In anticipation of the launch of Friday Sock Co.'s Recycled Collection, I sat down with designer Tamara Hackett to find out what went into design process and how it differed from working with regular cotton. Here's what she had to say.
What was the main focus point when designing the recycled collection? What were you trying to accomplish from a theme point of view?
We were thinking about the customer. We thought that people who would wear socks made of recycled cotton would also connect with the natural elements of the world/the outdoors including animals and activities (ie: Canoeing) and what they would wear when out and about doing those things (ie: The stripes/dots). That was our point of view. We brainstormed a lot of ideas - lots which didn't make the final cut. We also started with a handful of images that we currently had in our design catalogue and then reimagined them to fit with the collection then added what we needed to make it cohesive.
What were some of the challenges when designing this collection?
The yarn colours were a bit of a challenge. First of all we were limited by colour because the recycled yarn had limited availability. Then after we finished coding the whole collection (and submitted it to manufacturing) - the available colours got changed again. We didn't want to produce anything unless we were 100% happy with the colours and luckily were able to source through a different yarn supplier. This new supplier was backed by the Global Recycled Standard® and Better Cotton Initiative®.
What personally did you enjoy about this project in particular?
I am someone who would buy something made of recycled materials too - so I could really relate to the end customer.
What's your favourite design in the recycled collection? Why?
The little owls! The base colour is my personal favourite and it's one we haven't seen before on any Friday sock. They turned out the way I had hoped - not too novelty, not too serious.
What's your favourite part about designing with the recycled yarn we sourced?
I love that we were able to bring our unique mismatching design concept to a finished product that aligns so well with the core values of the business. We always try to be better, be greener, and to do good. It makes me feel good as a human to know that Friday is always seeking to do better in all ways.
