Violeta of ILO
Have you always been a maker. If not how did you get here? I'd say that like many kids, I was an inventor before being a maker. It was only as an adult that I discovered textiles, first yarn, as a knitter, but then when I had kids knitting was just too slow to keep them clothed, so sewing took over.
I'd like to say ILO is known for our fun, gender-neutral prints; but actually, the number one comment I hear as feedback is how long the clothes last. This I think comes from two aspects: one is the material quality, the other the pattern design.
It was fascinating for me to learn and experience how much more strong and durable organic cotton is. It makes sense, the fibers have not been weakened by harsh pesticides and bleach treatments, so they are as strong as they'll ever be in their natural glory.
Is making your full time job?
Even though textiles were my passion, I did a music degree, which was just the most fun, amazing thing ever. I have been teaching music part time since having kids, and then it has only been recently that ILO has taken over and there is not so much teaching anymore. The upside is that there is more time for music making (when you spend your day teaching recorders to 30 kids in a classroom the last thing you want is to hear or play anything else). I do try to balance work and family and friends, and taking time away from emails is my super skill goal for 2024.
What’s your favourite part of the making process? My favourite stage is designing. How do you take a basic clothing block that has existed probably hundreds if not thousands of years and make it do something extra, something even more useful and last even longer? That, and choosing patterns.
I have a workshop near where we live in Bristol, which is great because industrial sewing machines are big and heavy. I do all the making and posting from there, but I do work from home a couple of days a week when I am doing admin or designing fabrics or patterns. I like working from my kitchen table where there is lots of sun coming in and my overgrown cactuses keep me company.
What sustainable practices have you integrated into your business? ILO's sustainability has been core from the word go. ILO is committed to GOTS certified fabrics, which encompass not only the organic growing of the cotton, but also farming, milling, printing practices and fair wages. ILO also posts 100% plastic free, even to wholesale. There are many other little things we strive for, like minimum waste pattern cutting, use of offcuts and made to order to minimize production waste. One of my 2024 goals is to start the process of achieving B Corp certification.
These reversible gilets are so versatile, comfy and easy to wear/care for. They are 100% organic cotton, even the plush inside, and they have a little cute pocket. It’s amazing the reaction people have when they see them at markets, they inspire something.
What have you got from being a part of the Crafty Fox community? I am quite a new member, but have met many other members through a couple of markets, and they have nothing but good things and praise for the Crafty Fox community. I am trying to make the most of it by exploring their quite large library of videos and resources, and I have just joined an Accountability Squad. I have already learned so much from conversation with these fellow makers.
See more of Violeta’s work at www.iloclothing.co.uk
