Brainstorming

On my way home from class today I did a little brainstorming about an upcoming project in which we will create a design concept for a prefabricated building. I couldn't help but start to think about what kind of business I would open if I had the means. This led me to another thought: what could I start with very little means? I've always wanted to learn how to design and apholster furniture. I'm mediocre on the sewing machine at best, but I bet I could get pretty physical with a staple gun if necessary. I collect and hang on to a lot of old fabrics and clothing, most of which are piled up in boxes in my closet. I believe in the sentimental value of these things above the majority of my other possessions. I have always thought to myself that at some point, I would come up with a use for these things and I think I just may have...

The Goodwill and DAV have rows dedicated to old sheets and blankets. Old furniture piles up in the back of the shops. These shops are picky about what they will sell. Pieces of furniture have to be free of most damage, but a lot of the damage seems like it would be found in the apholstery, right? Why not reapholster the furniture and resell it? I'm a huge fan of vintage furniture and if a re-vamp is all that is in order to save a one of a kind piece, then I am all for prolonging its floor-life.

What if there were a place you could take your old clothing, furniture, blankets, etc, that would recycle these items and transform them into usefull items once more? The shop could even re-apholster furniture that you want to keep at minimal cost. They could use donated fabric to make curtains, blankets, pillows, canvases, bags, etc. Maybe once a week they could have workshops to help young girls learn basic sewing techniques and recycle their own favorite fabrics into new digs or goods to donate to charitable organizations. The shop could sell the repaired furniture for profit. The building would need an open store front, sewing tables and workspace, and lots of storage for donations.

Further brainstorming to come...