On the 29th of April 2023, after 4 years, 3 months and 6 days of development, our first jacket went on sale.

It took just 34 hours, 24 minutes and 16 seconds to sell out.

Given that each jacket is hand crafted in limited numbers, the process of getting from order through to delivery isn’t always plain sailing. That said, it’s incredibly important to me that our customers are kept fully informed and up to date throughout production.

Rather than keep everything behind closed doors, what follows is the fifth full production update email that was sent out to our first customers.

We're back on track!

The replacement lining has been delivered, I've dropped it off with the crew at Harvey Quilting and I've been promised that I can pick it up at the end of the week.

I've been staying in touch with the tailors and, as of this time next week, we'll finally be able to start production.

As a rough guide, this is what needs to be done:

• Final fabric quality assurance checks

• Final pattern set up

• Cut all pattern pieces across all fabrics for all sizes

• Create pocket bags

• Stitch lining together including inside pockets and brand labels

• Stitch pocket bags onto lining

• Stitch ribbing to make internal cuffs

• Heat press interfacing into epaulettes, pocket flaps, cuffs and collar

• Stitch epaulettes, pocket flaps, cuffs and collar pieces

• Heat press interfacing into body

• Stitch lining into sleeves

• Stitch body and sleeves

• Stitch cuffs and hidden cuffs on to sleeves

• Stitch pocket flaps onto chest

• Stitch pocket jet at waist pocket before attaching pocket flap

• Stitch epaulettes onto shoulders

• Stitch quilted lining into body

• Stitch sleeves onto body

• Cut and stitch button holes

• Attach all buttons

• Tidy all hems

• Heat press all creases

• Final overall quality assurance checks

So what date are we looking at now? 

As long as everything goes to plan from here on out, I'm looking at the week commencing Monday the 28th of August to complete and the following week to start sending the jackets out.

What else has been going on?

While I've been waiting to get my hands on the lining, I've been sorting out the boxes that the jackets will get sent out in. I took delivery on Tuesday and the next step is to construct each of them.   

I know, I know, not exactly groundbreaking stuff but I'm stoked to know that an important part of the puzzle is dialled in. They're double thickness, corrugated  kraft card made from recycled paper and will keep your jacket safe while it wings it's way over to you.

I've also been out and about with Neil Kates, a photographer and fellow biker who lives in the village next to me.

We headed into Nottingham at 6am on Sunday to capture some shots of a lightweight waxed canvas prototype that I've been working on and although it was 28C by 7am, the photos have come out great.

Just before the weekend, I drove over to Pontefract to see Jonathan Hull who's been building a 1989 BMW K100RS café racer for me and my buddy Matt. 

He'd managed to get it 'show ready' and it was exhibited at the Bike Shed Show in London last month but the clutch is totally seized.

When Matt and I bought the bike back in January 2020, we picked up a frame and a whole bunch of boxes filled with parts. Thankfully one of those boxes had a spare clutch and gearbox so I've dropped that off with him and we've got our fingers crossed that it'll be in better condition than the one that's on the bike now.

I'll be sending out an email on that project once it's up and running but Jonathan has done an incredible job. If ever you're in the market for a one off, custom bike - I can't recommend him enough!  

As always, I'm here if you have any questions or would like to catch up. 

Don't be a stranger!

Mark Warman
Founder