Virginia Kariuki crafted heartfelt cutlery sets for Bernhard, weaving practicality and elegance into each set, ensuring they were perfect for gifting. What's your wish?
A request by Bernhard from Klosterneuburg, Austria
I would like 8 table cutlery sets for a gift, each with 2 pockets left and right for knife, fork, spoon. As well as a leather cord with which the sets can be rolled up and stored.
The Journey of Creating Custom made table cutlery sets
Negotiation & Planning
Custom made table cutlery sets - design ideas and artisan proposals
Thank you Bernhard, for this opportunity to work for you in realising the cuttlery set holder. I have some questions:
1. What is the dimension of the cuttlery holder?
2. What is your preferred choice of fabric?
3 What is your preferred choice of color
Gladly, sorry for the wait.
1. 45cm x 35cm
2. No particular preference, our should just be somewhat thicker than tablecloth material, so that it lies properly. We have table sets from IKEA "LENDA from IKEA" and they are very good when it comes to the thickness of the material.
3. I wouldn't mind colours from your homeland, we're used to very colourful things. Or a single colour, but in that case I would take 3 different colours and 4 sets per colour. I googled and found some beautiful designs
https://goo.gl/images/3q9nYr
Warm regards from cold Klosterneuburg (near Vienna).
Bernhard
Hallo Bernhard I have attached a sketch of the holder. After looking at the links you sent me. The holder could be mainly from an african printed fabric and be bound by a solid colour or vice versa.
Let me know your thoughts on the same
That looks great!!!
I will take a picture of our cutlery and how we lay it down when setting the table. And then some photos of the tablecloths that my wife prefers to use. It's a gift for her.
Best regards
Bernhard
Hallo Bernhard,
That will be very useful, and it will assist us in getting the perfect gift
Regards,
Appelles
Hello Apelles!
I took a picture of our cutlery. 2 knives on the right, 2 forks on the left.
Normally, the spoon for the soup lies across the top. I put it here on the side.
But I think we can skip it and only make 2 pockets on each side.
The cloth on our picture is 38 x 46 cm.
We can keep this size and then there will be space for a drinking glass at the top or we make it 28 x 46 and then the glass will be placed on the table.
Which idea do you like better?
Greetings from the cold Vienna
Bernhard
Hallo Bernhard,
I suggest we retain the size of 38x46 cm.
38x46 is OK. Price is OK
Can you send me a photo of the fabric? If that does not work, then I let myself be surprised
What else do I have to do to get the job started?
best regards
Bernhard
Hallo Bernhard,
I will send you a photo of the fabric later on in the week.
I have the necessary information to begin the project.
Regards,
Appelles
I'm looking forward to the photo of the fabric. Then it can start.
Best regards
Bernhard
Hello Bernard,
Please find attached samples of the fabrics above at the drop files negotiation area.. Kindly select on that best suits the idea.
Kind regards
Appelles
I like two fabrics very well.
In the right column the top and then the same below.
Are the fabrics printed and white on one side or are they woven?
If the set is rolled up (there is the string on my very first photo) it should be colored as well.
And is this a solid fabric (similar to upholstery fabric) or a thinner one for summer wear? He should already be firmer so that he does not wrinkle.
Sorry that I have sooooo many questions.
best regards
Bernhard
Hello,
To answer your questions:-
1.yes the fabrics are printed sides and the wrong side is not white ( has the same print as the right side of the fabric)
2. Yes the strips will bear the same fabric or leather strips as earlier indicated
3. The fabric is firm because it is waxed and will not wrinkle easily.
Thanks for the questions,
Regards,
Appelles
Crafting Process
How to make a Custom made table cutlery sets – work in progress
Hey Bernhard,
I hope you're good. Thanks for this project. I'll be taking over for Appeles as she got a family emergency but I have been caught up to speed.
From your earlier conversation, you'd said you like the fabrics I've attached.
I was also thinking of using a 1/4 inch thick sponge as a filling of sorts so that it can be thinker as you'd earlier requested.
Please let me know what you think about it and if I got the fabric correct.
Thanks 🙂
Hello Virginia!
I'm glad to hear from you. I wish Appeles all the best.
I'm not sure if sewing a sponge is good because the table sets are often washed in the washing machine.
So it would be better to use a fabric that's more sturdy.
I looked at your other projects and saw that you work a lot with leather.
Do you think that this can be done with leather?
If it is more expensive in leather tell me please, I can then decide if I
- top up on the price
- reduce the number from 8 to 6
- or if we stay with the fabric
Greetings from cold Vienna
Bernhard
Hey Bernhard,
Hope you're good.
I don't think making it from leather is advisable especially because of cleaning them so we can just make them from fabric and leather strips around and on the borders of the pockets to make things easier.
Hello Virginia!
Thanks for the tip. OK, so no leather.
Out of the two fabrics that you suggested I like the left one better (with the browns).
How do we want to deal with the sturdiness and thickness? Sewing in a sponge? Can you then wash the set in the washing machine and then iron them?
Best regards
Bernhard
Hello Virginia!
Thanks for the tip. OK, so no leather.
Out of the two fabrics that you suggested I like the left one better (with the browns).
How do we want to deal with the sturdiness and thickness? Sewing in a sponge? Can you then wash the set in the washing machine and then iron them?
Best regards
Bernhard
Hey Bernhard,
Yes they'll be washable in a washing machine and can be ironed. I'll use a very thin sponge. I'll send you the picture I don't have it at the moment.
Thanks 🙂
Warm regards,
Virginia K
Great. I have no stress.
Best regards
Bernhard
That's the size of the form I'd told you bout.
Warm regards
Virginia
Hello Virginia!
I don't much like the idea of the sponge/foam.
Is there no thicker material?
Best regards
Bernhard
Hey Bernard,
I would use canvas. It'll give you a hit of thickness and keep the fabric straight. The cost would increase but not by much just 1000ksh to purchase the canvas too.
Would that be better?
Warm regards,
Virginia 🙂
Canvas sounds great.
Great. I think we have a plan 🙂
Do I have to do something now or is everything clear for the project?
Hey Bernard,
No we are good. I'll start on the project now. It shouldn't take too long to complete.
Hey Bernard,
I didn't find the exact same print you'd chosen but I got this is okay.
I intend to work on then tomorrow and finish on them next week by Wednesday. You can get an update on Monday on the sample the I'll work on the rest Tuesday and deliver them to the UCL connect here on Wednesday or Tuesday.
I know it's take longer than it should have. I apologise for that.
Regards,
Virginia K
Hey Bernard,
I hope you've been well. I've attached a photo of the print I got when it's spread out, please let me know if it's good enough.
Kind regards,
Virginia K
Hello Virginia! Sorry that I have not contacted for so long. Yes, I like the material. It is something completely different to anything else I have. I'm really looking forward to the mailing!
Best regards
Bernhard
Hey Bernhard,
No problem. I made the first one as a prototype but it doesn't have any cutlery bur I hope you see the pockets.
I hope it's satisfactory.
Kind regards,
Virginia K
Hi Virginia! Unfortunately, I cannot make out the pockets in the photo. Could you maybe take another picture? Maybe you can put something else in the pockets instead of the cutlery?
Thank you and best regards
Bernhard
Hey,
I hope this is better?
Regards,
Virginia K
Great! If you can, please sew the bags for the cutlery further down ( by the edge of the table).
Many Thanks!
Bernhard
Hey Bernard,
Am not sure what you mean so I just cropped the image.
I'll be working on the rest tomorrow and send you pictures of the process. When they are don't I'll take photos on a white background for you.
Regards,
Virginia K
On the photo with the plastic cutlery are the spoons at the top of the place settings. I would have liked to sew the bags on in such a way that they are about 1-2 centimetres away from the front edge - closer to the person who is supposed to eat with them.
Kind regards
bernhard
Hey Bernard,
Ok, so do I change from 23cms to around 18cms so it's closer to the edge?
Hey Bernard,
And if I put the pockets halfway where the envelope is and the cutlery will go as shown with the plastic spoon and fork? Will that be better?
Hi Virginia!
I will go back to the inn where I saw the small place sets and take a close look at them.
This could take a few days.
Please be patient !!!
Best regards
Bernhard
Hey Bernhard,
No problem will be waiting 🙂
I'll probably be in the town where I saw it on the 30th of July.
Best regards
Bernhard
Hey Bernhard,
Ok, I'll wait for your feedback 🙂
16 Nov 2018 4:35 pm: Bernhard
Hi Virginia!
Sorry it took so long. Now I was once again in the restaurant and measured and photographed the placemats. On picture 4 you can see the cords (leather) with which you can roll up the blanket. This should enable us to plan more precisely now. Can you photograph me again fabric samples that are available to you? The fabric should be thick and stiff (lined?) so that the stability lies on the table and does not slip. With the cord you should be able to roll it up and tie it up - with the cutlery in your pockets - and put it on the table. Greetings from the cold Vienna
Bernard
Hi Bernard,
It's been a minute. Great to hear from you.
Remember they were ready but you wanted them adjusted? Do you mind if we can adjust what we already have?
I used canvas to make them firm
20 Nov 2018 4:47 pm: Bernhard
Yeah, try to make the best of what you have. I agree with the result in any case.
best regards
Bernard
Hey Bernard,
Ok great. I'll get on it and finish it before the end of the week and keep you posted.
Warm regards,
Virginia
29 Nov 2018 9:31 pm: Bernhard
Hey, Virginia!
Any news on our project yet? I have received a message but do not see any new pictures or information.
best regards
Bernard
Hi Bernard,
I'll try look for leather cords at th workshop but just in case I don't get any that go with the fabric, could you do without them?
11 Dec 2018 10:28 pm: Bernhard
Yes, we can also use normal tapes or fabric strips
Hi Bernard,
So doing the measurements, the new dimensions will be
Height 23cm instead of 25cm
Length 39cm as the photo
Distance between the cutlery pockets 23.5cm instead of 27cm
Will this be ok?
I came to this measurements by considering the length of the cutlery pockets, the length of the set you sent.
14 Dec 2018 6:32 pm: Bernhard
That's OK!
I have received the news from Jochen Baumeister that he is going to your annual craftsman meeting. Maybe the stuff's ready by then and he can take it with him.
Best regards
Bernard
Hi Bernard,
They are finally complete. It was a pleasure working with you 🙂
Have a merry Christmas and Happy 2019
21 Dec 2018 5:10 pm: Bernhard
Please do not ship, just give it to Mr. Baumeister when you see him. best regards
Bernard
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON001149E-4035
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
28.33
|
| Cost of labour |
14.17
|
| Cost of packaging |
9.44
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
2.36
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
54.3
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
5.43
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
5.43
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Austria* |
15
|
| VAT (Austria)* |
15.23
|
| Total |
95.39
|
*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.
