In a number of articles and video interviews, we have shared the stories of organizations that are working to build the necessary talent to accelerate the reshoring of textiles and apparel, including home décor. We applaud these efforts and are thrilled to see even more pop up on the radar.

Some of these efforts, like Detroit-based ISAIC, have a strong focus on developing talent, combined with real-world manufacturing that makes training even more effective. Others, like Phoenix-based BMC.fashion, have unique processes in place to bring sewists up to speed quickly, and have been surprised by the actual availability of already-skilled sewing talent, both male and female, in their area. And then there is Spoonflower, now owned by Shutterfly, also training folks for its own production operation, which now has an expanded footprint thanks to the Shutterfly acquisition. For more on these companies, be sure to view our recent webinar where Jennifer Guarino of ISAIC, Kirby Best of BMC.fashion, and Kerry King of Spoonflower were panelists, along with textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan.

Over the past month or so, I have seen articles about four more U.S., cut-and-sew operations, an encouraging development. An overview of each is provided here, based on news reports, and we’re also reaching out to them for a deeper dive!