Rag Tag n Textile

Things are changing fast at Rag Tag ‘n’ Textile.  The charity has recently received news that they were successful in their funding application for monies from Comic Relief so they will shortly be expanding operations to a new workshop at Broadford. 
“We are really overcrowded at our Balmacara workshop right now,” said Cindie Reiter, Business Development Manager at Rag Tag ‘n’ Textile, “It will be great to have more space so that we can sort, wash and iron even more fabric donations and get some cupboard space again.”  Cindie has been really impressed by how supportive the local community has been and said that rarely a day goes by when someone does not turn up with a “bag or two crammed with treasure!”  Broadford will be far more of a depot than Balmacara but Cindie insists that they will still be accepting donations at Balmacara and “that people are welcome to come and see what we do.” Though she did stress that it is always best to ring first if possible.

“Once some of the mountains of fabric have moved to Broadford, Balmacara will be more of a showroom than it is at present and we plan to have an open day at the end of August  to show off the new workshop layout.” She says.
For those of you who don’t remember, Rag Tag ‘n’ Textile is a unique, innovative and ecological company based in Balmacara.  A social firm or enterprise is a business that is created for the employment of people who are disadvantaged in the labour market.  It uses its own market-orientated production of goods and services to pursue its social mission.  It pays every worker a market wage or salary appropriate to the work – whatever their productive capacity.  It offers equal work opportunities, employment rights and obligations to both advantaged and disadvantaged employees.
Rag Tag n Textile is a registered charity and works with people who are suffering from mental health problems.  There are currently ten trainees at Balmacara, all of whom suffer from mental health problems. There is a staff of six, which includes Cindie. Mary and Donna who work in manufacturing the items that Rag Tag ‘n’ Textile sells.  Dunia and Amelia who are involved in every part of the organisation and Alison who takes care of the admin, but as Cindie says, “Everyone is prepared to help out if we get a big order in.”  There are also a number of ‘very wonderful’ volunteers who help out from time to time and share their knowledge and experience with Rag Tag.  The organisation has only been in its current premises for just over one year, but we are all excited to be expanding to our additional premises as soon as the lease is signed.”

Such non-seasonal, secure employment is especially valuable in an area such as the West Coast, which suffers with high unemployment levels and lack of well paid employment.
 
One of the aims of the organisation is to reduce the stigma that many sufferers of mental illness face, and they do this by the means of bright and interesting displays of the items that they make.  Rag Tag ‘n’ Textile also aims to produce high quality products which they sell at very reasonable prices. As Cindie says, “The products speak for themselves, we concentrate on quality and innovative design, which we hope will compete in any market-place.  We have also used touring displays and exhibitions to showcase our work, and this year Rag Tag n Textile is delighted to have been accepted to have a stall at the Tartan Heart Festival at Belladrum, near Beauly, so at the moment we are all systems go for that!”

The charity creates high-quality fashion and household items from textiles and wool and always has a range of interesting and diverse products for sale. Just recently Rag Tag ‘n’ Textile products have gone through a long re-design process and the design team have produced a variety of items which can be worked on by trainees, workers and volunteers.  The basic design of each item can then be altered to suit the taste of the person making it and be adapted to use whatever materials we have available.  Each item that they create is unique and handcrafted to a high standard and there are also a range of kits available for those who would like to try out the designs for themselves.
 
Rag Tag ‘n’ Textile tutor people in traditional skills, such as knitting, sewing and rag-rugging, They are also teaching design skills and aim to involve everyone in the design process, so that each piece that they produce is individually designed.

“Because we have attracted a number of talented and creative people we seem to have become somewhat of a skills centre,” Cindie said, “So we will be running a series of weekend workshops in the autumn and plan to offer a selection of evening classes linked with the Learning Centre Network. Watch the press and local advertisements, or check out our website for further details.

We are currently working with local firm Calco to redesign our website www.ragtagntextile.org  in order that we can offer more information about what we do to anyone who can’t make it in to see us. The old site hadn’t
changed for a long time, but Calco have been working on a new design, which should be up very soon. There will be a gallery page showing what we make and do and information about us.” Cindie says, “We will be selling
online shortly as well as from the workshop in Balmacara and from a number of local outlets, so keep checking as things are changing rapidly right  now." 

Recycling is of paramount importance to Rag Tag ‘n’ Textile, “Recycling and training is really core to what we do,” Cindie said. “Last year when Rag Tag n Textile were only operating on a part-time basis and relying mainly on volunteers, we managed to divert 2 tonnes of fabric and other items of haberdashery from waste, and that is an awful lot of black bin bags of stuff!”  This year they expect to far exceed that total. 

“We are also very flexible and adaptable and as well as making our items for sale we have also taken a number of individual commissions with local groups, including net underskirts for a Skye Dance production and a banner for the Glenelg Ferry.  We are always pleased to take orders for individual items. and you are welcome to come as discuss ideas with us.”

To contact Rag Tag n Textile go to the top of this page