25 Years On, Christine’s Still Sewing Up a Storm in Keith
It started with a sewing machine in a spare room and a simple idea that stitched together something far bigger than anyone expected.
Now, twenty-five years later, Christine Rozenzweig’s colourful women’s rugby tops from Out and About Clothing are a familiar sight across country South Australia, worn by a swag of loyal customers who keep coming back for more.
At the time, Christine was a young stay-at-home mum when her mother-in-law suggested she try sewing a few pieces for the local craft shop. Kids’ rugby tops were one of the first things she made, and what started as a small hobby soon began to grow.
“I never thought it would turn into a business still going 25 years later,” Christine said.
From Spare Room to Storefront
For years, the business ran from the family home, first from a spare room and later the garage, with Christine sewing whenever she could around school runs, naps and family life.
The turning point came about ten years ago when Out and About Clothing created a boutique store and workroom on Dugan Street in Keith.
“That was when we decided to really give it a push,” she said.
This move gave the business a home where customers could walk in, browse the enormous range and see the work happening behind the scenes. Around the same time, the online store launched, helping the small Keith business reach customers across the state and beyond.
More Than Just Rugby Tops
Today, Out and About Clothing is a team of five, with sewing and retail happening side by side. And if stitching together rugby tops was an Olympic Sport, Christine would take out Gold, able to whip up one of her colourful creations in less than an hour!
The range now stretches well beyond rugby tops to include polos, sleeveless styles and a mix of other casual pieces, but the classic women’s rugby tops are still the star of the show, with hundreds of colour and collar combinations and the option for customers to mix, match or design their own.
Stitched Together by Community
Christine says that word of mouth has played a huge role in the growth of the brand, as well as support from the Keith community.
“If it wasn’t for the local community, I wouldn’t be here.”
Looking back over 25 years, Christine says the most rewarding part has been building relationships with customers who keep coming back, year after year. Some customers have being buying Christine’s Rugby tops from the get-go.
For other country women thinking about starting a small business from home, she reckons you should go for it!
“If you have a passion for something, you’ll make it work.”
Today Out and About Clothing offers a staggering 450+ different designs, with rugby tops made for all seasons using Australian fabrics, including some produced right here in South Australia. Sizes range from XS to 6XL, with custom options available for the perfect fit, and kids’ sizes from 0 to 12.
Spots, stripes, florals, ginghams, you name it, they’ve got it, making Out and About Clothing home to Australia’s largest range of women’s rugby tops.
Take a look at the full range online, or drop into the store at Keith to see it for yourself.
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