Made in Scotland
Our belief is that we should do our utmost to protect and support local manufacturing. Since our inception, HADES has championed craftsmanship; we recognise that it is culturally and socially important that craft and industry in the U.K. is supported.
We've been happily working with the same factory since our beginnings 8 years ago. We recently interviewed the team to find out more about their history and craft.
Sandra
I started working in knitwear in January 1988.
My mum and dad were both in knitwear, my brother was actually working on the tweed side.
My role includes multitasking! Body linking (sewing the pieces of the garment together), collar linking, tacking.
What for you makes a successful piece of knitwear?
The time that it takes to do it, it's not rushed and the team take pride when making and putting together the knitwear we create.
Finlay
I’ve been working for five years now.
I operate the Shima knitting machines, putting all the cones of yarn in through to the yarn feeder points and making sure that every panel that comes off the machine is up to scratch.
What for you makes a successful piece of knitwear? I think proper yarn is important but the wash is as well.
Allan
I’ve been in knitwear for 40 years. My dad was a framework knitter and my mum was a body linker assembling the garments. Hawick definitely still has a name within the industry worldwide for being very good quality, yes it may cost a bit more but people will pay that little bit more if they are getting something that is going to last.
Kevin
I’ve been in knitwear since 1980. My mother worked in a tweed factory, my father was a mechanic and my sister worked at a kilt maker.
I’m a Director with Allan and I also do hand intarsia.
Moira
I have been working in knitwear for 57 years! I joined as an apprentice when leaving School.
I am a knitting machinist. I add the button holes, chalking up their spacing, I add the trimming behind the buttons and hand sew around the neckline.
Sharon
I got into knitwear when I left school at 16, so 42 years.
I do the button and buttonholes, the tabbing (adding on the neck and care labels) and I do the tacking as well. And quality control before it goes out aye.
What’s your favourite HADES piece? I like the little wee tight one with the v neck in the Blondie collection.
Keith
I've been in the knitwear trade for 70 years, I left school and got straight into the industry.
I'm a hand knitting machine operator here (Set-up, repair, adjust, maintain and test hand knitting machines).