Meet the Makers: Sally Jackson from The Faraway Gang

How would you describe The Faraway Gang?

The Faraway Gang is a destination unisex knitwear brand for children aged 3-8 years old. We have a slow fashion approach to kids’ clothes and create heirloom pieces that can be worn, loved and passed on from sibling to sibling.

What was your journey to setting up The Faraway Gang? (What inspired you to take the plunge and start your own business?)

I founded The Faraway Gang in 2017 after becoming a mother for the second time. Getting the work/life balance right between having a family and retaining my creativity and independence was important to me. So after much thought I took a leap and quit my job as Senior Knitwear Designer for Joules and started machine knitting designs myself. Over a year of late nights, snatching hours during children's’ naps resulted in my first independent range which earned me a Gold Junior Award within a month of launching. The Faraway Gang is my third baby, it is a joy to work on and has opened a new and exciting creative chapter that sits nicely alongside motherhood.

What is your main thought or inspiration when you’re designing or planning a collection/piece?

I start with a children’s story and a colour palette and I just start knitting, it kind of evolves over time. I’m forever graphing patterns, collecting objects for colour or snapping something on my phone because I love the texture. End use is really important also, to think about how the garment is used and worn, making them real everyday pieces. I want them to obviously look good but also perform well and last over time.

Why is it important to you that your collections are unisex?

I have two boys, one loves pink and one loves blue and their taste in clothes is so different! I look for clothes that suit their personalities and so want to emulate that in The Faraway Gang. I believe colour is about personality rather than gender and so want to offer clothes that can be worn by anyone rather than offer separate collections aimed at gender. It is important to me to photograph all styles and colourways on both boys and girls.

How is sustainability important to The Faraway Gang?

I believe in a slow fashion approach to children’s clothes, of spending a bit more on something that has been made with quality raw materials and that will last, so buying less overall. Our knitwear is made with 100% Extrafine merino wool which is hardwearing and yet gentle on children’s skin but will also stand the test of time. I hand make a lot of the pieces myself and then the rest are made in British factories where I have visibilty of all processes.

Who would you say is a role model for you and why?

My family are a huge source of inspiration to me. My parents taught me from an early age that you can achieve anything you want in life if you work hard, so be brave and grab every opportunity going. That ‘go-getter’ attitude is something I want to instil into my kids.

What are you most looking forward to for The Faraway Gang in 2020?

I have so many ideas but I could do with a few more hours in the day to get it done! Our sweatshirts have been a huge hit so I would like to expand on these and I get asked for adult versions of the knits all the time, so watch this space!

Find out more about The Faraway Gang at their website: www.thefarawaygang.com and on Instagram @thefarawaygang

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