Age of Reinvention: maker's smock

When design-duo Francli submitted their design spec of how they'd transform a Swiss Army groundsheet for the first instalment of our Age of Reinvention competition in collaboration with Pedlars, we knew we were in for a treat...

Francli had this to say:

"The Swiss army groundsheet's original use was as a military Zeltbahn (shelter-half). This was a simple tent that served double duty as a poncho in the rain. 

The Zeltbahn's multi-functional and durable qualities are very relevant for an outdoor working environment. An item of clothing worn in and around the studio needs to be protective and functional in its environment.

In the spirit of a folding Zeltbahn, combined with our local workwear heritage, we have utilised the whole fabric to design a protective and insulative maker's smock. As you can see from the CAD designs there will be little to no waste from the 150cm x 150cm canvas."

Watch this space for updates and photos of Francli working their magic to create this maker's smock. You'll be able to see the finished item at The Good Life Experience on 18-20 September.

We will be announcing the second item on offer to be reinvented very soon – again, watch this space. #AgeofReinvention

Age of Reinvention: Campaign Chair

We were mightily impressed by the entries for the first instalment of our Age of Reinvention competition in collaboration with Pedlars. The first object to be reinvented was a Swiss Army groundsheet and designer Felix McCormack decided he would transform it into a chair inspired by utility, travel and the military

Felix says:

"Campaign chairs were designed with the purpose of being practical for travel. Historically it would have been a bespoke design made by a local cabinet maker for military campaigns. 

With this in mind I chose to use the Swiss Army groundsheet as the fabric for a bespoke campaign chair. The design enables it to be completely packed down and easily portable. The design uses the same concept as these simple seats whereby the weight of the person sitting provides the structure for chair, the heavier the person the stronger the chair will be. 

My design was inspired in part by the camping chairs I grew up with – chairs designed so you sit on the ground and the back rest is adjusted by straps. They are extremely lightweight and comfortable chairs. 

This was a fun project to think about, and despite it not being the winning idea, I think it's something I will make anyway!"

Felix McCormack is a designer and maker based in Cornwall. You can see more of his unique designs at felixmccormack.co.uk

We will be announcing the second item on offer to be reinvented very soon – again, watch this space. #AgeofReinvention