Made in Scotland: Oscha Slings
Today’s Made in Scotland products are not only made in Scotland but made just around the corner from us! We were delighted to chat with Zoe from Oscha Slings, our neighbours on the outskirts of Edinburgh! She gave us a real insight into the history behind her business and the beautiful woven fabrics that make up their slings, throws and shawls. You know we love colour and Oscha has some beautiful colours and fabrics to pick from! Read on to find out more…
Can you tell us how your business got started?
I had 3 children (twin boys and a little girl) within 16 months and baby slings became a lifesaver. I realised that there was a gap in the market for design-led baby wraps that the parent would feel stylish wearing (rather than designs focussed on the child or plain colours). My father and I are both artists and we discussed the possibility and decided to give it a go, that was in 2010. We had to learn everything there was to know about weaving, setting up a business and so many more unexpected things along the way! It was incredibly difficult but has been so rewarding to be part of creating something with so many benefits for both parent and child. Apart from the practicality, baby slings have a vast range of benefits including aiding bonding and breastfeeding, guarding against flat head syndrome, improving cognitive functions and development and so much more.
Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products?
We have a very active customer community and they usually tell us what they want! We also have a Lord of the Rings range of baby carriers and accessories (such as throws and scarves) so I will browse through the books to get some inspiration for new patterns there. Often design ideas just pop out of nowhere or when I’m out for a walk. We also go to yarn fairs to try and find new and interesting fibres, such as Ice Cotton (a special cotton spun to feel cool to the touch) and Pineapple fibre!
Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?
Nearly all of our items are crafted from jacquard woven fabric. Everything is woven at the mill in Lancashire, who weave baby slings exclusively for us. We only use the finest natural and organic yarns. Our customers enjoy specialist yarns such as silks, wools and hemp (and if possible all of them woven together!).
The fabric is finished locally without using any chemicals. When it arrives at our workshop near Edinburgh our team of skilled seamstresses cut and stitch it. We make everything from baby slings to bags and keyrings.
What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?
Baby wraps are our speciality and Our Middle-earth Collection is very popular. Our customers love to see their favourite designs on different products so we are always looking for new things to bring in – recently that has been mugs and water bottles. I really enjoy our nature-based patterns such as Ancients of Gondor. But I also just love to see all the rainbows of colours and fades we create, which are pretty unique in the world of woven fabrics
If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?
I grew up in Fife so I would recommend a walk up the East Lomond and a visit to Falkland. You could walk around the streets and appreciate the ancient village or go on a tour around the Palace (a favourite place of Mary Queen of Scots) with its original oldest real tennis courts.
Which other Scottish Makers do you love to recommend?
I actually asked my colleague to suggest something for this one and they clearly need a coffee as these were the suggestions –
“My local coffee shop which opened over a year ago – Haus and Co in Innerliethen. They sell scandi homeware and amazing coffee, it feels very hygge when you sit in there.”
“I love The Main Street Trading Company in St Boswells, it’s a coffee shop, bistro and bookshop and I think it’s great”
Thanks so much to Zoe for taking the time to talk with us about these beautiful pieces she and her team make right here in Scotland! Make sure to check out their Website, Facebook and Instagram to find out more and get shopping!