about Albawear

Where we came from

Albawear was borne out of the need for a soft handbag that we could roll up and stuff into our back packs, weekend bag or overnight bag. Something that would look great and we would be proud to wear no matter if we found ourselves in the back of beyond or the classy pub in Edinburgh. A bag that was stiffened but not to within an inch of its life.

Albawear is a small home grown business that makes good quality products which are well made, thought out with practicality in mind and would be easy to clean, but mostly importantly easy and comfortable to use.

Our business concept is simple, make the best bag, jewellery holder, product with the best fabrics at the best price. Not only that, but make it with care and attention  so every item that leaves our workshop is already treasured.

The Highland Tweed is made from 100% wool, woven here in the Highlands of Scotland. It is made on a 1900 pedal loom by hand with attention to detail and quality of fabric. There may be from time to time,  some flaws in the fabric as it is hand woven, but that just adds to the individual nature of each product made.

The making, thinking and doing bits of Albawear

The linings -now what can we say. Being part Kiwi, family sends us fab cotton print fabrics in New Zealand themes that look absolutely stunning with the Scottish Tweeds, and of course we have a passion for silky satin linings, so sometimes its hard to choose. We hope you like our choices of colour. If you want something special, (particular to you eg golf, horses, sheep) just email us and ask, we will let you know what we can make for you, don’t forget to give us a target date.

Now about the sewing. Sewing has been a part of our lives from our mothers, for me (the Kiwi side) I couldn’t go out to play without finishing what I had started. Pin, tack, sew., Tack, sew, and even, unpick, tack, sew. A Singer treadle sewing machine with no motor is used for all seam sewing and normal sewing stitch, on all Albawear products (and there is no backwards button on this machine) and then the over locking is completed on a specialised machine.

Environmental matters

All components of the Albawear product range are sourced locally (the Scottish Highlands) to support the local businesses where possible. So for the air mile conscious customer, we do consider what it is costing the planet, hence our recycled bags option.

It is often a dilemma – to get the components at the lowest price, we sometime have to purchase them outside of Scotland. We do this by buying in bulk to give you the customer the best value for money.

Who are we?

A Scot and a Kiwi, mixing flavours, colours, materials, textures, landscape, time, talent and skills. We are passionate about home grown goods, support locally made goods and produce and simply adore good food.