The Story of Our Locally Crafted Made to Measure Products
At Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics, we believe that sustainability and local craftsmanship should go hand in hand. Our made to measure products, including our made to measure curtains and made to measure roller blinds, are all crafted with care by skilled UK artisans. We are exceptionally proud of the relationships we have built with our local makers, and are passionate about helping other small, family-run businesses thrive.
Here’s a bit more background on our made to measure suppliers, giving you a deeper understanding of where and how our products are created.
A shared passion for the planet
We have always partnered with talented local makers who share our commitment to sustainability and exceptional craftsmanship. When Vanessa first started out, she worked with a small handful of local makers who were passionate about making our planet a better place. As demand grew, we carefully expanded our network to include expert artisans that could maintain the same high quality standards. Many of our makers have now been with us for years, helping us to produce the high quality products we love.
The beauty of our made to measure products
Handcrafted window dressings
Our made to measure roller blinds and made to measure Roman blinds are handcrafted in Brighouse, Yorkshire by our trusted blind makers. Although they are not Gloucestershire-based, they do have over 30 years’ experience in taking any fabric and making stunning blinds from it. From recycling office and production waste to reducing water, their commitment to sustainability drives everything they do. They even operate on a four-day work week to cut down on energy consumption and unnecessary employee travel.
Meanwhile, our curtain makers in Cambridgeshire meticulously hand-hem each product, and personally hang and check every pair before wrapping them in recycled packaging. Their work is a true testament to the beauty of considered craftsmanship, enabling us to dress your windows to your exact requirements.
Locally made cushions and quilts
Our made to measure cushions are beautifully crafted by talented artisans working from home in Stroud and Cirencester, just a stone’s throw from our own showroom in the Cotswolds. Every filler and material they use meets their ethical and cruelty-free standards, and they even donate all their fabric offcuts to local charities.
Based in Gloucester, our talented quilt maker also takes an incredibly mindful approach to craftsmanship. She is mindful about reducing waste and ensures that every piece is made to last. Her philosophy of “less is better for the planet” deeply resonates with our environmental ethos.
Sustainably made lampshades and furniture
Our made to measure lampshades are crafted with care by skilled artisans in Somerset and London. From offering lampshade recovering services to wrapping every piece in biodegradable cellophane, these makers are committed to minimising their carbon footprint at each stage, ensuring that every lampshade is as environmentally responsible as it is beautiful.
We also offer a range of bespoke furniture pieces, including sofas, chairs, and footstools, which are crafted from locally sourced beechwood frames in Somerford Keynes in the Cotswolds. Each piece is made to order, ensuring that waste is kept to a minimum. Our furniture makers take a truly sustainable approach to upholstery by repurposing foam offcuts and fabric remnants wherever possible.
Eco-friendly fabrics
At the heart of all our made to measure products lies our eco-friendly fabrics. Our textiles are all locally produced in Britain, which helps us lower our carbon footprint and support one of the UK’s most important heritage industries.
We work with traditional British weavers and textile printers who all share our values of sustainable craftsmanship. Non-organic cotton is one of the most resource-intensive crops to grow, so we partner with a local fabric weaver in Lancashire who uses only organic-certified cotton to weave our base cloth. We work with local printers who use traditional methods to create timeless designs that are kind to the planet.
Delivered with care
We also take great care in how our products reach you. We have partnered with Hastwell Sameday Couriers, an independent local courier, to ensure that all our deliveries are made with the environment in mind. They often deliver multiple orders on the same journey, helping to reduce fuel usage and carbon emissions. We also work closely with them to reuse as much packaging as possible and cut down on unnecessary waste.
Why supporting local makers matters
At Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics, we choose quality over quantity every time. When you choose our made to measure products, you’re not just buying mass-produced blinds, cushions, or lampshades – you’re helping to support a network of skilled craftspeople and preserve our planet for future generations to enjoy.
Browse our exciting range of made to measure products and get inspired to start your eco-conscious home makeover today!
We sell fabrics exclusively designed by Vanessa Arbuthnott, along side small, bespoke collection of Made to Measure items which includes curtains, blinds, sofas, footstools, chairs, headboards, and quilts, all handmade specially for you by master crafts people.
