You know we love all things local. As Canmore locals ourselves, we understand the impact and importance of supporting local businesses. In our shop, we’ve got a section dedicated to local makers called the “Local’s Corner.” The products in our Local’s Corner are unique and so are the people and stories behind them. To give you a little peek behind the curtain, we chatted with Kaetlin of Kae Klothing to learn more about the story behind her designs.
Kaetlin hand-paints unique designs on everything including, but not limited to “sweaters, t-shirts or your grandma's cardigan.” She also creates designs using patchwork and various textiles.
Originally from Barrie, Ontario, Kaetlin moved to Canmore with her family five years ago. “I went to Dalhousie University for a Psychology degree and was also a national level swimmer at the time. I retired from swimming after graduating and have taken up every sport the mountains have to offer like mountain biking, skiing, climbing, hiking, backcountry touring, etc,” she told us.
“I started Kae in September of 2021, I was looking for something new and creative to do with my time (because I clearly didn’t have enough going on) and decided to hand-paint a sweater because I didn’t like any of the designs on store-bought sweaters.”
Kaetlin posted the sweater she painted online and was flooded with responses from folks who wanted one of their own. Since then, Kae Klothing has continued to grow. “It has been ten months of operation and I still have so much growing and ideas I must get out there,” she said.
Kae customers love her custom work on handpainted sweaters and other clothing items. “I feel like people enjoy the fact that the sweaters are 100% custom and unique, no sweater alike and there is not a lot like this out there that I have seen,” Kaetlin shared.
She has been busy curating an assortment of thrifted fabrics for her next collection that she is excited to drop in the fall. In the meantime, you can find her stuff on Instagram and at Sports Garage.
“I am absolutely honoured to be featured in Sports Garage, not only is it great exposure for myself and my brand but it is also very exciting to be a part of such a great business! Upcycling and reusing used products is a huge part of my brand and I love that Sports Garage shares the same ideals. I also love how they are willing to promote small businesses within their own small/new business, it shows true community and I’m proud to be a part of it,” said Kaetlin.