For you, by Yew.

It was around this time five years ago I purchased my first sewing machine; little did I know what I was getting into. Unknowingly, I purchased a highly revered ‘Brother’ sewing machine. Using my local “buy, sell & trade” I found this listing for a gorgeous seafoam & aqua vintage sewing machine. What’s funny about the whole thing is that I hadn’t the slightest clue how to sew, it was the colors of it that sold the purchase.

Initially, when I acquired the machine it was all one big headache, to put it lightly. What did I get myself into? Well, I just so happened to have purchased a very rare Japanese-made machine from the 1950s and you can’t begin to imagine how confusing it all was to an entry-level sewing machinist. Like I said it was rare, there was no manual, little direction on the internet, lots of head-scratching, and a few tantrums. Thread the machine, what thread, what thread weight, what thread type, what needle? Wait what’s a bobbin, how do I thread the bobbin, where does the bobbin go? It was just a complete bombardment of questions and learning.

Nevertheless, I finally got the old gal working; cleaned it, greased it, unscrewed everything. Opened it up, and learned everything I could cabout it - and I got it working nice, like real, real nice - just as it was way back when.

So, the question became what’s next? Subsequently, while all of the chaos and madness previously described was going on, I decided to totally outdo myself and focus on becoming a hat maker. I suppose it was fitting, I always remember being a huge fan of headwear. You can blame that on the fact I’m what one would call a ‘bad thrifter’. Frequenting my local thrift stores too often certainly did not help with my hat collection. So, I decided to take some of my favorite caps and dismantle their stitches to understand their design. Over time I began developing my own prototypes and altering templates to create my very own standardized range of hats.

What could I do to stand out? Utilizing my enhanced thrifting capabilities and my innate knack for design, I focused on creating a hat that people would love but also enabled them to reflect their personality – because everyone needs a good cap. Creating sustainable and reliable products using recycled and reclaimed materials. I couldn't tell you how many hours were spent sifting through racks in local thrift stores. Looking for the perfect piece. Over time I had created a textile library full of different colors, patterns, and prints, as well as my vintage clothing from my favorite brands. Utilizing bazaar and brilliant color combos allowed me to provide completely limited edition, one-of-a-kind, small-batch, custom made, never to be recreated headwear.

Using this approach, I took the next step and created my independent brand 'Yew Supply Company'. Allowing for custom orders and direct collaboration with customers as well as other designers. This would allow me to develop my skills as a crafter and build my brand into a community-driven collective. Five years later, I've stayed true to my original mission statement. Promoting sustainability and creativity. Depending on the particular type of hat project, the entire build can take as long as 10 hours of focus. Every detail is meticulously thought through and designed in my small studio, and still sewn together on my 1950s Japanese machine.

Sewing has become a craft that I love and have grown to obsess, and in turn, this is the brand that I am so proud to have developed and share with you today. This company has really become my second entity and has come a long way from the days of sewing in the corner of my bedroom. Every spare minute outside my regular life is either spent in my sewing studio or unconsciously thinking of new ways to build hats. The brand is reflective of my own personality, inspirations, beliefs, and especially culture. I am truly blessed to have created this opportunity for myself, and that is directly related to those who have continued supporting me throughout the endeavor. From those who have seen my progression since day one, to those who have heard through the grapevine along the way. My brand is completely organic and usually only known through word of mouth, and I like it like that.

Since 2016, hundreds of individual hats have been hand-crafted and shipped to over a dozen different countries.

If you would like to find out more about Yew, head to my website yewsupply.co