Oubas Knitwear: An Update

Two by Two has been thrilled to follow the fantastic growth of Ulverston based knitwear company Oubas Knitwear. Our customers have come to love the brand and I often hear them recommending it to others.  We are excited this month, as Oubas approaches it's second birthday,  to see what it has in store for us for the winter months ahead. I got together with Oubas founder Kate Wilson to find out…

TFF: What has been your best product so far?

Kate: The Brant; the scarf sells consistently well through winter and summer as it is so versatile. It’s a warm cosy scarf in winter and works brilliantly as a shawl in summer. 

TFF: Yes, the Brant has been a scarf sensation at Two by Two; we have never sold so many of units of the same scarf so fast. So is it hard to come up with new products and colours?

Kate: It is hard when a product like the Brant does so well. It would be great to design other pieces that enjoy the same success.  I’m constantly being inspired through research and the world around me – colours, shapes and ideas for textures. The challenge is working out the strongest pieces to put into the collection while the business is still in its early stages.

 
TFF: What does Oubas Knitwear have in store for us for Autumn Winter 2014?

Kate: I have a refreshed colour range, so the Brant is available in new colours, and I’ve introduced a poncho in a Fisherman rib, which aims to be a wearable piece to layer over a jumper, dress or a T-shirt. I’m also excited to introduce patterned pieces into the range… a two colour gradient striped scarf and a two colour patterned knit that will be available in both a headband and a wide cowl.

TFF: Have you introduced any garments into the collection?

Kate: Yes. For autumn there’s a Twist Front Tee in a Cashmere/Linen blend, which will be available in two classic colour ways of oatmeal and black. Earlier in the year I introduced the Batwing Cardigan and Twist Front Jumper; the cardigan was so popular at Two by Two that I couldn’t meet the supply. While I remain a one man band I unfortunately won’t be able to supply these garments to retail, although they will still be available on my website.

TFF: What are the challenges of still being a solo operation? 

 

Kate: I am challenged by time and space. I still operate from a room in my parents’ house …which is now spreading into the corridor! Please come and see it when it’s open to the public as part of C-Art in September. I’m fortunate to have the invaluable help of UVHS year 12 student Emily Dickson who works on the finishing of the pieces. However, at this stage in business I’m not able to invest in more equipment or larger premises so all the knitting is done by me.

TFF: Would you consider having your products manufactured elsewhere?

 

Kate: Yes, it’s definitely something I’ve always considered. As Oubas Knitwear grows I would like to invest in supporting the British textile industry, by using small factories that are used to working with the same quality of yarn. It might be that some Oubas products are outsourced, while others are still made by hand in Cumbria.

TFF: What is the most exciting and satisfying thing about running your own business?

Kate: Seeing people in town, and shopping in Booths who are wearing the things I’ve made, is an amazing feeling.

TFF: Do you have the same enthusiasm as when you started? Where would you like to be in another 2 years?

Kate: I‘m definitely still excited. My confidence has grown as the business has progressed as I feel I’m out of the scariest period of establishing a name and branding. Another 2 years from now I’d love to have a workshop studio and be able to invest in some more equipment so I can employ someone and also run workshops, sharing my knowledge with those in the community. I’m hoping to run some machine knitting workshops in the Spring.