Kingly hosted an engaging sustainability workshop on Thursday for 33 students from Gianni Rodari School in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event brought young minds into the heart of Kingly’s operations, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how sustainability, innovation, and creativity converge to create eco-friendly products.
Knitting Knowledge: How Socks Come to Life
The journey began with our Apparel Manager, Krasi Siderova, who greeted the students. Along with the Head of the Sock Knitting department, Muhammad Usman ul Haq, she guided the students through the fascinating process of sock knitting. From a simple thread to a beautifully crafted sock, they witnessed how craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology come together. The students were particularly captivated by the advanced machinery that brings intricate designs to life, stitch by stitch.
Krasi also explained our commitment to sustainability, introducing eco-friendly materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton, upcycled cotton and Euro Eco Cotton. They learned how we give new purpose to production offcuts, transforming what might otherwise be waste into innovative products.
Exploring Direct-to-Garment Printing
Next, the students explored the world of Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing. They watched as vibrant designs were transferred onto T-shirts and bags with incredible precision and minimal waste. This hands-on demonstration showcased how DTG technology offers endless creative possibilities while maintaining an environmentally friendly approach.
Upcycling Socks into Christmas Ornaments
One of the most memorable parts of the day was a fun, hands-on workshop led by Krasi. She showed them how to create Christmas ornaments using defective socks, cones from yarn bobbins, and textile waste. The room was excited as they turned leftover materials into festive decorations, proving that sustainability can be both practical and creative.
A Gift to Remember
At the end of their visit, each student received a special gift bag filled with a pair of socks (made right here at the factory!) and a copy of “101 Uses of a Kingly Sock,” published by our CEO, Rob Armour, and beautifully illustrated by Boryana Ivanova. The book sparked imaginations as the students discovered the playful and practical possibilities of a simple sock.
Inspiring Future Changemakers
Seeing the enthusiasm and curiosity of the “Gianni Rodari” students reminded us why we do what we do. By opening our doors to the next generation, we hope to inspire them to think creatively, value sustainability, and explore how innovation can make the world a better place.
Thank you, Gianni Rodari students, for visiting and brightening our factory with your energy and questions. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in the future!
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Watch the video below to learn more about the workshop. Previously, kids from the Gianni Rodari kindergarten visited the factory and learned how to create caterpillars from defective socks and offcuts from sock production. Flip through the book “101 Uses of a Kingly Sock” to get more inspiration about how to repurpose odd socks.
