Sewing lounge concept

[Jo H.]

Ok folks, I'm looking for some honest feedback here and hoping ya'll can help. A friend and I are considering opening a "sewing lounge" kind of place. Not a shop, but an area equipped with large cutting tables & equipment for home dec, quilting (including longarm) and garment sewing. We're thinking of renting the equipment out, as well as having a variety of classes or offering the space to guilds or other groups. We are in a large metro area, and we'd like to offer enough diversity that we can reach groups from beginning sewers who don't want to invest money in something they aren't sure they will like up to folks who may want to rent a longarm or use a dress form.

Now for the honest part - would anyone use such a space or attend classes at a location that didn't sell much merchandise? We aren't really interested in having a lot of inventory around - we'd rather focus on the social/teaching/learning elements. Thanks for any feedback!

[Damaris E.]

Dear Fatzaz,
What a FUN idea!! Yes, I would go, you should have them take a training class in order to use your equipment!! Especially the long-arm would be an incentive for me!!

You could have all-night quilt parties!! Wish I was closer to you!! :cry:

Keep us posted!!

[Damaris E.]

I, also, think it is a great idea. Really wish I lived closer.

[Judith T.]

What an interesting idea. I'm not too far from you but where would you be located? I wonder how many of us (TQS members) are there in the area. Maybe you could advertise in the County Register or in the AQG Chatter.

[Judith T.]

That is a fabulous idea! I often wish there was somewhere I could go with big spacious tables to use when I need to sandwich quilts. I'm getting too old for the floor. You could rent it out for small groups to sign up for specific times. You would include a long-arm? I'm in heaven. Oh the possibilities! Being in a large metro area will be a good thing for getting the word out.

My DIL lives in Northern CA. In Berkley they have a place that two enterprising moms started that combines good and easy food, comfortable old furniture and a play area for kids. Moms go there to network, eat, take a break, visit with friends. Their children are safe and in plain sight. It's very kid friendly. I was impressed that they check and clean the bathrooms hourly.

Your quilting space idea sounds similiar. A place where people with like interests can hang out. Oh....there's also a coffee shop in Alameda where DIL lives that hosts a quilt group for anyone who wants to stop by one afternoon a week. It's more a handwork kind of get-together.

Just remembered the name of the kid space place....Tumble and Tea!

[Judith T.]

I've read about places like these. There is one in the San Fransisco area. I think it's a great idea. I would probably use it just for the social aspect of meeting other interesting crafters. I would definitely be interested in the long arm.


Edited to add link: http://www.stitchlounge.com


Good luck!
Chelley

[Judith T.]

I agree it sounds great and like someplace I'd like to go. However, I might be apprehensive unless going with a group for the first time.

I would think you might want to make some alliances with shops and/or guilds or bees to attract groups for classes, retreats, quilt-til-you-wilts, etc.

Then, individuals would be more likely to come back on their own.

You are SO clever. 8) :lol:

Sharon in Colorado

[Judith T.]

I've read about places like these. There is one in the San Fransisco area. I think it's a great idea. I would probably use it just for the social aspect of meeting other interesting crafters. I would definitely be interested in the long arm.


Edited to add link: http://www.stitchlounge.com


Good luck!
Chelley

Did you say SF area???? I'm moving to the SF area next year. Where is it? Too cool!!!!! I hope it's near to where I'll be living.

[Judith T.]

I just checked out the StitchLounge in the SF area. Pretty Cool!!! It seems to be more geared to clothing and art than quilts. But.....they seemed to be open to letting you come in and work on whatever you want to.

I had no idea there were places like this out there. Amazing what creative thinkers come up with.

[Judith T.]

You're right ... they seem to be more geared towards apparel, but I don't know why you couldn't work on whatever you wanted. Might be a great way to meet new people. I think it looks like fun!

Chelley

[Gloria H.]

If you do develope something like that you would need to franchise out to the midwest like the Milwaukee area. Right? It sounds like a super idea.

[Gloria H.]

Thanks for all the positive response and great suggestions! I wish I could take credit for the idea, but alas, we looked around at other places and we'll try to capitalize on others success. The Stitch Lounge in SF looks like a fun place and has a really good blog with different links on it. If anyone is interested, here's the link: http://stitchlounge.blogspot.com/ .

The SF one is more "hip" than we want to be - we're thinking more along the warm fuzzy line instead of urban chic (I'll never be that "cool" )

We'll keep plugging away at this idea though, and see what happens - wish us luck!

[Carla G.]

How kewl would that be! YES I would be there in a heartbeat

[Teri L.]

This is an amazing idea.

I would make one suggestion - have two different sizes of cutting and basting tables one around 27" tall for the vertically challenged folks and the other around 31" for the less vertically challenged folks. This would mean less strain on the back & legs for everyone.

Also with the flooring there are commercial floors that are also easier on the back & legs that would be good for everyone.

Happy quilting!

Teri

[Eileen K.]

I think it's a great idea!!!
If you were to offer classes, you could have the patterns on sale, but not the fabric-that way they'd choose more independently. Or, if you're going to have a traveling teacher come, she/he could supply patterns for sale for that specific class and you'd advertise them in your flyers.

One thing about the longarm, your insurance costs could be very high. Remember-it is industrial equipment. Most places that rent have an experienced longarmer present at all times.