Maker Series – Emma Macdonald, Founder of The tartan blanket co.

Join us as we delve into the creative journey of Emma Macdonald, the visionary founder of TBCo. Discover how she blends traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability to create timeless, artisan-quality blankets.

The Cottage at Dunmore

What inspired you to start a company centred around tartan blankets, and how has your creative journey evolved since then?
TBCo. was born from a deep love for Scotland, its incredible design scene and rich textile heritage. My husband (Fergus) and I wanted to create a brand that not only celebrated the beauty and tradition of tartan but also offered high-quality, ethically produced products. Our journey started with a simple idea: to bring warmth and comfort to people's homes with beautifully crafted blankets. Over the years, our creative journey has evolved as we've expanded our product range and embraced new designs, but our core values of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability remain unchanged.

What elements of craftsmanship and tradition do you prioritise in the creation of your blankets?

Craftsmanship and tradition are at the heart of everything we do. We prioritise using traditional weaving techniques and high-quality natural fibres, such as lambswool and recycled wool, to create our blankets. Our skilled artisans meticulously oversee every step of the production process, from dyeing the yarns to hand-finishing each blanket. This attention to detail ensures that every product we offer is a true work of art, embodying the timeless beauty and quality that TBCo. is known for.

Sustainability is a core value for TBCo. Tell us more about your sustainable practices and how they influence the design and production process of your products?
Sustainability is integral to our brand ethos and we’re committed to using eco-friendly materials, such as recycled wool, which helps reduce waste and minimise our environmental footprint. Our production processes are designed to be as sustainable as possible, from sourcing ethically produced wool to using biodegradable packaging. We also partner with organisations that support reforestation and carbon offset initiatives. This commitment to sustainability influences every decision we make, ensuring that our products are not only beautiful and durable but also kind to the planet.

What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in building TBCo., and how did you overcome them? Conversely, what moments or achievements are you most proud of?
Building TBCo. has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was finding the right balance between maintaining traditional craftsmanship and scaling up our production to meet growing demand. We overcame this by investing in our artisan partners and developing efficient production processes without compromising on quality. One of my proudest moments was when we received our B Corp Certification as recognition for our sustainable practices, which validated our efforts and commitment to making a positive impact. Seeing our blankets in homes around the world and hearing from customers about how much they love our products is incredibly rewarding.

As you look to the future, what are your aspirations for The TBCo.?
Looking to the future, we aspire to continue expanding our product range while staying true to our core values of quality and sustainability. One upcoming project involves a special collection that combines traditional tartan patterns with contemporary design elements. The journey ahead is filled with possibilities, and we can't wait to see where it takes us.

I’m thankful to Emma for sharing her story with us. I love everything about The Tartan Blanket Co. from the traditional designs and high-quality materials to the artisanal sustainable craftsmanship of each product, many of which are featured in our Cottage, especially at this time of year! If you’re interested in these beautiful blankets, explore the stunning range available in our store.
Bec x