Made in Scotland: Rudi and Co
We were delighted to chat with Jules of Rudi and Co about her small Scottish business which creates personalised gifts including aprons, cushions, cards, notebooks and homewares. Based in the beautiful Scottish Borders, Jules has a lovely business based on unique gift giving. Read on to find out more about Jules and her handmade products which utilise different embroidery and printing techniques.
Can you tell us how your business got started?
I started my business about 15 years ago from my kitchen table when my children were little – I began selling at craft fairs and through local shops in Peebles then took the plunge and booked a stand at The Country Living Fair in Glasgow. Whilst there I was approached by a very new Not On The High Street and I’ve been selling with them ever since.
I’m also now lucky enough to have a beautiful open workshop in the grounds of Traquair House in the Scottish Borders.
Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products?
I live and work in the most beautiful part of Scotland so I find inspiration all around me.
Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?
I use a combination of methods for my textile pieces – my pen sketches are digitised for my embroidery machine and I also love free hand embroidery as you never really know what’s coming next!
I love to use boiled wools and printed linens to make a range of products from covered sketchbooks, cushions and combining the fabrics with embroidered stitches and words.
What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?
To date one of my most popular items are my linen cross back aprons. I make them to order so I love to have my customer in mind when I’m cutting and stitching them. I’m proud to say that many artists and designers wear them for their work – they have very large pockets and are extremely comfy to wear so they’re both practical and pretty!
If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?
That would have to be the Scottish Borders – in particular the Tweed Valley and Traquair. It’s just breathtaking and a days visit to Traquair House, near Innerleithen is a must and It’s only an hours drive from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh.
Which other Scottish Makers do you love to recommend?
I would like to recommend the artists Moy Mackay and Louise Carrie who are Peebles and Traquair based.
Felted ‘paintings’ created by Moy Mackay
For craft based businesses I would recommend Centuar Designs – jeweller and leather workers also based at the craft workshops at Traquair House.
Another jeweller this time based in Orkney and one of my favourites is Alison Moore. Her designs are beautiful and heavily influenced by nature and the world around her in Orkney.
Made in Scotland: Alison Moore Jewellery
Thanks so much to Jules for chatting to us about her wonderful gifts! Make sure to check out her Website, Facebook and Instagram to find out more and keep up with her new creations and to get fabulous gift inspiration for all your upcoming occasions!