This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Laura Thackeray quilts and sews American — and is proud of it.
After more than 30 years in the craft business, making everything from doll tents to Western vests, she's seen her share of impostors.
Her business, Country Classics, is all about handmade items created here in Utah — never shipped in across the ocean. People who buy her patchwork block quilts and doll backpacks, she says, want the quality and uniqueness of a local product.
"They don't want something from China like everything else," said Thackeray, who runs the business out of her West Valley City home.
Country Classics took off in the early 1980s when her then-3-year-old daughter inspired her to make a tiny tent for Barbie dolls. The product was so successful that she got it copyrighted. Doll tents aren't as popular today, `though she continues to make them for the American Girl series.
But upcoming federal rules regarding lead and children's products concern Thackeray, making her wonder if she will have to stop making certain products because of the cost of testing.
Small craftmakers like her will likely not have to worry, according to Victor Domine, spokesman for the Craft & Hobby Association. Most crafts and art supplies were excluded recently.
"The challenge we were facing was that the broad description of [the Consumer Product Safety Commission] would impact millions of crafters that were creating millions of crafts," he said.
In Utah, the association has more than 100 members that are either retailers, distributors or manufacturers that participate in the $28.2 billion industry. Those local shops benefit individual communities, Domine said.
"Buying locally supports local businesses, keeps local jobs and it supports a local economy," he said.
Thackeray agrees.
"I want to keep the work here in America," said the craftmaker, who also specializes in products made with baby-soft minky polyester fabric. "I just don't want to support China any more than I have to."
She's so adamant about protecting her product that she has yet to go online.
"I don't want China copying me," she said.
With the holidays approaching, chambers of commerce know that buying local will keep money within the community and support local residents.
"It's wonderful when we can support our local businesses and the men and women who put their experience and money on the line," said Alan Anderson, president of ChamberWest, the chamber of commerce representing West Valley City, Taylorsville and Kearns. "The holidays are just a good time to think of others and do things for other people, and that can include supporting your neighbor."
But being a homegrown business, as Thackeray knows, can be a lot of work — which many people aren't willing to do.
"No one wants to make anything anymore," she said, mentioning time and money as hurdles. "They want to run on our coattails."
Interested in Country Classics?
Laura Thackeray's crafts can be found at The Quilted Bear in Midvale and at the upcoming Dickens Christmas Festival in Salt Lake City.
dickenschristmasfestival.com
Email • lauraleethackeray@gmail.com. —
Other local businesses
Circlerounder •Sells and buys used movies, books, music and more. http://www.circlerounder.com
GreenCab Courier •Offers environmentally-friendly shuttle service. greencabutah.com
K aRtwork • Offers calligraphy for gifts and special events. 801-972-3673
My Life Stars • Providing astrological consultation and interpretation. http://www.mylifestars.com —
Buy Local First Week
Beginning on Black Friday, the business coalition Local First Utah will urge consumers to put 10 percent of their shopping budgets toward buying products from local merchants. Known as Buy Local First Week, the initiative is meant to promote and protect locally owned and independently run businesses. Buy Local First Week runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2
Where to shop?
The Local First Utah coalition keeps a database of locally owned shops in your community. To find a retailer or service provider near you, go to localfirst.org.