, and this is what he came up with. A brilliant piece of work. It's a simple symbol which we'll have in a discreet label in our suits, our shirts and our cashmere scarves.
It will simply mean that anything with the Spitfire marque will be sourced by English Cut. It will have been made in the United Kingdom, and will be of the highest quality available. It's that simple.
If we can't get the best from here, then we won't bother.
When we've made a big dent in the amount of work I've got to do, I promise to write a little more often. You've been e-mailing me some very interesting questions which I'll be delighted to answer, once I can find the time.
Posted by tom at December 1, 2006 12:41 PM