We are Emily, Danny, Jessie, Sam and Rob
Brought together by a shared passion for the materials of our landscape - namely wood and wool - we have, between us, professional capabilities in clothing - pattern cutting, design and production, timber framing and milling, fine joinery and large and small scale metalwork.
Our skills and passions overlap each other, often informing and inspiring each others work. Living and working alongside each other enriches our life experience and what we can offer, which we hope, can enrich yours too...
Emily James
A love of textiles has been ingrained in my life, from watching my mother spin and sew when I was a child, then learning basic dressmaking skills from her as a young teenager, to submersing myself in antique and tribal textiles during my college years.
Intending to study fashion at university, I found that when I got there, I actually could not ratify a career in the fashion industry. Instead I studied Surface Pattern Design BA at Swansea Metropolitan, but still my work swung back to the exploration of textiles as clothing, second skin and ancient social companion.
After graduating I collaborated on building a clothing label, 'llynfi'. Determined to produce a sustainable micro-range we used GOTS certified British wool and cotton (which was truly challenging back then!) as well as Welsh Flannel. It was here that my journey into the Welsh woollen industry began.
I have a continued passion for natural fibres and sustainable textiles, both environmentally and socially, in their production and in their lifespan. I love the human connection - from fabric sourcing through to finished garment - it is what brings textiles alive! From mending a much loved old jacket that holds so many memories to creating the ultimate, confidence boosting party dress, clothing is comfort, protection, confidence, connection, grounding, dreaming, expressive and individual.
I am a self taught proficient pattern cutter, designing and constructing all of our clothing myself.
I manage the website, marketing and all textile commissions.
Danny Fleck
Hi, I'm Danny. I am Emily's partner, father of two young daughters, Jessie's brother and Rob's son.
Upon finishing school I began a carpentry apprenticeship with Rob. This gave me a thorough grounding in a range of woodworking and building skills, which I then took off with me to Spain. Spending time here and there I developed my skills, getting involved in whatever interested me. I love making things, especially if I have never made them before!
I have so far had the pleasure of
converting a stone barn into a 2 bed house
being lead carpenter on tree house building for Sky TV
completing an NVQ Level 3 in Heritage Carpentry
restoring a number of 15th and 16th century houses in the Wye valley
designing and building my own 7.2m yurt (in which my family and I currently live)
producing hand crafted kitchen utensils and wooden jewellery
designing, making and building green oak timber fame structures such as porches, balconies, cabins and roof structures
designing and building a number of bespoke staircases
producing numerous interior and exterior doors, windows, worktops, cupboards etc
In 2016 we moved back to the family farm where we have continued to make great things together, sharing our new skills and experiences. I love working with all kinds of people, and look forward to working with you too!
Jessie Fleck
After seven years working in costume for touring theatre companies I decided to re-train. Following a years foundation at Camberwell Art College I moved to Brighton to pursue a degree and the masters in the renowned 3D Design and Materials Practice course at Brighton University. These were a blissful five years of exploring design, sculpture, jewellery and making whatever I liked (primarily in wood and metal with some ceramics). The days were long and intensely focused, but I graduated finally with a distinction and went on to work with innovative designer and renegade timber framer William Hardie. I then spent time working in the metal department of the design company Millimeter where we made a huge variety of large scale works, from public sculpture and furniture to installations for the V&A.
Although I learnt so much there, the charms of the Southeast were waning in comparison to the lures from Wales and the West Country where I met Sam, my now husband.
I am so pleased to finally be making things with my family after years of talking about it! We know our mix of skills and backgrounds, together with that any-problem-solvable attitude instilled in us by our parents would make for a formidable team on any project.
Sam Alexander
Following two years on the roof, installing solar panels, I decided to train in carpentry and joinery.
I attended City of Bristol College on a one year, part time joinery course. During this time I was also working at Chelvy Designer Makers with a number of different furniture makers. After completing college I then began my apprenticeship in Post and Beam Construction (Carpenters Fellowship). Although the focus was in timber framing I also spent time restoring a large 17th century building in the centre of Bristol and extensively milling a large variety of timbers.
Following my apprenticeship I have worked free lance for a number of different framing companies including Westwind Oak Building and English Oak Building. From 2015 I began building my life in Wales with my wife Jessie. Here we had the opportunity to convert and old cart house in to a home together. Between us we have re-roofed, and re-limed walls, made and laid wooden floors, windows, doors and stairs, cupboards, tables and worktops.
Rob Fleck
Hi I’m Rob
I moved to Wales in 1981 after completing a B.A. course in studio ceramics at Harrow. Previously I spent 4 years at Dartington College of Art studying Design in a Social Context. I have also studied technical drawing, enabling me to design buildings, extensions and furniture.
I have been living and working in the same valley since then - over the years I have:
Designed and built furniture, staircases, conservatories, door windows etc. Anything you would expect a joiner/carpenter to have done.
Built a complementary wing on a grade 2* estate house, its origins dating back to a Norman long barn.
I’ve owned a mill since the day my son Danny was born, so I have a stock of local hardwoods.
Rebuilt and old stone barn complex in which we all live - it never seems to end!
Involved my self in bespoke projection and lighting installations the most recent of which was lighting a Roman temple (Mithras, Bloomberg, London)