Not far from here there is a small joinery company, which makes bespoke furniture and cabinetry. They supply customers across the world with amazing conference tables, library fittings, dressing rooms and more. They also fit out super yachts. It is all high end, luxury stuff [a million miles from my flat pack IKEA kitchen] They also run a wonderful apprenticeship scheme training young men and women in woodworking skills. And as well as all that, they have helped our Shed Project by occasionally donating offcuts of wood and veneers etc.
Bob wondered if I could make some stuff to sell to raise funds for the Shed. But the thing is, no piece is more that 50cm wide. I spent Sunday afternoon sorting and measuring it all.
I decided to start with an apron. I had to join two strips with a centre seam to get a piece which was wide enough. I spent Monday afternoon working on the project. Here is Prototype #1, being modelled by my ShedMan.
Do any of you have any other ideas for quick and easy makes which would be saleable? Thanks for all the brilliant suggestions below
[Thank you Cleyndert and Co for your encouragement and generosity]
Too obvious I suppose - cushions, especially bolster cushions and draught excluders and doorstops. Look forward to seeing the results, with perhaps some in your shop.
ReplyDeleteThsnk you for the suggestion. I think the problem with cushions is the filling. Empty cushion covers have very little appeal. But I don't want to spend money on cushion pads [plus they need a lot more storage space] I'm wondering about doorstops though.
DeleteDoorstops, great idea! JanF
DeleteI thought of cushions too, for outdoor furniture. Or patch pieces at right angles for throws?
ReplyDeletePatchwork would be a good use of smaller trimmings
DeleteDefinitely sell the aprons through the shop, I’d buy them. Jill
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteTote Bags with a saying on them - Men Love Sheds? My Man is a Shed Man?
ReplyDelete😃
DeleteI like the idea of tote bags, or maybe some sort of tool belt with pockets or loops for the tools? Table runners or place mats?
ReplyDeletePlace mats might work
DeletePlacemats?
ReplyDeleteJust what Bless said!
DeleteDoorstops and totes definitely and pockets for the aprons!I love how things get thrown in your path and you get busy with your machine!
ReplyDeleteAny excuse to take over the dining table with sewing stuff!
DeleteFabric tablet or iPad stands.
ReplyDeleteChildren’s aprons. Tote bags, book or shoe bags.
Children's aprons would work well - no need for central seam
DeleteTote bags are a good idea, nice and simple. Also could you fashion a simple pattern for teddy bears. Stripey bears always look so cute and would look lovely on the stands at community events.
ReplyDeleteShed Teds ? 😀
DeletePerfect. :-)
DeleteA few years ago I would have suggested those long,thin storage bag thingys that hung in kitchens for carrier bags but thanks to fabric shoppers etc there's no call for them now. I like the apron, looking forward to hearing other ideas.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
I made loads of those bag stores - about 30 years ago! As you say, nobody uses them now, we are trying to use fabric bags and bags for life
DeleteI'd buy the apron, but I feel it could do with a big pocket on the front. What else? Mug rugs? Mats and runners for outdoor tables? Bench cushions? Peg bags? How about a competition where you give people a piece of fabric. let them produce something, and see what comes up??!!! (Well you asked for ideas!)
ReplyDeleteI have just realised that the Big Pocket which is on the front does not show up in the photograph. Bob was insistent that a pocket was necessary - and it IS there, but you cannot see it. Peg Bags are a good idea.
DeleteThanks Ang!
DeleteI agree with everyone’s suggestions and the fabric will make good strong items which will be durable. I looked at the company’s website and it’s a fantastic story of how they have grown over nearly 40 years. I would also add bunting to the makes but that’s because I like making it! Catriona
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I can face making bunting this summer!
DeleteI see that peg bags have been suggested. I made one with some leftover heavy fabric and I used a wooden coat hanger as a starting point. It has two squares stitched together, top edge of each actually not square but sloping to accommodate the hanger and with a gap in the stitching to slip the hook through. One square has a large circle cut out and finished off.
ReplyDeleteI've used mine for years and it hangs in the laundry room when not in use.
My own current peg bag hooks onto the line with a carabiner clip
DeleteThat would be secure, but I take the bag in when everything is pegged, as I don't trust the spiders that might be lurking by the hook that the line is fixed to and the bag hung from!
Delete🤣🕷🤣🕷🤣
ReplyDeleteIf it’s good strong fabric it would make nice make-up bags although you would need to add a zip and possibly a lining.
ReplyDeleteOr table napkins/serviettes.
How about chair arm covers? There are hundreds or probably thousands of Ikea Ektorp sofas out there! (We could do with a set!)
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/ektorp-armchair-kilanda-light-beige-s79552102/
I wondered about make up bags or pencil cases. But I don't like sewing zips! This is Norfolk, and we are miles from an IKEA- so I don't see that many Ektorp sofas round here!
ReplyDeleteAprons are a great idea. Tote bags are always useful for shopping but if you had some joins you could make slightly bigger ones as beach bags.
ReplyDelete