Made in the North East: beautiful products created from recycled materials

A start up has combined craft, design and recycling to produce gorgeous handmade products including cases for tech kit.

Occasionally I write about products that I adore. Pier74 is a brilliant find that I recommend you seek out. It’s a start up that manufactures stunning cases for laptops, tablets and cables.

It was founded earlier this year by Angie Brown and Julie Coxon. The pair met at Wigan Art College two decades earlier. Angie specialised in textile and surface pattern design, and Julie in graphic design.

Wigan Pier and the duo’s birth year of 1974 lent its name to the business.

The Newcastle firm uses traditional craft techniques to repurpose materials that would otherwise end up in landfill, into useful products.

It’s a noble purpose and its products are gorgeous.

Pier74’s signature design is a combination of wool and leather. Have a look for yourself. You’ll find Pier74 on Etsy, Instagram and Twitter.

As well as products to keep your computer kit cosy, you’ll also find bags, purses and wallets.

If you don’t see what you’re after or you’ve an idea for a bespoke product I’d urge to contact founders Julie and Angie direct.

That’s how I became the proud owner of a new case for my Mac.

A herring bone wool and leather sleeve is finished with a mustard lining. There’s a leather pocket on the outside for business cards embossed with my Twitter moniker, and three internal pockets for USB devices.

Pier 74 is based in the Mushroom Works, a series of 12 studios in the Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle.

Mushroom Works is holding an Open Studios 20x20 event from 25 to 27 Nov. It’s a simple deal: a 20cm x 20cm piece of wall art or product costs £20. Pier 74 is selling 20 special edition bags.

Maybe see you there?