Do you know what a hidden gem is? I’m sure you do, but just in case, according to the StackExchange it’s, “…something which is extremely outstanding and not many people may know about.” That is exactly how I feel about SewKC – a Kansas City local brand featuring clothing, accessories and jewelry.
Every single time I have one of their products out I receive a compliment on them. Seriously. I obviously share the fabulous brand that my goods are from. You know what happens every time? Those who asked tend to say, “Oh!? I haven’t heard of them!” To which I reply, “Oh yeah – they’re awesome, local and you definitely need to check them out. I found them on Instagram.” Thus, I bring you this blog post – to continue to spread the message of this amazing local brand and what I love about them.
Of course that’s not how it all started. I do think I have been a fan of them since “the beginning.” I distinctly remember finding them upon trolling through some local hashtags on Instagram and checked our their profile. With only 15 posts on the account at the time, I was instantly captivated by a few pics, two of which featured adorable puppies and cute KC throw pillows and others with their signature KC with the heart in the middle of the “c” on a few shirts. *Clicks follow*
A few weeks later I saw a post from both Gigi Moon and SewKC on Insta of a collaboration together for this amazing little jewelry line of necklaces, rings, earrings and a bracelet. They mentioned they’d be out at Gigi Moon’s studio in The Bauer building during the upcoming First Friday. I typically go to First Fridays, but made a point to Mitch that we were definitely attending and that this was a required stop.
Fast forward to that First Friday (I think it was September 2016, btw) and checked out Gigi Moon’s studio. Just outside her studio door was a rack of clothes and a little shelf of accessories from SewKC and the friendliest of individuals. Even if I didn’t get anything that night, interacting with these people was worth the trip – such sweet and friendly souls! I remember telling the lady standing closest to me (Tanya Chai) how I had been an Instagram follower and came out specifically to check their stuff out. I will never forget the elation I saw on her face. She seemed pleasantly surprised and excited when I told her I really did come out just to see their work. These moments in our local KC artist community are what make me so proud to be here and support them.
Poking around the shelves, I adored the Gigi Moon + SewKC collaborations, but my heart was set on these little suede zip pouches with a gold “Kansas City” type on the front and a heart around it. With tons of color options, this was the exact thing I was looking for to upgrade my current wallet situation. I ended up going with this dusty rose/pink color and couldn’t be more pleased. It is the perfect size for my cards and wallet needs, and also slims down my purse while not feeling like it can’t hold enough. I’ve had this cutie for about four months now and I’m still pleased as ever. Durable, reliable and greeted with compliments every time I whip it out. THIS is exactly why I believe SewKC to be a hidden gem.
BONUS: That night upon purchase I received a little “loyalty card” of sorts that I can use to get discount in person or online. How cool!
Since then, I was pleasantly surprised to get more of their work for Christmas from Mitch. He did a fantastic job picking ’em out and he reports that the SewKC gals (Tanya + Michele) were so hospitable and amazing when he stopped by their pop-up inside Handmade Holidays!
First up, was the world’s softest (and cutest) sweatshirt around town. It’s gotten hot chocolate all over it and it’s been washed, but it’s still super soft and looks brand new like nothing happened! I can’t get enough of the design and the comfort. I will say, though, it runs a little big. Mine is a small and I still think it’s slightly large on me, but I just pull off the “baggy” fad look that’s popular. 😉
Next up was a personally forever wish list item of mine, a Swell bottle. What’s better than a normal Swell bottle though? Why, a Swell + SewKC bottle, of course!
Isn’t is just perfect?! I believe this was the last of this design though, Mitch was very proud of his find (as he should be). They have a bunch of other designs, all are amazingly designed and equally beautiful. You really can’t go wrong with any of them. This baby sits proudly on my desk and keeps water SO cold – which is a plus for me at work.
Finally, Mitch also picked out this zipper pouch/bag made of denim with a diamond design. It’s big for it being a clutch/pouch, which I love because I can fit all my purse items in it with no problem. It’s also durable and you can feel the quality of this piece just by holding it in your hands. I love how it’s more “non-traditional” and flops over for you to carry as a clutch. In fact, I started using this as my “weekday/work” purse since usually my purse is shoved into my work backpack anyways. Having this be smaller and more reasonable to fit in a backpack makes life so much easier!
Another bonus: I got this little “Kansas City local” sticker and it’s proudly posted on my laptop.
Now, the love doesn’t just begin and end with me, Mitch shares it. He picked up a new hoodie for himself (probably while he was snagging my Christmas gifts). It’s just as soft and comfy as my sweatshirt mentioned early and looks just as great, too. It features the “Kansas City local” design large on the back with a small SewKC logo patch on the front. You can seriously feel the quality in their apparel. It is very rare that I find him without this on during the weekends (or heck, even the weekdays) now – it’s his new fave! He also wore this around Orlando when we were visiting family over the holiday season. (Representing KC while states away!) 🙂
With fantastic designs, quality goods and people filled with pure hearts – SewKC is sure to be on the radars of many this year. I am personally making sure of it by sharing my love for them. 😉 I highly encourage everyone to check them out and keep up with them on their Instagram. They are always coming out with new cool designs and goods, you won’t be let down. I also hope you all get to meet these great people, too. I am excited to see where these folks go this year and am just as excited to be following along with their journey from afar.
Do you know of any hidden gems? Let’s hear them! I’ll continue to post more “hidden gems” as I find them – so be on the lookout!