So, now I've given myself time to think I've made a couple of decisions.
From my list of possibilities I've decided to go with the creating idea - more specifically to start with - bags. They are something I enjoy making, quick and easy to complete and sell well. As I mentioned last time I've plenty of fabrics waiting to be upcycled or used from new. I've also got a small stock already and people who've seen them on Marketplace or Vinted asking if I have more so it seems like a positive place to start.
I've got both knitted and sewn bags in a variety of designs and sizes so building a stock should be easier than starting from scratch.
This isn't the only part of the business idea!
I want to record the process for each bag and write instructions so that anyone wanting to can make simple bags too! I haven't decided how to set them free into the world yet. It may be that I make them available through this blog one at a time and then build up a saleable pack for a number of them, or even make them into a downloadable ebook. I did think a 'getting ready for Christmas' theme would work - I'm just not sure which Christmas!!!
Before I can get any further I need to do some homework.
I need to know where the best place to sell the physical bags would be. Next where do I make the patterns available and how do I market them. I also need to investigate the software to make it all look good - Canva might be my way forward.
Research then - platforms for sale, creative software and marketing. Luckily I've already got a month long course in creating boards and using Pinterest from Sophie Ingleby so I've somewhere to start.
While all that is going on I can get making and produce some bags all ready to go.
Going to be a busy time .. Ahh yes, the time scheduling I mentioned in my last post.
The only real free time I have is about half an hour each morning, a couple of two hour blocks twice a week and possibly some snatches of time in the evenings. That gives me a total of about 11 hours a week.
It's going to be tight, but my idea is that, to start with, the research and computer work happens each morning. Making the bags fits into one two hour block and then listing and creating instructions goes into the other. Packaging and dispatching can be a moveable feast in the evenings as it won't necessarily be an everyday occurance.
To make sure I can access all these things I've had a long hard think about the tools I'll need. All the sewing/knitting/haberdashery/packaging stuff I need is already in the house. Sharing a laptop - especially when I want to work before anyone else is up or after they're in bed is more difficult so I've taken the plunge and bought myself a new one!
So - off to work...... I'll report back next time...
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