Sewing lounge concept

[Sherry B.]

I think this sounds like a really fun idea. However, my husband always says you should never start a new business without a business plan. There is some reasonably priced software on the market where you can type in the numbers and find out if it will work from the $ standpoint. I love the coffee shop idea. My friend in Bellevue, WA has a shop called Tea Latte. Most of the gals I know would buy a coffee or tea while they are there! How much would it cost to use your lounge? Would you have monthly fee, membership, etc.? I know I would love it if the price was right! I think being tied to the local quilt shops is a great idea. If their classrooms are small, perhaps they could also book your facility.

[Sherry B.]

fatzaz - A shop like that just opened in Durango - KittyKittyBoomBoom.com

I don't know how it is going as I haven't been up there yet to check it out (Durango is about 45 minutes from where I live). It opened September 1.

If it were in the same town as mine I would probably use it as a "library" of sorts - go there to "study" and get things done all the while having fun!

I'd definitely do some market research and have a plan. Location is everything!

[Sherry B.]

A business such as you describe opened in Hanford, CA last year called The Sewing Room. They offer tables for cutting etc. (no longarm) and they can accomodate people, with notice, for all nighters, weekends, individuals or groups. They do have some classes and they have a person from a quilt store come in with special sales of fabic, books and notions. This month the owner of The Quiltery in Paso Robles, CA will be bringing yardage at a special price of $5.00 a yard (good stuff). The last time she brought her fabrics you could hardly get into the place.

Granted, we are a small county. We do have one quilt store here but with The Sewing Room you have 24 hour access and and great flexibility.

Good luck and many blessing on your endeavor...Diana

[Sherry B.]

I can tell you all us condo and apartment dwellers would sure love to be able to rent some time on large tables to do our pinning. Having other quilters around for inspirationa nd conversation would be a great treat!

[Lynn K.]

What a great idea! I'd come if I lived closeer!
Lynn, Houston

[Lynn K.]

What a fun idea! I think location would be key also. About 12 years ago, a quilt shop opened in the Memphis area and she actually had a second half of it next door that was only for prepping, sewing, etc......she had a washer and dryer for our use, tables and chairs, a refrigerator and microwave... we had lunches and just a wonderful place to feel welcome at any time. That's the feeling people want, quilters or anybody else.....if you can create that atmosphere, I think it would be a success.

Dana in Olive Branch, MS

[Lynn K.]

The quilter's (or sewer's) version of a health spa :idea:

...certainly more relaxing than the gym!

Louisa
SE OK

[Lynn K.]

Your idea would cost me waaaaaay too much money. I'd have to sell my home (and you know what the housing market is like these days) and move near where you set up. Not too sure how enthusiastic hubby would be about the move.
I think your idea is wonderful, just jealous that we don't have that opportunity around here.

[Ann C.]

I think that is a great idea, especially concerning the longarm. I don't live in Phoenix anymore but that would give me a great excuse to visit my grandkids in Phoenix and my sisters in Chandler. I don't have room for a longarm and that kind of "community quilters center" would be great. Also the large tables for layering and basteing your quilt. Three stars for the idea from me.

[Ann C.]

I am lagging behind here but I have not been on the forum in a while. This subject is very interesting. My friend (also a quilter) and I were talking about this not that long ago, about how nice it would be to have a place that rented out time on long arm quilting machines. We never gave much thought to large tables and all the other features you mention but they are all fabulous ideas!! I think it would be a huge success. I know if I lived close to someplace like that I'd sure take advantage of it. I have no room, nor do I feel I could justify buying a long arm so, that would really interest me. Good luck, and keep everyone posted if you decide to venture into it.

[Lynn K.]

I think this has enough positive feedback for you to say !GO!

However, you do need a business plan. ie. what are your demographics? How many quilters in x square miles around you? 3 enthusiastic quilters probably won't pay the rent! :?: :?: :?

[Lynn K.]

Go for it! I think you can see we are all in agreement and wish we had one in our area's. Another thought - rentable lockers so customers would not have to haul stuff back and forth.
Jan p.

[Lynn K.]

Thank you all so much for the great advice and positive feedback. We are pounding away on the business plan now and hope to have it completed by January (those darn holidays get in the way).

Rentable lockers are a great idea - we had thought of a storage area but not for charging for space - I think it's a great idea.

You folks are all so darn smart - a big pat on the back to you all! Jan

[Lynn K.]

It's been more than a year since this topic was started, and I'm curious -- did you go ahead with your plan? It's such a fantastic idea on so many levels.

My LQS has sit-n-stitch every Monday, but her space is SO limited that the tables are completely full with no room to spread out. I'd love a place to go where I can sandwich quilts, cut out garments, use a design wall, etc. Our home is way too small to accomplish any of that comfortably.

I look forward to hearing more!

'thann

[Judy M.]

I'd love a place like that, too--my small condo just doesn't "cut" it!