By Kendall Embrescia
Founded in 1927, the Ohio Knitting Mills grew to become one of the largest knitwear manufacturers in the United States. The family-owned company was at the center of Cleveland’s thriving garment industry. At its peak, the Ohio Knitting Mills factory took up almost an entire city block, and employed over 1,000 workers.
However, like so many other American garment manufacturers, Ohio Knitting Mills eventually succumbed to the shrinking of their industry. By the beginning of the 21st century, they had sold most of their machinery and equipment.
Fast forward to 2005.
Designer Steven Tatar met the family that owned Ohio Knitting Mills. They shared with him their treasured time capsule of American fashion and industrial craftsmanship. Since then, Steve Tatar and his team have made great strides in re-introducing the brand, which successfully launched last year and has items selling in well-known retailers.
Very excited and proud of all they’ve accomplished thus far, Ohio Knitting Mills is still a start-up operation and the business is financially very vulnerable. In order to stabilize and minimize cost structures, they’ve launched an Indiegogo campaign. With less than two weeks left and just half of their goal reached, let’s help them bring back the garment industry to Cleveland.
“This is a good time for Cleveland to come together, step up and represent. It’s a hometown’s story about a long tradition of creativity and products of all types,” says Steven. “It’s in our culture to problem-solve, create and innovate. It’s in our blood and DNA.
“We’re industrial designers with legacy in Cleveland — whether it’s aerospace, clothes, medical or automobile. There’s a 21st century movement happening here. The heritage crowd is very hipster but what it really speaks to is embracing the legacy labels and our sensibility. It’s precious and trendy, yet points to the broadening of legacy labels and ways we’re making things happen. It’s an exciting time and a new generation for Cleveland.”
The dollars pledged will go directly toward purchasing additional equipment and materials to produce the next collections of knitwear. Ohio Knitting Mills will increase their manufacturing capacity and lower the costs of production, which is critical for the knitting mills survival in the price competitive global economy. By purchasing an inventory of yarns, machines and other garment-making materials, the Ohio Knitting Mills can effectively create innovate new designs that distinctively reflect the remarkable and unique styles of the Ohio Knitting Mills archive.
Spread the word — share with your friends, family, colleagues…let’s get the word out for them to reach their goal. And, you’ll get some awesome rewards for your support — limited editions of new knitwear (available only through this campaign), hats, scarves, pillows made from vintage knit fabrics and more! Their campaign to raise funds ends March 5th.