In the garden and new fabric

Yesterday I managed to walk around the garden (no mean feat let me say) and I also got to take some photo's.  Felt pretty good.

As I said on the last post (I think), the enforced rest time has allowed for lots of thinking, and one of the things uppermost in my mind has been hortensia, and how I make things.

Up until now the process has been quite simple: ooh, I do like that fabric! Then I'll buy some and decide what to make with it.  This way has been fun, but it has also had its limitations; the fabric is leading the process rather than being an integral part of it.  Important, but not the leader.  Surely that role should be for hortensia.

Anyway, the upshot was to try thinking another way, where I would think what I'd like to make, then source the materials for it.  I do realise that for lots of you this will look like the ramblings of a fool, and be thinking why has she not done this from the beginning.  I think the answer is that I came at this from a home crafter's perspective, rather than a small business with a range of products.

So, I came to the decision to add an oilcloth shopper into the range of bags I already make, then sourced some lovely oilcloth fabric.  The next step was to base the design on the size of the fabric, using it in a very cost effective way.  The measurements of the bag fit perfectly with the measurements of the fabric.  All the calculations, including costings, were done before a single cut had been made.

The lining fabric was also bought at the same time so that a perfect match could be made - no more searching while the outer fabric sits dormant.  Then all the pattern pieces have been cut out from both fabrics, using a master pattern made from cardboard. 

There is now a clear concept in my mind; a range of products that I want people to recognise as hortensia: 3 styles of handbag and a shopper, plus 2 or 3 smaller items and they will all be made using 3 fabric designs, and those fabrics will change at least twice a year but probably 3 or 4 times.

Well, I'm sure you're all bored rigid by now and thinking 'too much information', but I wanted to write it all down as a reminder to myself. Tomorrow should see a picture of the new shopper.

P x

Comments

[greenrabbitdesigns]

Wow I'm not bored just thinking how absolutely organised you are! I'm from the 'buy the materials then decide to what to make ' school of thought!
Love the doggie print. :)
Sending healing thoughts,
Vivienne x

[Sue]

Not bored at all fascinated more like!!

What good clear thinking, something I fear I should have done many moons ago. I too, buy the fabric and then think what should I make, turning this on it's head buying for the purpose and buying all the components at once is SO much more professional.

Also thinking through your lines for the season makes much more sense than just sitting at a sewing machine and seeing what comes out (a la me)is the way forward.

I will take note and see if I can be more sensible too! (By the way put my name down for a 'doggy shopper',....gorgeous fabric and lining.)

Sue xx

[Pam]

Well Vivienne, you and me both - I just decided to turn it around and see how it works. Its tough to change the way you create though and my worry is that itll all go pear shaped!
P xx
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[Pam]

Hi Sue, really Im not that organised, I just felt there may be a better way. A bit like your simpler living plan.
Pleased you like the fabric.
P xx
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[maureen]

Hi Pam, it was an interesting read and it sounds like that rest period has been very beneficial. I am so glad you are on the mend and that the knee is getting stronger.
I look forward to seeing the shopper.
M x

[Mia]

Hi Pam,

That makes SO MUCH sense! And it saves time and money, too. What a difference will it make to start making for example shoppers when you have a template ready, fabrics chosen and you know exactly what you're going to do instead of my whatshouldIdo?Withwhatfabric?DoIhaveenough?You've been using your rest-time greatly, and I cannot wait to see the new bags!

Happy thoughts from Finland again!

Yours,
Mia

[Pam]

Hi Maureen, thanks for not being bored - I worried that it would just sound like ramblings.
Trying for a bag by tomorrow.
P xx
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[Pam]

Thanks Mia - I do think a lot of us go through that same process. For me it ended up with more inspiring fabrics than concrete ideas. That was really the spur to look for a new way.
Hope all is well with you in lovely Finland.
P x
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[melanie]

Hiya Pam, not bored at all, love your blog, and all your lovely photos, keep up the good work :) xxxxx

[maypole]

Nothing boring there, very interesting in fact. Glad you've been able to get around the garden. Lovely photos as usual.

[Karen]

Not too much information at all Pam. I'm loving hearing your thought process. Have (FINALLY) got myself enrolled in a sewing class and started with cushions. Really good to see you back. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Karen

[Pam]

The garden is as therapeutic as ever! And to be able to wander in it myself was a real bonus.
Thanks Maypole.
P x
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[Pam]

Hope youre having fun at the classes - youll have to put some pictures on flickr or something so we can take a look.
P x
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[Dianne]

Not boring at all - Inspiring.
I'm just thinking about starting a business here supplying pretty modern fabrics mainly to the Czech market. You've given me some good ideas, and realise I must try and organise all the ideas I have rather than letting then go off like fireworks!
Love the new fabric and the idea for an oil cloth bag.
Good luck. Dianne

[Pam]

And very good luck to you too, Dianne. Its always such fun to start a business and thats a really good way to describe all those ideas that bounce around your head, ready to pop off at any moment!
P x
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