Bridge & Stitch has a skilled workforce of full time staff and freelancers who are experts within their field covering design, forecasting, marketing, project management, pattern cutting, manufacturing, garment technology and sustainability. We’re a small, but perfectly formed team, sharing a lot of knowledge and experience. We all work together to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. Bridge & Stitch have a trusting, engaging culture, which offers flexible working, dogs in the office and a comfy place to share and bounce ideas to support each other to reach deadlines and goals. All our workers are paid above a living wage and we promote a healthy work-life balance to prevent burn-out and fatigue. With this in mind, all full-time staff work a 4-day week.

Rachael Hobbs – Eco-warrior

I set up Bridge & Stitch over a decade ago and have loved our journey! I have a BA Hons in Fashion Design, an MBA and a chartered manager status. I have 14 years’ experience within the industry and over the last few years increased my knowledge of sustainability working as a sustainability consultant and researcher, gaining accreditation as a Sustainability and Inclusivity Leader with a qualification in Carbon Literacy. I also work as a Senior Lecturer at NTU on BA Fashion Marketing and Branding.

I love the variety of my role and bringing all aspects of my experience into our clients work, particularly increasing knowledge around sustainability. My favourite task though, still, is creating tech packs and other artwork using Adobe Illustrator.

Away from work, I can be found walking the dog, playing squash, binge-watching a new Netflix series or reading a good book! I also love cooking, particularly baking and going out for nice meals with friends and family.

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Jane – Don of Detail

I have 30 years of industry experience working across multiple product areas including menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, tailoring, outerwear and corporate wear across formal, casual and leisurewear. My main skills are as a garment technologist with strong technical knowledge of garment fitting, grading and construction. I have full knowledge of the production process from design through to production with experience working with UK and overseas factories and suppliers.

I love the variation of products that we deal with at Bridge & Stitch and enjoy building up relationships with our clients, helping them to develop their ideas into finished product, ready for sale.

To unwind, I love being outdoors either cycling or walking and enjoy spending time with my family. I also find joy in painting, creating acrylic abstract art pieces which I sell on Etsy.

Lois – Design Guru

I have 12 years of industry experience, with my main experience working as a designer for independent and high street brands, across multi product areas, including knitwear and jersey. My main skills as a designer include hand sketching, creating detailed tech packs, fabric and print sourcing, as well as fit and construction development. I have a thorough knowledge of the design, development and production process, working with both UK, EU and Far East suppliers.

The best thing about working at Bridge & Stitch is the variation of product and projects that we can collaborate with clients on; no one day is the same!

Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy going to live music events and seeing films at the local, independent cinema.

Pam – Master of Measurements

I am a professional pattern cutter with over 20 years’ experience. My sphere of expertise is among menswear, ladieswear, children’s wear and babywear in patterns for bulk production. I have a great deal of experience in making patterns for corporate workwear, country clothing and leisurewear, for both the high street and high-end brands.

I enjoy working closely with clients to achieve the required look and fit for production. I usually follow technical packs, design briefs and/or garment samples. All of the patterns are created in CAD/CAM software programmes, and I can also create patterns manually.

When I am not pattern cutting, I volunteer at the Citizen Advice Bureau as a duty court solicitor and work part-time as an adviser for Age UK and Walsall Housing Group as I have an LPC in Law. I am a member of the National Trust and Historic Houses as I love travelling and visiting new places.

Ryan – Marketing Wizard

Sam – Queen of the Numbers

Ilaria – Fashion Expert

Maisie – Top Dog

I have 5 years of industry experience, growing up from 12 weeks old in an office environment. I am particularly skilled in sitting on top of patterns, being a fit model for any dog clothes, making sure all my fellow employees are happy and feeling loved, keeping people’s feet warm in the winter, and greeting visitors when they arrive.

The thing I love most about Bridge & Stitch is the socialising. I love going into the different offices and getting lots of strokes, cuddles and treats. I also enjoy sleeping and the daily visit from the courier driver.

Outside of the office, I love going for long walks and particularly love walks that include rivers and lakes so that I can go swimming. When I’m not walking, I enjoy eating and sleeping, particularly on the sofa which is always a treat.

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Storm – Crafter of Chaos