About Me
Meet Anna
Hi, my name is Anna, and I created Thistledown Recycled because I am passionate about creating high quality knitwear using preloved clothing predominantly cashmere and giving them a new lease of life.
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My mission is to offer environmentally conscious fashion without compromising on style or quality. I select and personally handmake each item including sourcing the beautiful vintage buttons and trims so I can guarantee people are buying quality fashion that lasts.
My twin loves are fashion and gardening – both of which can be traced back to my inspirational “Aunty” Ida. As a little girl growing up in rural Devon, I’d sit in her beautiful garden next door with her little Jack Russell Trixie as she taught me the wonders of nature and the satisfaction and skill of knitting, crochet and sewing.
After graduating in Textile and Fashion Design I've worked in fashion for many years including with one of the UK's best known fashion retailers. I started Thistledown Recycled in 2009 because I was then, and remain now, passionate about sustainability; at a time when it often felt like the industry was paying little attention to its impact on the environment.
I take huge pride that over the period since I started Thistledown Recycled, I’ve made thousands of beautiful products from preloved clothing that would otherwise have ended up in a landfill somewhere. I now live in southeast London where I have been a stylist and gardener at the gorgeous Alexander Nurseries and now run Thistledown Recycled full time while also working on my allotment, alongside my own Jack Russell, Douglas.
