Bella Naliaka crafted a beautiful patchwork picnic blanket and pillowcases for Norah, combining elegance with practicality in captivating Kikoi fabric. What's your wish?
A request by Norah from Berlin, Germany
I would like a pick nick blanket. It should be a patchwork blanket of Kikoi fabric. The bottom part should be water resistent ( I’d love it to be some sort of recycled material). It should measure 130 by 150cm. For transport purposes I’d like to be able to roll it up and buckle it up to make it compact. looking forward to hearing from you.
The Journey of Creating Custom made blanket and pillow cases
Negotiation & Planning
Custom made blanket and pillow cases - design ideas and artisan proposals
Hi Norah,
Thank you for your request and i would be glad to help you realize your idea.
I will send you sketches of what I am thinking based on your suggestions and then we can move on from there.
Many regards.
Bella
Thank you. Looking forward...
Hi Norah,
I have attached initial sketches. For the kikoy it comes in stripes and plain. Was thinking of doing a mix of both unless you prefer otherwise.
You also mentioned a water resistant material. For that I suggest canvas.
What I would like to know is what color theme are you thinking for the kikoy and canvas then I can advise if its available in the market.
Regards.
Hi Bella, I.like the ideanof mixing to create the patchwork effect. Darker colours would be good so that dirt isn't visible immediately. Purple.should feature in the colour acheme but othwrwise Im quiye flexible witj the coulour scheme. Canvas aounda good as a waterproof.material
That's okay. Let me send you photos of the purple that I will find in the market so that you can approve.
Hi Bella Im waiting for the photos.
Kind regards
Norah
Hi Norah, my apologies. I have not been available for a while. These are the options of purple that I have found in the market.
As for the waterproof canvas, the one that I found is pricey and sturdy. I am afraid it might not fold well. The other alternative is to have a recycled gunny bag material as the bottom. It normally comes in an off white color.its not 100% waterproof though but its close and is flexible enough to be rolled up.what do you think?
Hi Bella,
Thank you for the reply. Okay I agree lets not use the canvas and actually i'd like to change the project from a pick-nick blanket to a bed day cover(measuring 200cm by 160cm and pillow case set(so two pieces). So the Kikoy patchwork on the top and for the bottom a somewhat thick cotton fabric in one color. may be some stuffing so it is not very light. The purple on the far right looks shiny and not very appealing.or is it just the way the light fell on it? the pillow case should measure 80cm by 80cm. Thank you in adavance
Hi Norah I got your new request but unfortunately I have to travel next week for 2months and won't be in a position to do it for you.
My sincere apologies
I can wait. If you are still interested let me know after your travels. Safw travels
Kind regarda
That's wonderful. We can reconnect once I am back. Thanks for understanding
Hi norah I just came back. Let me double check on my capacity with regards to the construction of the bedspread then get back to you.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Hi Norah, sorry about my last response. The reason I was declining was because the machine I have would not be able to handle a heavy stuffing. But I can look at other available options to substitute. What color options are you looking at for the blanket so that I send you pictures? And for the pillow cases do you want them patched too or we can have it plain with a striped kikoy trim on the ends.let me know your thoughts.
Hi Bella,
For the colours. I like the bold purple (2nd picture) patched together with the light purple in the first picture. I think plain pillow cases with a kikoy trimming would make for a good contrast. The stuffing does not have to be too heavy. Im looking to have it more aa a day spread so more for aesthetics 😉
That sounds workable. Let me check with the fabric shops what options they have for a light stuffing then I can give you a cost. They will reopen after the Christmas break
Great. Merry Christmas. Then I'll hear from you in the new year
Most definitely. Thank you for your patience.
Hi norah happy new year. I hope you are well. So I checked for a light stuffing and the one they have is a polyester fibre wadding. Kinda like the one used in quilts. I have been trying to attach photos but the system seems not to be working. Will try again. If that's good with you I can give you a quote of how much it will cost. Looking forward to hearing from you
Hi Norah kindly look at the attached photos
Hi Bella,
The padding looks light enough.For colour I just looked at the pics again. The third picture. There is a purple next to the bright blue one. Lets work with that. Could you may be delete the other pics so I can be sure we are talking about the same thing. And ues guve me the quote so I can give you the go ahead ASAP.
Kind regards
Hi Norah,
The total cost for the materials is 7000 kshs and labor will be 2600kshs.
As for deleting the photos, the forum I use asks that we don't delete the photos. But I can see the one you are talking about. .
Let me know your thoughts
Perfect. Let's do it. When do you think you will be done? Look forward to seeing the finished product.
Crafting Process
How to make a Custom made blanket and pillow cases – work in progress
Hi Norah, I am about to go purchase your fabric. So that we are on the same page, the pillow cases are plain purple kikoy with the striped kikoy as the trim.
For the day blanket, the top is patchwork of kikoy. As for the lining, would you like a matching purple plain kikoy, or a cotton lining. Let me know
Think plain cotton will work well:-).
Hi Norah,
I have started patching your blanket. I got the striped kikoy that you liked. I tried looking for a plain purple kikoy to patch it with but what they had were just off. So I picked a navy blue from one of the stripes and thought it would make a nice compliment. See 1st photo. (131613)
Would you like the same combination for the pillow cases? And is a zipper closing okay?
For the lining of the blanket, I found a hand dyed purple cotton that would be a good match. What do you think?
See 2nd attached photo (131615)
That's fine and the pillow combination as well. What is more durable a zipper closing or buttons.l? I'd think a good quality zip will do the job.
Hi Norah, a zipper closing will be more durable. I will definetly get you a good quality one.
Ok.
Hi Norah the blanket top is done. Just working on attaching the lining.
Looks good.
Hi norah,
Looks like the last message did not reach you. The blanket and pillow cases are done. I have attached photos for you to look at. Let me know your feedback
I really like it.! Can't wait to see it live.
I am glad to hear that.
Hi Norah,
I am ready to deliver your products.
Ok go ahead.
Final Delivery – The Completed Piece in Photos
Customer Photos After Delivery
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON000899E2-3534
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
65.1
|
| Cost of labour |
24.18
|
| Cost of packaging |
6.51
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
9.3
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
105.09
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
10.51
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
10.51
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* |
20
|
| VAT (Germany)* |
27.76
|
| Total |
173.87
|
*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
Each price shown is based on a unique, custom request. Final prices may vary depending on materials, effort, and delivery location.
