The idea
Studio Equipment is essential to help creatives grow and develop for the Foundation to fulfil their goal.
Our target is to collect £21,500 for:
1. BUTTON HOLE MACHINE.
Essential for all the makers to allow producing clothes and bags. We require the heavy-duty unit to help us work with upcycled materials, like denim, car seat belts, sailcloth etc.
2. VINYL PLOTTER
Needed to allow large-scale, high-quality pattern and design development. New plotter technology will allow us to be more sustainable.
3. INDUSTRIAL IRON/ STEAMER
It is essential for designing new patterns and styles and taming unrulled textiles and fabrics.
4. BAR TACK MACHINE
This machine is used to create reinforcement for pocket and heavy-duty clothing like outdoor pieces.
5. COVER STITCH MACHINE
The stitches created by this machine allow for more flexibility for the fabric, and it's essential when working with knits, wool or jersey and adds to the longevity of the designs.
We have great space now we need a great kit!
What we'll deliver
- Five new machines in the Foundation as listed above by the end of the year
- New designers within the Collective
- Workshops for general public
Why it's a great idea
Fully kitted Studio Space is the Foundation's purpose.
We are aiming not only to attract exceptional creatives who develop and produce high-quality designs but also to RETAIN them in the city.
The goal is to allow our creative community to grow and develop their skills when they can see the FUTURE in living, working and learning in the city of Chester.
Our Studio is not only a platform for our designers, but also an educational stage for our customers and audience, where they engage on a first-hand basis with processes and creative thinking.
The Foundation wants to educate about good design, sustainable approaches and the value of well-made products that benefit their makers, users, the environment and our economy.
For us design is life, its holistic and part of our everyday lives and a functional studio where designers work, become mentors for the next generation and for our audience to understand the journey of things that are made creates a BALANCE in the ōH Universe.
Steps to get it done
- By End of 2024: first Phase of Equipment Purchase, double Collective designers sales and optimising production
- By End of 2027: second Phase of Equipment Purchase, launch 5 independent businesses, creating a minimum 25 work spaces.
- By End of 2030: digital expansion & entrepreneur scheme, 7 businesses, creating a minimum 35 work spaces in the city
