Bay Thread

In third grade I use to write in my journals, "When I grow up I want to be a fashion designer!" and during my first venture I quickly realized that there was a need for a service provider that can guide creative minds through the design, development, and production process. We shine in pattern making because we are well versed in bridal, ready to wear, kids, swimwear, leather goods and even pet products! We also offer 15 piece, low minimum, local manufacturing at competitive prices. Bay Thread's team consists of highly skilled pattern makers and sewers. Our employees have many years of industry work experience and know construction details. They are creative and strive to understand each client's vision, style and fit. Our employees are well versed with both knit, woven and leather fabrics and use industrial sewing machines. They provide a creative working environment and use their skills to develop products from concept to the reality! - See more at: https://www.missionmainstreetgrants.com/account/questionnaire#sthash.1zzILEJC.dpuf

Crispina ffrench

Crispina ffrench is an Irish-born Western Massachusetts-raised recycled textile artist, screen printer, and educator with big dreams. As an art student back in 1987, Crispina made her first Ragamuffin (a super cute stuffed toy constructed by hand from recycled wool sweaters). From that moment on, people saw her work and wanted to buy it. So, without planning or business acumen, Crispina (the business) unfolded. Most days you can find Crispina in her studio with her growing team, in a renovated cathedral in the heart of the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts. We've created a product line made of 100% upcycled textiles that would otherwise be thrown into landfills. Our commitment to sustainability starts with the product we make in our studio. Locals know that we love turning unwanted clothing into everyday staples, and they often leave bags of cast away clothing on our doorstep. Items are sorted and reclaimed for blankets, backpacks, skirts, children's toys or new sweaters. By purchasing our handmade items, you are supporting a business founded on a closed loop textile recycling. Crispina ffrench teaches classes, presents at workshops, and retreats all over the US and in Europe. Offerings include Potholder Rug Weaving Workshops, Sweater Chop Shops, Clothing Alchemy, Toothbrush Rugs, Textile Repair, and more. While subject matter focuses on screen-printing and/or textile recycling, ancillary learning empowers, builds confidence, and allows participants to collaborate, share and connect. Crispina offers an inclusive, nurturing, and humorous setting for students of all ages and abilities. Crispina strives to make people feel empowered, whole and perfect just as they are. Crispina's parents were amazing artists and founded The Dolphin Studio in 1970 as a side-hustle to their full-time gigs teaching art at the local high school. Crispina and her sister Sofia now run the family business, producing a popular screen printed calendar each year.

Elizabeth Scovil Handbags

Elizabeth Scovil Handbags It is a joy and pleasure to bring you the finest handmade purses and accessories. We have a passion to bring you the best quality of fabrics, threads, and astonishing details that makes your purse different than any other. ES Designer Handbags is owned and operated in Central Florida where all purses are handmade in Florida creating jobs here locally. We use a free motion quilting step found on most items, which brings much more detail to your purse. What makes us stand out the most is the special step we do that gives the fabric a whole new look, as seen in the Xena Collection on our website. It adds a very unique "Scrunchy"​ look that is not sold anywhere in the market, making your purse stand out amongst the rest. Customers find that once they own an ES Designer Handbags they instantly fall in love with them because of their exclusive differences.

Alaina Marie

We are a Portland, Maine based company that creates fashionable handbags using a marine-grade material that is inspired by, and also used for, lobstermen’s bait bags. The origin of Alaina Marie lies in our desire to construct quality handmade products inspired by the sea that surrounds us. Alaina Marie was nominated for a Martha Stewart American Made Award in 2014 and has also sold to Anthropologie and J Crew.

Christina Exie Studio

The Christina Exie brand arose from the belief that women should derive a sense of ease and confidence from their clothing in analogous to what Menswear delivers to Men. Christina Exie is Luxury Streetwear, bridging the gap between the commercial and couture. The Christina Exie collections are developed using the highest quality fabric, technique and construction, all made in Melbourne, Australia. Christina Exie currently operates as both design house, where custom made luxury garments are made for local and international clients, and service for designers who want to launch their brand. Christina's specialties are: design, trend forecasting and analysis, product development, luxury fashion markets, brand development, creative direction, campaign and editorial styling, visual merchandising, research and development, concept and colour palette development, fabric and trims sourcing, print and textile development, range planning, pattern making, 3D draping, production, supplier relations, logistics, design management, customer analysis, buying, budget forecasting and management.