a mountain landscape at sunset with the words "artisan outdoor" placed in the sky

Introducing: Artisan Outdoor

A series made for those who want a small snippet into the mind and lives of creatives and makers in the outdoor industry. 

 

Introduction:

For a while now, I've been eager to draw on the knowledge of so many people who I've either interacted with, admired on social media from afar, or worked with at various points in my career thus far.  I find myself inspired when I see these people, their work and how it evolves. 

The idea of short interviews isn't new, however I found myself regularly wishing for a short, creative and outdoorsy focussed read on my morning commute into the city, before working my part time design and product development role at Melbourne based brand, Amble Outdoors.  Sifting through a semi-curated Instagram feed for an hour only provides a measly bit of genuine inspiration, and often I had more questions for makers and designers I already knew of. 

I know that not every article will appeal to every person, but I hope that one or two tickle your creative fancy from time to time. 

Happy reading!

Abi x

(Designer and Maker)

 

 

Abi (me): Schusser Threads founder, sewing enthusiast and the most un-style-y fashion designer you'll ever meet.


Hello, my name is Abi and I'm the owner and solo lady running Schusser Threads.  I have worked across apparel design, product development,  and a variety of retail roles over the years, however I keep coming back to my work as a machinist.  Sewing was never something that I did much of growing up, but it's quickly become something I find therapeutic (most of the time), and do almost every day.  You'll regularly find me in a comfy pair of pants, slippers, and singlet, sewing the night away until the early hours of the morning. 

Schusser Threads and it's beginnings had their unofficial start while I was in uni studying RMIT's Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours). I started making merino t-shirts for friends after falling in love with wool fabrics and learning about the fibres' properties.  Then, during an exchange to Canada in my third year, I was introduced to outdoor apparel and decided to focus my 2019 honours year project on this.  Then, COVID hit. In June of 2020, couped up and with too much time, I officially made a website for Schusser Threads, and thus the journey started. 

Since then, Schusser Threads has been a passion project, operating outside of my other casual, part time and full time roles over the last few years. It serves as a more "sustainable" option for those looking for Australian made, and consciously constructed outdoor basics.  And while one day the dream is to build it into a full time career, I still find myself wanting to continue learning from others and build a stable base to work from in my personal life before taking this step. 

I've been really lucky to have met many others in the Australian outdoor makers & designers scene, including Evan from Terra Rosa Gear who hired me as a machinist straight out of uni and infused his passion for materials, machines and adventure into me, plus so many others who I've had the pleasure of doing freelance or part/full time work for.  

Being a small business owner has been a huge journey and learning curve in so many ways. Business talk and numbers were not something I considered when I launched the brand, I just wanted to make functional clothes for people.  I've learnt a lot along the way, however I still endeavour to make products user focussed. Being the designer and customer service representative means that direct feedback from customers can get implemented into designs immediately where it's necessary.  Being a woman in the outdoor industry also means I'm conscious of offering women-focussed designs which consider shape and differences in our bodies, along with small customisations to product where it may be needed. While these freedoms are great, unfortunately being small does mean limitations with fabric offerings that may be new on the market due to high minimum order quantities (MOQ's) or being unable to source fabrics and trims at a wholesale price point making some designs unachievable at a realistic retail price point.  

To finish up, I'd like to say a huge thankyou to every person who has supported the brand and followed it to this point. Without the enthusiasm of all of you, the brand wouldn't be where it is today. I hope you all continue with me in this journey and enjoy the ride as it slowly ebbs and flows into its next iteration. 

More to come...

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