OK – it’s still August, but I’ve been trying out some ideas for possible new products for Christmas.
The indigo scarves are always best sellers, and hopefully I may have some eco printed or rust scarves available this year too. But it would be good to be able to offer more felt products at reasonable prices.
I sold a fair number of felt iPad/Kindle pouches last year, though probably not as many as I would have liked, given how popular this technology is. 😉 Mostly I add interest by adding fabric (nuno felt) or prefelt cut-outs, like these Matisse-inspired pouches.
So I thought about adding more 3D effects.
However, this takes considerably longer so I would have to charge more, which may not be feasible in the current market.
Verdict: Possible, but maybe when the economy is a bit stronger.
Scarves are always popular at Christmas, so what about some felt ones to increase my product range?
I tried a sample ruffle, but wasn’t happy with it. The colours of the sample don’t work together very well, but even if they did, I just don’t think I’m a ruffle person.
Verdict: No go.
Finally, I tried a scarf based on paper garlands I used to make as a child. You fold a sheet of paper in half lengthways, then cut into it from alternative sides before opening it out.
I adapted the idea slightly and came up with this cutwork scarf.
This was much more to my taste. 🙂 And by using different colours in each layer, you get a lovely sandwich effect when you cut through.
Just have to make sure it’s fulled really well to avoid having to seal lots of edges! 🙂
Verdict: I’m going to make a few of these and see how they go.
Let me know what you think – I’d be interested in your views!
I like that. You could sell a narrow width version as garlands.
Thanks Liz. But I wonder if people would be prepared to pay as much for a felt garland as for a felt scarf? 🙂
Neat–I love the cutwork scarves and think they are a great idea! Re. the iPad/Kindle pouches, in addition to the added cost, I’m not sure the 3-D appliqués are as practical from a user’s perspective. For me, the added bulk would just crowd my backpack, so I prefer the flat pouches.
I love your innovating spirit: thanks for sharing your creative process!
Thanks Jessica. 🙂 Good point about the extra bulk on the iPad pouches – very useful feedback!
Love the cutwork scarves Kim, particularly that you can see two colours. I second the comment about the 3D Kindle cases, too bulky for a commuting bag.
Thanks Avril!