Frequently Asked Questions
I'm interested in having something made in my sports shirts, what are my next steps?
It all starts with getting in touch. We are here to help so no question is too small or too scary to ask. From your initial enquiry we want to get an understanding of what you would like, what the furniture's end use is, what story you would like the shirts to tell etc. From this we can help you figure out what will work best in your space and, together we can start creating the perfect bespoke piece for you. Once you're happy with the design and fabric chosen, your project will be created and then delivered directly to you.
How do I choose a fabric?
The possibilities can seem endless when choosing fabrics but don't worry we're here to help! We can advise you on suitable fabrics for your furniture that will fit in with your lifestyle and best complement your shirts. Prior to making a final decision we will always arrange for you to see samples of fabric options so that you can see the colours and feel the textures in your own home before committing to a choice.
How many sports shirts do I need?
Because each of our items is designed and made to order you can use as many or as few shirts as you'd like. The number of shirts you would like to use as well as their size and design will heavily influence the outcome of your finished furniture but you will be involved in the design process every step of the way so you can be assured of a piece to be proud of. As examples, the Root Jonah chair on our website was made from one shirt, the All Blacks Jonah chair from two shirts and the Broad Murphy Footstool was made using a patchwork of four shirts and one pair of trousers!
What about Fire Retardancy?
All upholstered furniture and interior furnishings made and sold in the UK must adhere to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. We take immense care to ensure that we comply with all safety regulations for all products sold at Embrace Bespoke. For our sports shirt furniture, if the sports shirts are made of natural materials (such as the old style cotton rugby shirts) the furniture can comply with current regulations with the use of a (Schedule 3) Fire Retardant Interliner. For polyester shirts, there is currently no way to treat the shirts to comply with regulations required to be sold in the UK. However, the regulations allow the use of polyester shirts on furniture for domestic use in the customers own home. So if you are having a piece of furniture made for your own home, then the item is compliant with the UK Fire Safety Laws. It cannot, however, be sold or auctioned to an unknown buyer within the current regulations.
At Embrace Bespoke, under all shirts both natural and polyester, we use a commercial grade Woolsafe (Crib 5) Barrier cloth interliner. Whilst this does not make the polyester shirt comply with current UK regulations, it does comply with European Product Safety regulations and gives you some piece of mind in your own home that all layers of the construction of the chair underneath the top shirts are fire retardant and the product is safe.
I want to have a piece made but I don't want my name to be used in advertising, can I remain anonymous?
The answer to that question is: Yes, absolutely. Confidentiality is important to us and we take the privacy of our clients seriously.
Whilst we reserve the right to photograph any of the items of furniture we create for our records, you can be assured that we will never use any client's name or photograph to advertise our products unless we have their full permission. We hope that you'll be pleased and proud enough of our products that you will want to show them off on your own social media channels but that decision is at your discretion.
You may sometimes see behind the scenes images of us creating pieces on our social media or website channels but if there are any identifying features (such as names or shirt numbers) we will take every precaution to keep these out of shot so that you can remain anonymous.
Are your items all made in the UK?
Yes, I'm committed to being a sustainable business so I source my tools and supplies from local businesses wherever possible and design and upholster everything at my green energy powered workshop in West Bridgford, Nottingham.
Do you have items I can buy now?
The majority of our furniture is made to order but we do have a selection of items available in our online shop.
Is there someone I can speak to on the phone?
Yes, absolutely. We're happy to chat through any questions you may have or take orders over the phone so feel free to give Gemma a call on 07500 126 083.