We completed our first pilot last Monday and guess what? We continue!
This past month has been an incredible journey. We learned a lot, and confirmed some of our intuitions. Here is a quick summary of what we found and of what we were able to make in one month.
Gradually, then suddenly.
Apparently, crises and breakouts develop in the same way. At first, nothing seems to move or change. Each baby step costs energy, time and more or less frustration. Then, suddenly, magic happens, momentum builds up, and we enter in a state of flow.
We started the pilot with one challenge: test how long it takes to produce a neck gaiter, in two versions of jersey: a mix of cotton and cachemire, and 100% linen.
After a month, we made approx 60 of them in seven sessions of three hours, here’s the progression:
week 1 – 6 hours: 0 ready
week 2 – 6 hours: 0 ready (in progress: 12)
week 3 – 6 hours: 3 ready (in progress: 24)
week 4 – 3 hours: 57 ready
I would have expected a linear progression, but the reality is: little details end up holding everything back.
Initially, we had to solve a lot of things: from cutting to folding, to calibrating the machines, to getting used to sewing the material, to placing details correctly. It took a lot, and as soon as we ironed one problem, a new wrinkle showed up. However we knew this was the nature of the pilot, and we kept moving.
The results of the last session are comforting and promising: we ended the pilot with a green light, and the results of today, the first day “after the pilot” are a confirmation.
Now we have a process formalized in 6 baby steps (more about that tomorrow), and in a physical layout of our positions around the working table.
Today we started the second phase. We have 70+ neck gaiters cut and ready to go, we should be able to make them all between today and tomorrow.
Finally, we start to have products for sale… coming very soon! You should try them out! 😉
A huge thank you to Julia, Andrea, Jonatan, Michaela and Maya for their patience, dedication, professionality and enthusiasm!
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