I think this has enough positive feedback for you to say !GO!

However, you do need a business plan. ie. what are your demographics? How many quilters in x square miles around you? 3 enthusiastic quilters probably won't pay the rent! : :

I am lagging behind here but I have not been on the forum in a while. This subject is very interesting. My friend (also a quilter) and I were talking about this not that long ago, about how nice it would be to have a place that rented out time on long arm quilting machines. We never gave much thought to large tables and all the other features you mention but they are all fabulous ideas!! I think it would be a huge success. I know if I lived close to someplace like that I'd sure take advantage of it. I have no room, nor do I feel I could justify buying a long arm so, that would really interest me. Good luck, and keep everyone posted if you decide to venture into it.

I think that is a great idea, especially concerning the longarm. I don't live in Phoenix anymore but that would give me a great excuse to visit my grandkids in Phoenix and my sisters in Chandler. I don't have room for a longarm and that kind of "community quilters center" would be great. Also the large tables for layering and basteing your quilt. Three stars for the idea from me.

Your idea would cost me waaaaaay too much money. I'd have to sell my home (and you know what the housing market is like these days) and move near where you set up. Not too sure how enthusiastic hubby would be about the move.
I think your idea is wonderful, just jealous that we don't have that opportunity around here.

The quilter's (or sewer's) version of a health spa

...certainly more relaxing than the gym!

Louisa
SE OK

What a fun idea! I think location would be key also. About 12 years ago, a quilt shop opened in the Memphis area and she actually had a second half of it next door that was only for prepping, sewing, etc......she had a washer and dryer for our use, tables and chairs, a refrigerator and microwave... we had lunches and just a wonderful place to feel welcome at any time. That's the feeling people want, quilters or anybody else.....if you can create that atmosphere, I think it would be a success.

Dana in Olive Branch, MS

What a great idea! I'd come if I lived closeer!
Lynn, Houston

I can tell you all us condo and apartment dwellers would sure love to be able to rent some time on large tables to do our pinning. Having other quilters around for inspirationa nd conversation would be a great treat!

A business such as you describe opened in Hanford, CA last year called The Sewing Room. They offer tables for cutting etc. (no longarm) and they can accomodate people, with notice, for all nighters, weekends, individuals or groups. They do have some classes and they have a person from a quilt store come in with special sales of fabic, books and notions. This month the owner of The Quiltery in Paso Robles, CA will be bringing yardage at a special price of $5.00 a yard (good stuff). The last time she brought her fabrics you could hardly get into the place.

Granted, we are a small county. We do have one quilt store here but with The Sewing Room you have 24 hour access and and great flexibility.

Good luck and many blessing on your endeavor...Diana

fatzaz - A shop like that just opened in Durango - KittyKittyBoomBoom.com

I don't know how it is going as I haven't been up there yet to check it out (Durango is about 45 minutes from where I live). It opened September 1.

If it were in the same town as mine I would probably use it as a "library" of sorts - go there to "study" and get things done all the while having fun!

I'd definitely do some market research and have a plan. Location is everything!

I think this sounds like a really fun idea. However, my husband always says you should never start a new business without a business plan. There is some reasonably priced software on the market where you can type in the numbers and find out if it will work from the $ standpoint. I love the coffee shop idea. My friend in Bellevue, WA has a shop called Tea Latte. Most of the gals I know would buy a coffee or tea while they are there! How much would it cost to use your lounge? Would you have monthly fee, membership, etc.? I know I would love it if the price was right! I think being tied to the local quilt shops is a great idea. If their classrooms are small, perhaps they could also book your facility.

I think it's a great idea!!!
If you were to offer classes, you could have the patterns on sale, but not the fabric-that way they'd choose more independently. Or, if you're going to have a traveling teacher come, she/he could supply patterns for sale for that specific class and you'd advertise them in your flyers.

One thing about the longarm, your insurance costs could be very high. Remember-it is industrial equipment. Most places that rent have an experienced longarmer present at all times.

This is an amazing idea.

I would make one suggestion - have two different sizes of cutting and basting tables one around 27" tall for the vertically challenged folks and the other around 31" for the less vertically challenged folks. This would mean less strain on the back & legs for everyone.

Also with the flooring there are commercial floors that are also easier on the back & legs that would be good for everyone.

Happy quilting!

Teri

How kewl would that be! YES I would be there in a heartbeat