FAQ: GHS Cushions

Is this an order or a pre-order?

This is currently a pre-order.

You pay first, then we make the cushion, and then it is posted to you. The whole process is expected to take around 20 days from payment, although it may vary by a few days depending on production and postage.

How long will it take to receive my cushion?

We expect cushions to be ready and delivered within approximately 3 weeks after payment.

Why can’t I collect it from the Thrift Shop?

At the moment, we are very close to the end of the school year, and this is still an experimental first run.

To keep the process simple and manageable, we are currently offering delivery only.

We may introduce Thrift Shop collection / pick-up at the start of the new school year if the trial works well.

How much is delivery?

Current delivery is by Royal Mail and costs £5.

Are the cushions made from real old GHS blazers?

Yes. The cushion covers are made from upcycled old GHS blazers.

Each cushion is therefore slightly unique and may have small differences depending on the original blazer fabric, badge placement and available material.

Is the fabric cleaned before being made into a cushion?

Yes. After the blazer is taken apart and the fabric is prepared, the fabric is washed at least twice.

We do not use dry cleaning. The fabric is washed on a gentle cycle, at a maximum of 40°C, using gentle / hypoallergenic laundry products.

Please note that this is an upcycling project, not an industrial fabric treatment process. We carefully wash and prepare the fabric, but we cannot guarantee sterile cleanliness.

What is inside the cushion?

Each cushion includes two new IKEA cushion pads inside. Only the outer cover is upcycled from blazer fabric.

Is every cushion exactly the same?

No. Because the cushions are made from upcycled blazers, each one is slightly different.

The color, texture, badge placement or small signs of previous life may vary. That is part of the character and value of the product.

Will the cushion look brand new?

The inner cushion pads are new. The outer cover is made from upcycled blazer fabric.

We carefully select, prepare and wash the fabric, but it may still carry some natural signs of previous use. This is part of the upcycled nature of the product.

Will the price be higher after the pre-order period?

Most likely, yes.

The current pre-order price is part of the first experimental run. If we continue the project after this trial, the standard price may be higher to reflect the full production time, materials and handling involved.

Can I return the cushion or get a refund?

As these cushions are handmade and produced as part of a small fundraising pre-order project, we do not accept change-of-mind returns or refunds, except where required by law.

Please check the product description carefully before placing your order. If you have any questions, it is best to contact us before payment.

Can I use my own blazer?

Yes, we can make a cushion from your own blazer. Please contact us first to discuss this before placing an order.

Will it cost more to make a cushion from my own blazer?

Yes. Custom work is more expensive because it takes more time and handling from our side.

We need to receive the blazer, prepare it separately, work around its specific condition and details, and make sure the final cushion is made from that particular item.

Can I request House colours, badges or other personal details?

Yes, customization may be possible — for example House colors, badges or using a specific blazer. Please contact us to discuss what you would like.

Custom items are priced separately and will usually cost more than the standard pre-order cushion.

Can you guarantee exactly how a custom cushion will look?

We will do our best to follow the request, but because we work with real upcycled fabric, the final result depends on the condition, size and usable parts of the blazer.

We can discuss options before confirming the custom order.

Can you make a cushion cover from other items, such as an old kilt or other school fabric?

At the moment, the main product is a cushion made from old GHS blazers.

We are looking at the possibility of upcycling other fabrics and items that come to us, including kilts and other school uniform pieces. However, we have not yet developed cushions from other garments as a standard product.

We are also thinking about other possible items that could be made from old blazers in the future.

Is this a handmade product?

Yes. These cushions are handmade from upcycled blazer fabric. Small variations are normal and should be expected.

I can sew and would like to help. Can I volunteer for the project?

Yes, absolutely.

If you can sew or would like to support the project with your skills, please contact us directly. We would be very happy to discuss how this could work.

The aim is to keep the project sustainable, maintain good quality, and allow more funds to stay within the school community.

Where does the money go?

This is a GHS Thrift Shop fundraising project. The aim is to give old blazers a second life while raising funds for the school community.

Who should I contact about custom orders or questions?

You can contact us directly before placing a custom order, especially if you want to use your own blazer, request House colors, include badges, or discuss other personal details.