Something I've been Thinking Over...

Number of posts : 2 Registration date : 2013-12-08

Hello,

I was wondering if I could get some input on an idea that's been simmering in my head for quite some time.

I am thinking of starting a small business called "book quilts". The idea is to create bed quilts that have classic novels printed to cover the entire surface of the quilt. I first came across the idea after a classmate of mine started a company called Postertext - where a novels content is used to form an entire poster. Then I came across Spinlessbooks - more or less the same premise as Postertexts except that the entire novel is used each other - resulting in some rather large posters.

In the meanwhile, I purchased a cheap bed quilt here for the coming winter that happened to be covered in random letters of the alphabet. This got me to thinking - if an entire classic novel can fit on a larger poster, it maybe be possible to have it printed on bed quilts as well. I would just like to get some opinions on the idea. I have the feeling this adds to the bedtime reading atmosphere - literally wrapping yourself up in a favourite book of yours. Please let me know what you think.

I know there may be issues with printing that small (and legibly) on a quilt, as well as copywrite (I can only use pubilc domain books) but strictly speaking about the idea - what do you think?

I think it would be really cool to have a Hobbit one.

Subject: Re: Something I've been Thinking Over... Sun Dec 08, 2013 7:35 am

I think it's a great idea for children's picture books.

Here are some samples of printed pages from Beatrix Potter:

http://www.quiltersstore.com.au/_products/Quilting+Fabrics+by+Designer/Beatrix+Potter-1376.aspx

If you intend printing the pages yourself, here's some helpful advice:

http://www.catswhoquilt.com/photoquilts.html

Subject: Re: Something I've been Thinking Over... Sun Dec 08, 2013 9:41 am

I agree with Shelagh. How about a quilt with love poems? I have done some applique quilts that came out quite nicely. Some were replicas of a childs drawing, such as the ones that go on the refrigerator door. Using patterned prints instead of solid colors. The parents have kept these quilts all their lives. Good luck with your adventure.
Love,
Betty

Subject: Re: Something I've been Thinking Over... Sun Dec 08, 2013 11:58 am

I agree with Shelagh and Betty - target special audiences: children, new mothers, lovers (wow, that can be creative!) I think of those little halmark books about why I love my mother, etc. Might even go into the dog quilt arena since dogs seem to be preferable to children these days.

Subject: Re: Something I've been Thinking Over... Sun Dec 08, 2013 1:56 pm

DK, You have a very fine mind! I can see small blankets with the very dog or cat's breed picture on it and a name or a poem or saying about cats or dogs. How cool that would be. These days, one can print the person's very own pet picture on material and make the quilt. I would be happy to have one of Wooffer's stories on a quilt.
Love,
Betty

Subject: Re: Something I've been Thinking Over... Sun Dec 08, 2013 10:14 pm

Sounds like a good idea, Betty. Give it a try.

Number of posts : 2 Registration date : 2013-12-08

Thank you for the honest replies.

An Odyssey quilt would definitely be one of the books I would like to use.

I do not believe I can patent this - but I could definitely build a brand around it and trademark the name.

The print size is a problem - but not in the sense of legibility. The manufactures I have spoken too have already informed me - printing on these materials - the fonts can only be so small -much larger than standard size 12 Microsoft Word text. The text has to be large enough to be printable, and withstand possible shrinking after washing. This of course limits the amount of content I can find on the cover as well.

It seems the business would have to cater to individual needs - thus customizable (to a certain degree). Therefore the quilts would be more expensive - but also of a higher quality. I believe quality is the way to go in this situation. People may be willing to pay more for a quilt that is unique to their selection.

The problem with this is finding the right manufacturing and what kind of selection I can offer for customization. Perhaps "Odyssey" could be offered in a selection of materials, templates, pictures/non pictures, text styles, text selection, etc...

Otherwise, trying to sell a single version quilt of a single book to everyone could be very difficult. Customization has it's own problems though.

I did not think to do a "kids version" up to this point either. Perhaps not a bad idea... Could be a great way to encourage reading at a young age.

» Thinking
» Thinking again
» Thinking of moving to Canada?
» Thinking of you!
» If you are thinking of blogging, try Yahoo!