Business of the month: Katherine Fraser
For unique, handwoven textiles for fashion or interior, there is only one place in Bath you need to be and that is Katherine Fraser on Walcot Street.
Since 2010, Katherine Fraser, a designer and weaver, has been creating unique items using natural fibres and traditional weaving looms at their shop. Not only is it a great place to search for some interesting pieces, but you can also take part in weaving workshops! Whether you are a complete novice with no prior experience or a weaver looking to further your knowledge, there is a course for you! Guests heading to the online store will see that Katherine Fraser’s mission is to bring artisanal weaving into the mainstream.
Clothes and weaving workshops
When talking about what makes her business different to the other clothing and textile shops in the city, Katherine said: “Having a working weaving loom in the store is certainly our unique selling point! We also teach weaving workshops which have become super popular with locals and visitors to Bath alike!”
There are several different weaving workshops on offer, a four-hour one which is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher course on the basics, a full day course and a two-day long course, which can be adapted to cater for the needs of the weaver. Group classes are also available, and Katherine can even provide accommodation for anyone who wants to take part in a class.
Katherine Fraser not only offers ready-made pieces in store and online but has an in-house bespoke design service, so shoppers can be confident that they have a truly unique piece.
Katherine said: “As an independent retailer that actually makes the products, we can offer a fully bespoke item as well as offering all our ready-made items we have in the store. This makes it much more personal shopping experience and we make a huge effort to talk to our clients one on one wherever we can!”
Another unique point about Katherine Fraser is that they work hard to champion British designers. Speaking about this, Katherine said: “It means that all our products are made in the UK, most of them in Bath in fact, which is a rarity in today’s retail climate.”
Katherine lives above the shop which for her, makes being in Bath even better, “we have a sense of community which is great for me in particular!” As she’s based in Bath, Katherine has some suggestions for a great day in the city. “I like to start the day with a coffee, either from my lovely neighbours at the Fig Store or from Picnic Coffee along the road.” She said, “I’d spend the day weaving or meeting our lovely customers if I’m in the store, but if I’m not, then a Skyline Walk is a great way to spend a morning followed by trips to the independent shops, like Square, Bibico, the Fig Store and Maze to name a few! My husband, Mike, and I also love to cycle, so our days off together are often spent cycling the beautiful cycle routes that Bath has to offer. You can finish the day off with a delicious glass of wine and a small plate from our friends, Rich and Marty, at the Corkage!”
Katherine especially loves the part of Bath that she is based in, “Walcot Street is one of the few streets left that really celebrates independent businesses.”
Want to find out more about the weaving courses or the items that are on sale? Take a look at the website here and follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
