Melinda makes most of her designs herself in her atelier in Berlin Mitte, sharing the space with fellow designer friend Remesalt. Certain pieces are made a stone’s throw away in Brandenburg and further down South in Germany. All pieces are handmade, and Germany’s strict ethical workplace laws guarantee fair working conditions and a living wage.
Melinda does her business with a very personal approach and cares for the people that come to her. She claims “I make clothes, not fashion!”. That is why her creations are long-lasting, practical and comfortable. Her idea is to support the community and the individual, to work together and make a change. She sells her patterns so that everyone can have access to her size and age inclusive designs.
Focussing entirely on her physical store and selling her digital patterns, she creates and fosters connections with customers and visitors. Deciding against an e‑commerce store and the packaging accompanying shipments was a statement decision reflecting her ethos of nurturing relationships. She does have a small number of customers for whom she makes individual made-to-order pieces.
Deadstock materials and fabric scraps comprise the fabric sources her designs are made of. It is her first choice when it comes to finding high quality materials, that are sustainable because they are already produced and would end up in landfill. Unfortunately the nature of deadstock fabrics sometimes makes it impossible for her to find out how and where these fabrics were produced. A material Melinda uses throughout her collection is cordura, a high-quality, extremely durable nylon-based, synthetic textile. Although the fabric is difficult to recycle and is not biodegradable, it does ensure decades of wearability. Microplastic shedding from washing is an accompanying problem regarding synthetic fibres.
Other materials used are uncertified cotton and wool. Her deadstock fabrics are sourced in Italy, and the wool is from the Netherlands.
Melinda also partially dyes with a washing machine and Symplico and removes dye and chemicals with a dyeing machine. She is aware of chemical pollution and tries to avoid her garments contributing to environmental degradation.
Melinda designs for circularity. An expert patternmaker utilising digital tools, she reduces offcuts and optimises her patterns towards zero waste. She also supplies others and customers with patterns, providing the tools for autonomous repairs. Clothing is made to be adjustable, becoming a valued companion for years, adapting to the individual changes of the human body.
Stokx Patterns sources its deadstock materials from Italy, with small amounts of wool coming from the Netherlands. Melinda is in direct contact with her suppliers. The fibre origins are hard to trace. The supply chain length remains local in the final production stage by cutting, designing and sewing the designs herself and with small partnering facilities within Germany.
Melinda uses a small amount of woollen fabrics that are not certified. Animal welfare cannot be guaranteed.
Melinda Stokes’ garments are of exceptional quality and are made to last decades. Several customers have been wearing their purchases for over 15 years. The personal, tailored approach guarantees that repairs or small alterations are easily accessible and promote a re-wear and repair approach.
Practical, adaptable, durable and lovingly made: Melinda Stokes’ pieces are made to be loved and lived in. With a focus on pockets and flattering cuts, her designs have her customers coming back for another thoughtfully made garment. Alterations, repairs or a design adjustment? No problem! Melinda guarantees her designs will last decades and outperform in versatility and quality. Inspired by her designs and want to get creative? You can purchase one of her patterns, create and sew your own piece in the comfort of your own home.
Stokx Patterns does not have a website. For more information about the suppliers or partnering artisans, contact Melinda or visit her in her store. She will be happy to help.
Conclusion
Stokx Patterns is a small-scale artisan studio that strengthens the bond between customers and the garments purchased. Through a very personal and friendly approach, the customer is not devalued as a consumer but invited to engage with the makers and the process of garment making. The long-lived fabrics ensure exceptional value for money, and the practical design approach means the individual pieces are versatile and comfortable.
