Guest Blog with Hannah Statham founder of New Commodity

At Jaycotts, we love celebrating makers who are rethinking how and why we create. New Commodity is one of those brands that stops you in your tracks — not just for the beautiful, tactile pieces it produces, but for the care, intention, and circular thinking behind every stitch.

Founded by Hannah Statham and based in Hove, New Commodity transforms post-consumer textiles into thoughtfully designed bags and accessories, giving overlooked materials a second life. With a background rooted deep in the fast fashion industry, Hannah’s journey is one of conscious change, creativity, and choosing a slower, more meaningful way of making.

We caught up with Hannah to talk about her path into sustainable design, the realities of building a circular brand, and the sewing mindset that underpins everything she creates.

Can you tell us a little about your background and what you were doing before New Commodity began?

I’m Hannah, the founder of New Commodity, based in Hove. For over 20 years I worked deep inside the fast fashion industry. I felt the waste, the pressure, the speed and the damage it was doing, both environmentally and emotionally. Over time, it became impossible to ignore. Eventually, something broke; I couldn’t look away anymore. I made a conscious u-turn, a full stop and a rethink, choosing the planet over a system I’d been part of for so long. That decision is what led to New Commodity.

What first sparked the idea for New Commodity?

During the pandemic, I chose to study sustainable supply chain management. At the same time, I was watching so many of my peers lose their jobs in fashion, and it felt like if there was ever a moment for real change, this was it. I wanted to be part of something better.

While contracting with an ethical clothing brand, I started exploring ideas around circular design. My first concept was children’s wear, experimenting with patchwork as something cool and refined - but it never quite gained momentum and didn’t feel right.

The turning point came unexpectedly, on holiday, when I saw a towel bag. I ended up making one as a birthday gift for a friend, and it gained immediate attention, from her friends, then from a local shop. I just kept making them.

I had no experience working with towelling and very little experience designing bags, but I applied everything I’d learned about circularity: design for disassembly, mono-fibre construction, and using post-consumer textiles. Every scrap was considered; swing tags made from cotton waste, and the smaller the offcuts became, the more patchwork naturally evolved. The process shaped the product. As we grow, we’ll extend the same care to all kinds of materials that have been dismissed and overlooked.

Was there a particular moment when you knew you wanted to start your own business?

I think I always knew. I’ve worked for myself since becoming a mum, so New Commodity felt like a natural extension, shifting away from relying on contracts and instead putting my skills into building a brand I truly believe in. I love the autonomy, the problem-solving, and the opportunity to combine my corporate experience with my love of handcrafted goods.

How did you move from idea to launch - what were those early steps like?

I decided to take some time out and travel with my kids. Always stressed by the school-holiday juggle, I chose to embrace it fully and drove to Portugal in our campervan. Just before leaving, I slowly began building an Instagram presence and a website — planting seeds, really.

Things became real when I partnered with My Skin Feels, a sustainable beauty brand. That was the moment I thought, this is actually happening. I scaled up production by working with a wonderful UK factory to make our wash bags - zips are my nemesis, so that felt like a sensible collaboration. I make the bags, they make the wash bags, and together we’ve developed a supportive, thoughtful relationship.

We’re now exploring how traditional craft techniques can exist within scaled manufacturing, and how production can be rethought without losing its soul.

What were some of the biggest challenges in the early days?

Cost was a major challenge. While I was solving one problem, rescuing undesirable textiles, the reality was that assembly, labour, and trims were expensive. Circular design is thoughtful, but it isn’t cheap and navigating that balance early on was tough.

What’s been the most rewarding part of building New Commodity so far?

The community. People I hadn’t spoken to in years - former colleagues, school friends reached out, alongside local businesses who immediately saw the value in collaborating. Being able to share a story about using what we already have and making it the best version of itself really resonates. It connects with so many parts of life; how we care for ourselves, our possessions, and the world around us.

How would you describe the values or philosophy behind the brand today?

At its core, New Commodity is about seeing value where others see waste and joining up every touchpoint, so they work together. Everything and everyone have a past, quirks, and a story. Those stories deserve to continue, to be valued, and to be given the chance to become the best version of themselves.

Looking back, is there anything you’ve learned that you wish you’d known at the start?

I underestimated the power of face-to-face interaction. Social media matters but likes don’t equal connection. People are following your journey, meeting them in person deepens that story and brings it to life. I’ve learned to be proud to share it.

As a bonus for our sewing readers - do you have a favourite sewing tip, technique, or small habit that’s made a big difference?

Hannah’s story is a powerful reminder that sewing isn’t just about technique — it’s about intention. Whether you’re working with rescued textiles, experimenting with unfamiliar fabrics, or simply allowing yourself the freedom to play and make mistakes, there’s value in letting the material guide the process, you can see more of Hannah's creations here.

For our sewing community, New Commodity is proof that thoughtful design, sustainability, and creativity can coexist — and that individuality is something to be embraced, not ironed out. No two bags are the same, and that philosophy feels especially relevant to anyone who loves to make by hand.

If Hannah’s journey has inspired you to start creating your own bags and accessories, take a look at the sewing patterns below — a great place to begin experimenting, adapting, and making something uniquely yours.