I'm a 35yr old man I'm a stay at home dad. I'm learning to sew as fast as possible so I can replace my wife's wardrobe along with making enough money to help support the household. I want to succeed in this business. Thank you very much for your advice.
Make dish towels, tea towels apply English eyelet lace on them and put nice theme fabric on the edge of the towel. Everybody needs dish towels. It's a quick project. Make original totes. Easy, quick project. Make sure you put pockets outside and inside on the totes for cell phone, keys, and wallet. For me totes without pockets is useless.
Virginia you are exactly right. I've been designing jewelry for years and just started sewing about two years ago. To make a living you need to be very good at self promotion. This is usually a little daunting for most people. I'm working my business full time now but took all my experience as a sales operations manager to turn this from a hobby into a business. The one thing I can say to everyone is make sure you pay yourself. So many people don't price properly. They using are priced at wholesale and not retail so if they ever want to wholesale they haven't left themselves enough room. Good luck everyone, carpe diem!
When my children were young, I sewed rag dolls. Each was special ordered and each had a hand embroidered face, a heart which said I love (child's name). This was 40 years ago. A customer tracked me down and was indignant that I wouldn't sell a new doll for the old price! Haven't sold another doll since, only give to my grandchildren. Now i would like to supplement my income and trying to find a new focus.
@@gingercakesews thanks. I will think about this some more. I spend alot of time and care on what I make and am not sure if people will be willing to pay for an extravagance at this point in time. Thank you for the encouragement and advice.
Your presentation is so sincere & like listening to a good friend. We need to hear the good, the bad & the indifferent. I took some sewing items, bowl cozies, hot pads, bowl covers, etc. To a big indoor flea market & only sold to family, but no real customers. The fabric was vibrant & kitchen appropriate, priced right, but no go. I had done one before at a church craft show & nothing sold & when leaving I saw a child swing open car door slamming into my newly painted Toyota. I was heart sick. Now I give my stuff as gifts & only to those that use them. 👍👍👍 Thanks for vid.
That hurts Fran! I know the feeling! I did not sell a single thing at my first craft show! Flea markets are tough because people shopping there are looking for a deal. If you are still interested thinks about pop ups shows, neighborhood block parties, etc. You might get a mix of people more interested in looking for something special instead of the deal mindset they have at flea markets.
I love my sewing projects and thank God I sell well...I feel it's the enthusiasm I put in selling my products that people get hooked on....I love what I do ....
Hi Virginia! This is Kiron Susan Joseph From India. I am a total beginner in sewing. I have been watching your channel for the past few weeks.Your videos have been really inspiring for me! Thanks a lot! Looking forward to more videos from you......
I personally don't like to sell things I make. I sew for fun, relaxation, and family necessity. No matter how our finances were at the time I could always whip up a gift for any occasion by raiding my stash, and as I got older I began making greeting cards - and make the card to go with the gift. What works best for me is barter. Trading my skills for someone else's has been great for my/our needs.
@@gingercakesews I'm just impressed that you read my long post! I've watched so many videos about cover stitching and surging that I decided it was time to try the extra feet that I got with my babylock imagine, and that is what I just finished doing. I was working strictly with scraps but my husband was impressed! I bought the machine 10 years and I've been missing out on all that luxury!
Virginia thanks again for your kind insight! I've been trying a home based business on for size for quite awhile. The advice in your books and patterns is invaluable! Thank you for all of it and giving hope to all of us fledglings!
🧵 Thank you Virginia, I have your first 2 books and they have been an enormous help! You give such good advice, & I appreciate it! 🦉 The owl pillows are still my favorite!😉👍🏼
All of this is the very reason I don't sew to sell on line. Just by special request. Once I decide to sell, its no longer a hobby to do when I want to, and it becomes a job. People tell me I could make a lot of $ selling what I make, but they have no idea what's really involved. Thank you for the bare, brass tacks information!
You are right. We have control of our daily schedules. NO deadlines n very relaxing. It's fun to sew n at the same time we are earning money especially in this pandemic years. Tqsm for sharing the information. T care n stay safe.
I'm hoping to start selling some day, not sure what method I would love to use. I am not very tech savvy so I'm hoping the shows will be back soon. Meanwhile I'm working on my skill and starting to get inventory. My 2 biggest fears is my work is not "perfect" enough and people will want something exactly like what I already made. I kinda make it up as I go soo..🤷♀️
I’m happy to have come across your video. You mentioned many points that I resonate with. Thank you for your advice, insights and for sharing your candid experiences with us.
I was recently hired to make some C-19 related items and feel as if I’m getting paid pennies. I calculated that I’m making $3-4 per hour. I’m going to present the calculations that I’ve made and present it in writing to the person selling the items to try to get more per piece. I do have your first book. I need to read it again and figure out how I can sell stuff on my own as well.
Yes I too signed up to a couple of groups. I soon realised they almost wanted you to donate it , and didnt appreciate the time and effort. Besides both hubby lost his wk and my income was minimal. Jad to srlf isolate. There were folk donating gr8 they could, but not eveyone was in that fortunate position. I wanted to "earn" something doing what I enjoy, (sewing) but was v disapointing I had to qwit.
Problem is that the more people involved in producing and selling an item, each needing to earn a profit, the more total profit must be made. Then the sale price will need to be raised - maybe out of reasonable range.
YEs- sewing for a shop or wholesale is really hard to find a reasonable amount to charge. Everytime I have sold to shops, I feel a little cheated even though I know they need to make a profit too! You can make a lot selling yourself but if you got that route there is alot of self promotion involved.
Thank you for your insight. I’m a new sewer and made a lot of masks and only sold a little bit. Got a little discouraged, however I’m making other items and I also crochet mostly for friends and family by request. I usually make more when it’s something preordered.
Virginia, Great video (as always) honest answers for starting a sewing business. I sew, (when my arm heals from being broken) I'm doing it to have fun, I love the process, and material. I "study" quilt books for designs and tips, and make everything for my grandchildren. I have all 3 of your books and love your patterns. The Crayon Carrier is a big success with the children & and their parents. Thanks as always, Sheri
Hello Virginia,I am Disha from India.19 yr old doing a diploma in Sewing Technology at Industrial Trade Institute. Your vedio was a great guide to me. Thank you 😊
Awesome 👏 I just purchased three patterns to try. Great gift idea. Crayola bag to hold books, great for birthdays and holiday gifts. Travel bag and vacation tote is great for adults. Maybe sales after. Lol
2021 April Will you be updating your views as a year in hindsight? My daughter asked me to join her online business.... She's the promoter, the computer geek, etc. I have 40 years worth of stuff and equipment to use up. After a year, we'll be doing our first in person craft fair (IRL) in May.... Fingers and toes are crossed. 🍄🍄 Take care and be safe 😷
Virginia thank you for this video. I retired at the end of May and have been toying with the idea of starting a business with sewing and or crocheting. I will have to go on your website and purchase your books! From reading a couple of the comments they appear to be very helpful. It is a little daunting to me, even though I have used a computer for many years (mainly data entry), I have not been adventuress in learning and using computers. After being in front of one for nearly 8 hours a day, it was the last thing on my mind to use one once leaving work. I also, wondered about ‘Copyright’ laws, that can become a nightmare in itself. I quit posting pictures of my crochet projects after watching a couple of RUclips videos on Copyright laws, I worried about infringement. Even though, I wasn’t selling them only sharing my endeavors with family and friends, not knowing the original designer and their stance on Copyright I took them down.
Lindsey, I hope my question is where you can see it as a question about fabric copyrights and restrictions. I'm not sure if I put it in comments or replies area.
i have both of your books, and they are quite good. I will emphasize one thing BEFORE deciding what to make (even out of your book) find out what is already for sale in your market (and the quality). if your specific target market is saturated with "baby things" you either need to make something else or make yourself stand out somehow.
Thank you for the tips that has certainly given me a lot to think about. I have an Etsy shop but sales are here and there I mean one a moth two if I'm lucky. I do the odd bit of alterations for people I know and i have just recently started making sew along videos. I too find the self promotion hard as it is quite alien to me and it seems everyone else is great at it! Craft fayers do tend to be expensive so I have not gone down that road, thank you for all the help.
Agree, except I put a LOT of effort into making my masks with the filter already sewn in. My masks are the only ones I've seen that can adjust perfectly to the wearer and they don't slip down/off. Also, they're reversible (2 for 1) and reusable, 100%cotto. I charge $18 each. This includes an additional filter to be worn behind the mask (4 layers). I'm seriously considering increasing my price. If you'd like to see them, I'm on Instagram@andreahardydesigns. They are really different from the ones I've seen and they're beautiful!
@@GrowingGoodHair I checked out your Instagram and I agree. Your masks are beautiful. Unless someone sews themselves they don't realize how expensive fabric is nowadays. All my local stores have been closed since March 17 and I have been buying material online. Now there are shipping costs to include in the price of the fabric. When you figure all your costs and also your time I think $18 is a very reasonable price to pay. $20 would still be a good price for your masks.
Thank you for this video! I am considering to start selling my sewed items. BUT I live in Germany (sorry for the bad English...) and the laws are sooooo hard to follow... I would need to register a business to the chamber of crafts, tax office and commercial office... I need a packaging license, a safe imprint, the permit of our landloard (my uncle, so no problem, but still work...) and the permit of the building authority to use a part of our apartment as an official company... Then I would need to order specific labels with the exaxt material-mix of my items, but it differs between clothing and bags... For children stuff (like Scrunchies with kids motives or easter bunnies) I would even need a CE proofment... (Safety check for chemicals and swallowbale parts) After all of that I would need to buy the fabrics, sew, sell, do the marketing and the taxes, shipping and taking the risk of loosing the inicial 1000-1500€ Finally ordering comparable items from china (wish, Shein, etc) costs only a fraction of the costs I would have. So I would need to take "luxury" prices to make it profitable and I am really afraid that people aren´t willing to pay that.
Every Wednesday I put my masks on 21 market sites. I find that promoting on Wednesday’s, I get put into the customers pick up plan. Last night I sewed from 1:00pm to 10:30pm. I also donate to local businesses. After a customer brought the 2nd time, I friend request them.
I am blessed in that I am retired. I love to craft, but I sell only so my hobby will pay for itself. I sell through Etsy and at two Christmas craft fairs (these are the most profitable and are usually indoors so weather is not a concern). It makes it so much more fun. My income is proabably about $1500 a year, but that money buys a lot of craft supplies.
I have been on Etsy for a long time, selling other stuff, and I've seen it change for the worse as far as the way they Etsy treats its sellers. The most recent change in how they figure out how to charge you for advertising they supposedly do for you without you asking for it...it was just so confusing and frustrating. Do you sell on other platforms as well, like I used to be on Artfire, which I don't even know if that exists anymore. But do you think it's better to be present on multiple platforms or just focus on one, like Etsy?
HI Carrie, I do have an etsy shop but I have felt a lot like you- the fees are huge! I also have my bigcartel shop which is where I send all my own promotion via facebook, instagram and pinterest. Pinterest is a really great platform to drive traffic to your shop. I keep etsy because people find my shop and purchase there but I have the advertising with them at a minimum! I would suggest starting your own indepedent shop which is very inexpensive and then take control of the promotions yourself! Hard work but it pays off and you don't have to rely on etsy or their crazy high fees anymore!
Hi Verginia you are one of the first folks I subscribe to. I finally have desided. I'm going to make my business work. I've been sewing for craft show 3years, with the pandemic l don't have that opportunity. I've thought about estey and a few others . If you're up for it I'd like your input. Maybe I should buy your books. Please let me know what you think. Love your channel:)
hi friends! You can shop my Digital PDF Travel Pattern sale over in my shop at gingercake.bigcartel.com/category/travel. Use the code TRAVELSALE2020 for 50% off all 11 patterns!
Lindsey, I have a burning question: How can things be sold made from fabrics when all fabrics have copyrights or are marked prohibited, use for personal uses only"? You understand my question?
hi! You cannot claim the fabric designs as your own but you can use them to make things to sell. They are a material- not the product itself. Does that make sense?
Made some handbags, outsides in canvas or denim. Added applique design, similar to lining fabric print, cut from unrelated cotton fabric. Now wondering if that is legal, illegal, or just irrelevant since only couple are made ? ?
Virginia, I have a question. If you want to sew things to sell, and you're not making up the pattern yourself, but using a purchased pattern, is that alright to do? Do you need some type of special permission from the person, company, etc. that actually made the pattern?
hi Joann! Many patterns give you persmission. In my books, all the patterns are copy right free. Also, I allow all my patterns in my digital shop to be sewn for sales. But you need to look for the rules of the designer. Some say no sales. Some say fine for sales (like me) and some ask you to buy a "license" for sales.
@@gingercakesews That was a good question from another person. Now I understand that one also. I wondered the same thing but had forgotten to ask. Thank you for sharing your patterns so freely and asking nothing in return, not even a license.
In your book sewing to sell what actually do we get to learn about it ....in my place I don't get that kind of sewing books to help myself to stitch clothes and sell it ....do we get the pattern , how to cut , how to measure it, how to iron different types of materials clothes , how to stitch any Kinds of clothes with one sewing machine/ different types of machine ?
My problem is timing of starting a “legal” business so I can pay the correct taxes. I can’t afford an accountant. If I could, I wouldn’t need to sew for profit. I don’t want to start advertising if I might get myself in trouble. Please give me some guidance so I don’t waste money. I know laws differ from place to place. Thank you!
You almost have to go into craft shows as promtion only. I never make what I'm worth, I find people always want a bargin or talk you down on prices. Plus the stress of making your entry fees back. It really turned me off. I pretty much only sew for fun now.
Hi! I have been buying fabric for years! I get some at the big stores like Joanns. I also buy from local quilt shops (except they are not very close to where i live!) and I order most online! I like Hawthorne threads, fabric.com, bloomerie fabrics. I also find some great deals at small independent shops on etsy!
The cities should have handcrafts fair every weekend to allow people to earn their living. In other some countries, example: In Brazil, you see on weekends very nice stands selling all kind of handmade stuff crafts, cooking and there is not charge, if there is very minimal. But here in USA it's frustrating.
I really enjoyed your video! Thank you for sharing. I was wondering if you had to register for a business name to make labels for your products. Also, do you need to register for a business license and a seller’s permit to sell on Etsy?
Thank you! I have a question. Can I sell things made from Disney or Marvel fabric? I have an Etsy store and want to put some things out there made from that fabric. Thanks. EJsDaughterCreations
Yes- you can! The fabric designers have already paid for the rights to print the fabric. It is expected that people will use the fabric to make things!
It’s hard to find the next “hot item”. To sell at a craft show! When cabbage patch dolls were “hot”, I made doll babies, a dupe. I made 26 of them and dressed them real cute and I sold out at a craft show by noon! They went like hot cakes at $29 per doll!! After that I did cabbage patch doll clothes and they sold good at the next show. I haven’t found anything since that went like that! I tried American Girl doll clothes, but I started too late--everyone was making them! It hard to predict what will sell!
Virginia, thank you for your videos. I just ordered your books from Amazon and am excited that they will arrive on Monday. Does your book explain how to calculate a selling price for the item. I create and sew bags of different kinds. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us who want to really get serious about a home-based business.
We wouldn’t do that, if they don’t want or like the product, we’re not going to coax someone or self promote. Like Amazon, those sales are a given, someone wants something, they go there. They don’t even know who the person is. The word niche, yes, agreed, that’s the key.
Hello, Kentucky here. I am not sure if you are answering questions still?? My story is that i use to Hand quilt purses back in 2011. I use to put them on eBay as an Item for a Auction. I did really great selling the purses. But, I am looking back today at all of the Auctions on eBay & I only see 1 or 2 people that is actually placing there bids on 1 or 2 items. If i wanted to put my purses on eBay, today. I don't see me selling anything on eBay. How would you advise a person to put things on eBay & or maybe quilt something different? Thanks for any kind of help!!
You will be surprised at how many people will get love what you create. I haven't been on Etsy to sell and I probably never will, but the market place is a good place. You have nothing to lose. Just ignore the negative comments, because there is always going to be that one person who nothing makes them happy, but spreading negativity.
We often are harder on ourselves. I find selling on Etsy is easier than to family and friends. Getting your first sell is the hardest, but after a while you will know what customers want. Just open an Etsy shop and test it out
I would like to ask if you have second hand tools for sewing for sale? I need good quality fabric scissors, rotary rulers that is wide and long enough assorted pins and clips, scraps fabrics, etc. I hope you could message me back, if its okay.
HI Sabina! No I do not have any for sale at this time. I would suggest looking on facebook marketplace, ebay, mercari, or letgo. Many people are probably either giving away tools or selling. Good luck!
Try selling on Etsy, you don't get rejections there lol, if they like it, they will make an order. I found that selling to friends and family is a lot harder, and many times they want a huge discount
gday Virginia, thank you so much for this insight. I have a little sewing business "seymourvintage", I sew lots of things and im big on upcycling and recycling. I have a facie page, I post on all the local sale sites and I also do pop ups in the local big shopping centre, which im finding that I might have to give up a its getting too pricey, I also do local markets in the area. The price I put on my goodies is prolly not enough, I put on them what I think I would pay at a market etc. my theory is if you make them too pricey , then no one will buy. If its a reasonable price then hopefully you will sell lots. My question is how do you know what people want......I sew things that I have pop up on my RUclips subs, so I dont have any one specific thing that I sew, ive been told people like variety, but its getting real hard to know what people want.....how do you know what to sew? Thanks again for this great RUclips tutorial, I was kind of loosing my mojo. take care. xxxxx
hi Tracey! One thing that many marketing people recommend and I find helpful is to create your "ideal customer". THis means you invent a person- and get very detailed! This person is who you want to sew for. Say it is a 25 year woman who loves the old movies, hiking, and is a vegetarian. What would that person want?? It's helpful if you yourself have some things in common with her. You target this made up person with your sewing. You pick fabrics that are nostalgic to old hollywood. You sew things for hikers- fanny packs, water bottle holder, head bands. And you focus on sustainability because since she is vegetariam, she probably cares about the envornment. I hope this is helpful! Invent your person and let that be your guide!
HI blessings..it's great listing to you..I do sewing. I'm not getting wat I want from it .am shy am self.some.thing .I'm just stand back am in need of money .am just not getting. There.am not a open person.ican sew great.but .just.not getting.pls help me in wat ever way you can.i waiting. For your reply. Thanks.i need to get started on making. Some money from my 2 hands.i know I can do it .but I just can get started. Yeah. Lovely. Words.am tuch. Yu words.dem sound like I was just listing for.am not a phone person .nor social media. That's it.i don't take pictures. I don't even remember noting when I sew it from the costomer. Is good .that's it no pictures. No nothing. I sew pillow. Sheet sets.cussion head bonds. Etc.variety..I appreciate your help.
Nossa vídeo ótimo. Sou brasileira e pretendo ir fazer um intercâmbio nos EUA e já estava pensando em fazer as minhas artes para ajudar no dia a dia, e veio a dúvida é possível? As pessoas valorizam? Vou poder fazer artesanato como fonte de renda? Obrigada pelas dicas dos markeplace e sobre as feras de artesanato. Jamais compara-se o valor de um trabalho de um artesão ao valor praticado pelo Walmart. Caso tenha alguma dica manda no meu insta @barbara_morais_cs
Thank you for these tips. Yes, I find it very hard to not be too 'pushy' when with family, friends and my quilt club. I missed my huge craft fair because of C-19 and I'm trying to promote my items via instagrama nd facebook, but it isn't easy and very time consuming.
it is hard to be pushy! THis is when I start my job as an actress and claim "shamelss self promotion!" Sales is hard and it makes many of us feel uncomfortable. Keep up with the social media- it pays off eventually with consistency.
@@gingercakesews before bringing up my family while joint running a business with my family, I was a sales representative and good at it, but that was one on one, which is why I enjoy the craft fairs so much. Selling through social media isn't quite as easy.
@@arriettysbags As a customer it's so much easier to ignore a product on line so I imagine it is very frustrating as a seller. Good luck with your sales
I'm a 35yr old man I'm a stay at home dad. I'm learning to sew as fast as possible so I can replace my wife's wardrobe along with making enough money to help support the household. I want to succeed in this business. Thank you very much for your advice.
Make dish towels, tea towels apply English eyelet lace on them and put nice theme fabric on the edge of the towel. Everybody needs dish towels. It's a quick project. Make original totes. Easy, quick project. Make sure you put pockets outside and inside on the totes for cell phone, keys, and wallet. For me totes without pockets is useless.
Also you can sell fabrics from you home for the fabric companies. There are videos of people that just sell fabrics. So contact the fabric companies.
Virginia you are exactly right. I've been designing jewelry for years and just started sewing about two years ago. To make a living you need to be very good at self promotion. This is usually a little daunting for most people. I'm working my business full time now but took all my experience as a sales operations manager to turn this from a hobby into a business. The one thing I can say to everyone is make sure you pay yourself. So many people don't price properly. They using are priced at wholesale and not retail so if they ever want to wholesale they haven't left themselves enough room. Good luck everyone, carpe diem!
You are a very realistic person
When my children were young, I sewed rag dolls. Each was special ordered and each had a hand embroidered face, a heart which said I love (child's name). This was 40 years ago. A customer tracked me down and was indignant that I wouldn't sell a new doll for the old price! Haven't sold another doll since, only give to my grandchildren. Now i would like to supplement my income and trying to find a new focus.
That is a really sweet idea. People love personalized dolls. You can't let one persons bad behavior dissuade you!
I bet your rag dolls would sell now to an entirely new customer base with your new pricing
@@GrowingGoodHair I agree!
@@gingercakesews thanks. I will think about this some more. I spend alot of time and care on what I make and am not sure if people will be willing to pay for an extravagance at this point in time. Thank you for the encouragement and advice.
@@GrowingGoodHair thank you for taking the time to offer your encouragement.
Your presentation is so sincere & like listening to a good friend. We need to hear the good, the bad & the indifferent. I took some sewing items, bowl cozies, hot pads, bowl covers, etc. To a big indoor flea market & only sold to family, but no real customers. The fabric was vibrant & kitchen appropriate, priced right, but no go. I had done one before at a church craft show & nothing sold & when leaving I saw a child swing open car door slamming into my newly painted Toyota. I was heart sick. Now I give my stuff as gifts & only to those that use them. 👍👍👍 Thanks for vid.
That hurts Fran! I know the feeling! I did not sell a single thing at my first craft show! Flea markets are tough because people shopping there are looking for a deal. If you are still interested thinks about pop ups shows, neighborhood block parties, etc. You might get a mix of people more interested in looking for something special instead of the deal mindset they have at flea markets.
try selling online, I have been able to sell my crafts on Etsy, just a thought
I love my sewing projects and thank God I sell well...I feel it's the enthusiasm I put in selling my products that people get hooked on....I love what I do ....
Hi farah, how are you doing?
@@Thomasfrohwitter , I am well thank you for asking....and you?
@@farahdivaken406 I’m doing great and thanks for asking. How do you spend your spare time?
Hi Virginia! This is Kiron Susan Joseph From India. I am a total beginner in sewing. I have been watching your channel for the past few weeks.Your videos have been really inspiring for me! Thanks a lot! Looking forward to more videos from you......
I personally don't like to sell things I make. I sew for fun, relaxation, and family necessity. No matter how our finances were at the time I could always whip up a gift for any occasion by raiding my stash, and as I got older I began making greeting cards - and make the card to go with the gift. What works best for me is barter. Trading my skills for someone else's has been great for my/our needs.
I love the idea of barter! Its great you know what is best for you ☺️
@@gingercakesews I'm just impressed that you read my long post! I've watched so many videos about cover stitching and surging that I decided it was time to try the extra feet that I got with my babylock imagine, and that is what I just finished doing. I was working strictly with scraps but my husband was impressed! I bought the machine 10 years and I've been missing out on all that luxury!
I also love to gift handmade gifts like baby quilts
I own both of these books and they are great. Still, some points to think about before or if you decide to make the leap. Thanks Virginia!
Virginia thanks again for your kind insight! I've been trying a home based business on for size for quite awhile. The advice in your books and patterns is invaluable! Thank you for all of it and giving hope to all of us fledglings!
Thank you Mayona! I am so glad it is helping you! I hope you keep working at it!
🧵 Thank you Virginia, I have your first 2 books and they have been an enormous help! You give such good advice, & I appreciate it! 🦉 The owl pillows are still my favorite!😉👍🏼
All of this is the very reason I don't sew to sell on line. Just by special request. Once I decide to sell, its no longer a hobby to do when I want to, and it becomes a job.
People tell me I could make a lot of $ selling what I make, but they have no idea what's really involved.
Thank you for the bare, brass tacks information!
You are right. We have control of our daily schedules. NO deadlines n very relaxing. It's fun to sew n at the same time we are earning money especially in this pandemic years. Tqsm for sharing the information.
T care n stay safe.
Thank you for the encouragement and honest help in starting a handmade business.
Love doing Craft sales. Unfortunately, all are cancelled due to Covid-19 right now, but still making inventory for when they open again.
That's a great idea and a way to pass the time while we wait to get out there again..safely, of course!
I'm hoping to start selling some day, not sure what method I would love to use. I am not very tech savvy so I'm hoping the shows will be back soon. Meanwhile I'm working on my skill and starting to get inventory. My 2 biggest fears is my work is not "perfect" enough and people will want something exactly like what I already made. I kinda make it up as I go soo..🤷♀️
I’m happy to have come across your video. You mentioned many points that I resonate with. Thank you for your advice, insights and for sharing your candid experiences with us.
I was recently hired to make some C-19 related items and feel as if I’m getting paid pennies. I calculated that I’m making $3-4 per hour. I’m going to present the calculations that I’ve made and present it in writing to the person selling the items to try to get more per piece. I do have your first book. I need to read it again and figure out how I can sell stuff on my own as well.
Yes I too signed up to a couple of groups. I soon realised they almost wanted you to donate it , and didnt appreciate the time and effort. Besides both hubby lost his wk and my income was minimal. Jad to srlf isolate. There were folk donating gr8 they could, but not eveyone was in that fortunate position. I wanted to "earn" something doing what I enjoy, (sewing) but was v disapointing I had to qwit.
Problem is that the more people involved in producing and selling an item, each needing to earn a profit, the more total profit must be made. Then the sale price will need to be raised - maybe out of reasonable range.
YEs- sewing for a shop or wholesale is really hard to find a reasonable amount to charge. Everytime I have sold to shops, I feel a little cheated even though I know they need to make a profit too! You can make a lot selling yourself but if you got that route there is alot of self promotion involved.
Thank you for your insight. I’m a new sewer and made a lot of masks and only sold a little bit. Got a little discouraged, however I’m making other items and I also crochet mostly for friends and family by request. I usually make more when it’s something preordered.
Virginia, Great video (as always) honest answers for starting a sewing business. I sew, (when my arm heals from being broken) I'm doing it to have fun, I love the process, and material. I "study" quilt books for designs and tips, and make everything for my grandchildren. I have all 3 of your books and love your patterns. The Crayon Carrier is a big success with the children & and their parents. Thanks as always, Sheri
Thank you Sheri! It is great to hear from you!
Love your video. I’m starting my own business, right now I’m information gathering. I will get one of your books.
Hi Janel, how are you doing?
By the way, I am a big fan. I really love your patterns and your down-to-earth videos. Really fun
Hi Claire
Hello Virginia,I am Disha from India.19 yr old doing a diploma in Sewing Technology at Industrial Trade Institute.
Your vedio was a great guide to me.
Thank you 😊
Thanks for the great advise and tutorials!
Awesome 👏 I just purchased three patterns to try. Great gift idea. Crayola bag to hold books, great for birthdays and holiday gifts. Travel bag and vacation tote is great for adults. Maybe sales after. Lol
I love your books. I have both of them
Indeed no easy at the beginning stage. 👍🏻 for your video. Thank you for sharing
2021 April
Will you be updating your views as a year in hindsight?
My daughter asked me to join her online business.... She's the promoter, the computer geek, etc. I have 40 years worth of stuff and equipment to use up. After a year, we'll be doing our first in person craft fair (IRL) in May.... Fingers and toes are crossed. 🍄🍄
Take care and be safe 😷
Awesome to find this video - I have read your first book, going to find your second one 😁
Very helpful insight. Thank you 👍🏾😊
Very sensible advice, thank you x
I am from India.
I love stitching baby quilts. I am selling too. As u said I should take extra efforts for business. Thank you so much for guidance.
Very helpful. Thanks so much.
Thanks, I just got your first book! 👍😁
I love you. Thank you for your continued inspiration. I especially enjoy your bags.
thank you for sharing your experience.
Virginia thank you for this video. I retired at the end of May and have been toying with the idea of starting a business with sewing and or crocheting. I will have to go on your website and purchase your books! From reading a couple of the comments they appear to be very helpful. It is a little daunting to me, even though I have used a computer for many years (mainly data entry), I have not been adventuress in learning and using computers. After being in front of one for nearly 8 hours a day, it was the last thing on my mind to use one once leaving work. I also, wondered about ‘Copyright’ laws, that can become a nightmare in itself. I quit posting pictures of my crochet projects after watching a couple of RUclips videos on Copyright laws, I worried about infringement. Even though, I wasn’t selling them only sharing my endeavors with family and friends, not knowing the original designer and their stance on Copyright I took them down.
Lindsey, I hope my question is where you can see it as a question about fabric copyrights and restrictions. I'm not sure if I put it in comments or replies area.
Info is spot on! Thanks
Hi l like your show on sewing very informative lots of good tips
i have both of your books, and they are quite good. I will emphasize one thing BEFORE deciding what to make (even out of your book) find out what is already for sale in your market (and the quality).
if your specific target market is saturated with "baby things" you either need to make something else or make yourself stand out somehow.
You are amazing! By the way I just purchased your books a few weeks ago 🙂
Thank you for this. So many questions. Maybe I’ll just get your book! Haha
Thank you for the tips that has certainly given me a lot to think about. I have an Etsy shop but sales are here and there I mean one a moth two if I'm lucky. I do the odd bit of alterations for people I know and i have just recently started making sew along videos. I too find the self promotion hard as it is quite alien to me and it seems everyone else is great at it! Craft fayers do tend to be expensive so I have not gone down that road, thank you for all the help.
You are right about it being saturated right now. Everybody wants to sew, quilt, whatever. Like everybody making masks for sale at ridiculous prices!
Agree, except I put a LOT of effort into making my masks with the filter already sewn in. My masks are the only ones I've seen that can adjust perfectly to the wearer and they don't slip down/off. Also, they're reversible (2 for 1) and reusable, 100%cotto. I charge $18 each. This includes an additional filter to be worn behind the mask (4 layers). I'm seriously considering increasing my price. If you'd like to see them, I'm on Instagram@andreahardydesigns. They are really different from the ones I've seen and they're beautiful!
@@GrowingGoodHair I checked out your Instagram and I agree. Your masks are beautiful. Unless someone sews themselves they don't realize how expensive fabric is nowadays. All my local stores have been closed since March 17 and I have been buying material online. Now there are shipping costs to include in the price of the fabric. When you figure all your costs and also your time I think $18 is a very reasonable price to pay. $20 would still be a good price for your masks.
@@sharonwilton8744 thank you so much!
@@sharonwilton8744 and yes...it is very hard to find cute fabric that doesn't cost 4x as much before the shutdown...thank you so much for your input
@@GrowingGoodHair To each his own.
Hi, just found you today, 6/15/2020. New subscriber...Going to binge..love your content.. Thank you so much
so glad you are here, Kathleen!
Hi Kathleen, how are you doing?
Thank you for this video!
I am considering to start selling my sewed items. BUT I live in Germany (sorry for the bad English...) and the laws are sooooo hard to follow...
I would need to register a business to the chamber of crafts, tax office and commercial office... I need a packaging license, a safe imprint, the permit of our landloard (my uncle, so no problem, but still work...) and the permit of the building authority to use a part of our apartment as an official company...
Then I would need to order specific labels with the exaxt material-mix of my items, but it differs between clothing and bags... For children stuff (like Scrunchies with kids motives or easter bunnies) I would even need a CE proofment... (Safety check for chemicals and swallowbale parts)
After all of that I would need to buy the fabrics, sew, sell, do the marketing and the taxes, shipping and taking the risk of loosing the inicial 1000-1500€
Finally ordering comparable items from china (wish, Shein, etc) costs only a fraction of the costs I would have. So I would need to take "luxury" prices to make it profitable and I am really afraid that people aren´t willing to pay that.
Every Wednesday I put my masks on 21 market sites. I find that promoting on Wednesday’s, I get put into the customers pick up plan. Last night I sewed from 1:00pm to 10:30pm. I also donate to local businesses. After a customer brought the 2nd time, I friend request them.
Thanks Virginia.
I am struggling to find my niche.
It is a challenge! Keep trying things and that niche will probably find you!
@@gingercakesews thanks.
Currently selling face masks like crazy.
Thank you for sharing!!! Too scary to start a sewing business on Etsy. I would prefer to sew for local community as a hobby.
I started selling my handmade crafts on Etsy and has been very good so far
I am blessed in that I am retired. I love to craft, but I sell only so my hobby will pay for itself. I sell through Etsy and at two Christmas craft fairs (these are the most profitable and are usually indoors so weather is not a concern). It makes it so much more fun. My income is proabably about $1500 a year, but that money buys a lot of craft supplies.
Great video...thank you!! Love your hair🧡
Very good advice!
Thanks for the helpful tips 👍🏾
Thanks for sharing, Great information
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the code. Just got the crayon art folio and the 3 layer clutch. Are there any videos available as well? Thanks😊
I have been on Etsy for a long time, selling other stuff, and I've seen it change for the worse as far as the way they Etsy treats its sellers. The most recent change in how they figure out how to charge you for advertising they supposedly do for you without you asking for it...it was just so confusing and frustrating. Do you sell on other platforms as well, like I used to be on Artfire, which I don't even know if that exists anymore. But do you think it's better to be present on multiple platforms or just focus on one, like Etsy?
HI Carrie, I do have an etsy shop but I have felt a lot like you- the fees are huge! I also have my bigcartel shop which is where I send all my own promotion via facebook, instagram and pinterest. Pinterest is a really great platform to drive traffic to your shop. I keep etsy because people find my shop and purchase there but I have the advertising with them at a minimum! I would suggest starting your own indepedent shop which is very inexpensive and then take control of the promotions yourself! Hard work but it pays off and you don't have to rely on etsy or their crazy high fees anymore!
Thank You.
Hi Verginia you are one of the first folks I subscribe to. I finally have desided. I'm going to make my business work. I've been sewing for craft show 3years, with the pandemic l don't have that opportunity. I've thought about estey and a few others . If you're up for it I'd like your input.
Maybe I should buy your books. Please let me know what you think.
Love your channel:)
Ps I'm Granny Smith
Granny Smith
hi friends! You can shop my Digital PDF Travel Pattern sale over in my shop at gingercake.bigcartel.com/category/travel. Use the code TRAVELSALE2020 for 50% off all 11 patterns!
Lindsey, I have a burning question: How can things be sold made from fabrics when all fabrics have copyrights or are marked prohibited, use for personal uses only"? You understand my question?
hi! You cannot claim the fabric designs as your own but you can use them to make things to sell. They are a material- not the product itself. Does that make sense?
@@gingercakesews awesome thanks for answering 😊
Made some handbags, outsides in canvas or denim. Added applique design, similar to lining fabric print, cut from unrelated cotton fabric. Now wondering if that is legal, illegal, or just irrelevant since only couple are made ? ?
@@gingercakesews I looked up copyright but was still uncertain. Thank you Lindsay for making it simple to understand.
I'm just opened my Etsy store .. I would love to do a craft show but with Covid in my area they have stopped ✋ all of those
Thank great ideas
You are so welcome!
Thinking of making a cozy for granddaughters play tea set. If you have thoughts on that I would appreciate. Again I think your great.
Thank you
Virginia, I have a question. If you want to sew things to sell, and you're not making up the pattern yourself, but using a purchased pattern, is that alright to do? Do you need some type of special permission from the person, company, etc. that actually made the pattern?
hi Joann!
Many patterns give you persmission. In my books, all the patterns are copy right free. Also, I allow all my patterns in my digital shop to be sewn for sales. But you need to look for the rules of the designer. Some say no sales. Some say fine for sales (like me) and some ask you to buy a "license" for sales.
@@gingercakesews That was a good question from another person. Now I understand that one also. I wondered the same thing but had forgotten to ask. Thank you for sharing your patterns so freely and asking nothing in return, not even a license.
@@gingercakesews you
In your book sewing to sell what actually do we get to learn about it ....in my place I don't get that kind of sewing books to help myself to stitch clothes and sell it ....do we get the pattern , how to cut , how to measure it, how to iron different types of materials clothes , how to stitch any Kinds of clothes with one sewing machine/ different types of machine ?
My problem is timing of starting a “legal” business so I can pay the correct taxes. I can’t afford an accountant. If I could, I wouldn’t need to sew for profit. I don’t want to start advertising if I might get myself in trouble. Please give me some guidance so I don’t waste money. I know laws differ from place to place. Thank you!
You can call the state and ask them to send you the forms and instructions for taxes. It will not be hard to understand.
You almost have to go into craft shows as promtion only. I never make what I'm worth, I find people always want a bargin or talk you down on prices. Plus the stress of making your entry fees back. It really turned me off. I pretty much only sew for fun now.
Have you tried Etsy and other marketplaces?
Thanks for the video.
From where you are collecting fabrics??
Hi! I have been buying fabric for years! I get some at the big stores like Joanns. I also buy from local quilt shops (except they are not very close to where i live!) and I order most online! I like Hawthorne threads, fabric.com, bloomerie fabrics. I also find some great deals at small independent shops on etsy!
Ok.. thanks
The cities should have handcrafts fair every weekend to allow people to earn their living. In other some countries, example: In Brazil, you see on weekends very nice stands selling all kind of handmade stuff crafts, cooking and there is not charge, if there is very minimal. But here in USA it's frustrating.
Does your book help to figure out what to charge for items?
I'd love to have those books too, I just started my sewing at home business but now I'm struggling to recover due to lockdowns. How much is it?
it is at a lot of libraries! Also on amazon :)
I really enjoyed your video! Thank you for sharing. I was wondering if you had to register for a business name to make labels for your products. Also, do you need to register for a business license and a seller’s permit to sell on Etsy?
I’m not up for the task. But I will sew anyway
Thank you! I have a question. Can I sell things made from Disney or Marvel fabric? I have an Etsy store and want to put some things out there made from that fabric. Thanks.
EJsDaughterCreations
Yes- you can! The fabric designers have already paid for the rights to print the fabric. It is expected that people will use the fabric to make things!
Thank you!
It’s hard to find the next “hot item”. To sell at a craft show! When cabbage patch dolls were “hot”, I made doll babies, a dupe. I made 26 of them and dressed them real cute and I sold out at a craft show by noon! They went like hot cakes at $29 per doll!! After that I did cabbage patch doll clothes and they sold good at the next show. I haven’t found anything since that went like that! I tried American Girl doll clothes, but I started too late--everyone was making them! It hard to predict what will sell!
Hi Virginia. What is the name of your Etsy store?
Virginia, thank you for your videos. I just ordered your books from Amazon and am excited that they will arrive on Monday. Does your book explain how to calculate a selling price for the item. I create and sew bags of different kinds. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us who want to really get serious about a home-based business.
yes! There is a section on pricing! Quite a bit of info on that actually :)
@@gingercakesews Thank you for your prompt response.
How long is the sale going on? I love your patterns. 💕
Thank you! It will end on Wed, June 18th :)
We wouldn’t do that, if they don’t want or like the product, we’re not going to coax someone or self promote. Like Amazon, those sales are a given, someone wants something, they go there. They don’t even know who the person is. The word niche, yes, agreed, that’s the key.
I set up at our farmers market this year with items I started making, I'll be back next year I'm glad I'm not trying to make a living with it.
Thanks so much dear sister
How can I buy one of your books please
Hello, Kentucky here. I am not sure if you are answering questions still?? My story is that i use to Hand quilt purses back in 2011. I use to put them on eBay as an Item for a Auction. I did really great selling the purses. But, I am looking back today at all of the Auctions on eBay & I only see 1 or 2 people that is actually placing there bids on 1 or 2 items. If i wanted to put my purses on eBay, today. I don't see me selling anything on eBay. How would you advise a person to put things on eBay & or maybe quilt something different? Thanks for any kind of help!!
Watching in 2024❤
Hi I feel like you talk about me ☺️☺️
Hi I’m just starting out , do I have to put care labels on everything.
Where can I get these books?
Im worried I replied to myself. dah!
I’m also worried that the clients won’t like my products. N I haven’t seen anything on Etsy
You will be surprised at how many people will get love what you create. I haven't been on Etsy to sell and I probably never will, but the market place is a good place. You have nothing to lose.
Just ignore the negative comments, because there is always going to be that one person who nothing makes them happy, but spreading negativity.
We often are harder on ourselves. I find selling on Etsy is easier than to family and friends. Getting your first sell is the hardest, but after a while you will know what customers want. Just open an Etsy shop and test it out
I would like to ask if you have second hand tools for sewing for sale? I need good quality fabric scissors, rotary rulers that is wide and long enough
assorted pins and clips, scraps fabrics, etc. I hope you could message me back, if its okay.
HI Sabina! No I do not have any for sale at this time. I would suggest looking on facebook marketplace, ebay, mercari, or letgo. Many people are probably either giving away tools or selling. Good luck!
Check out Craigslist as well ...also, when we get back to 'normal', check out garage sales, and local thrift shops...
I’m and introvert and I’m afraid of them saying no. 😬
Try selling on Etsy, you don't get rejections there lol, if they like it, they will make an order. I found that selling to friends and family is a lot harder, and many times they want a huge discount
I tried but Etsy have grown with Chinese stuff for cheap.
gday Virginia, thank you so much for this insight. I have a little sewing business "seymourvintage", I sew lots of things and im big on upcycling and recycling. I have a facie page, I post on all the local sale sites and I also do pop ups in the local big shopping centre, which im finding that I might have to give up a its getting too pricey, I also do local markets in the area. The price I put on my goodies is prolly not enough, I put on them what I think I would pay at a market etc. my theory is if you make them too pricey , then no one will buy. If its a reasonable price then hopefully you will sell lots. My question is how do you know what people want......I sew things that I have pop up on my RUclips subs, so I dont have any one specific thing that I sew, ive been told people like variety, but its getting real hard to know what people want.....how do you know what to sew? Thanks again for this great RUclips tutorial, I was kind of loosing my mojo. take care. xxxxx
hi Tracey! One thing that many marketing people recommend and I find helpful is to create your "ideal customer". THis means you invent a person- and get very detailed! This person is who you want to sew for. Say it is a 25 year woman who loves the old movies, hiking, and is a vegetarian. What would that person want?? It's helpful if you yourself have some things in common with her. You target this made up person with your sewing. You pick fabrics that are nostalgic to old hollywood. You sew things for hikers- fanny packs, water bottle holder, head bands. And you focus on sustainability because since she is vegetariam, she probably cares about the envornment. I hope this is helpful! Invent your person and let that be your guide!
why would you pay yourself doing something you love?
Paying staff hours is part of running a business. Why would that change if you enjoy the activity?
HI blessings..it's great listing to you..I do sewing. I'm not getting wat I want from it .am shy am self.some.thing .I'm just stand back am in need of money .am just not getting. There.am not a open person.ican sew great.but .just.not getting.pls help me in wat ever way you can.i waiting. For your reply. Thanks.i need to get started on making. Some money from my 2 hands.i know I can do it .but I just can get started. Yeah. Lovely. Words.am tuch. Yu words.dem sound like I was just listing for.am not a phone person .nor social media. That's it.i don't take pictures. I don't even remember noting when I sew it from the costomer. Is good .that's it no pictures. No nothing. I sew pillow. Sheet sets.cussion head bonds. Etc.variety..I appreciate your help.
Go away scammer.
Nossa vídeo ótimo. Sou brasileira e pretendo ir fazer um intercâmbio nos EUA e já estava pensando em fazer as minhas artes para ajudar no dia a dia, e veio a dúvida é possível? As pessoas valorizam? Vou poder fazer artesanato como fonte de renda?
Obrigada pelas dicas dos markeplace e sobre as feras de artesanato.
Jamais compara-se o valor de um trabalho de um artesão ao valor praticado pelo Walmart.
Caso tenha alguma dica manda no meu insta @barbara_morais_cs
Hi Barbara, how are you doing?
Thank you for these tips. Yes, I find it very hard to not be too 'pushy' when with family, friends and my quilt club. I missed my huge craft fair because of C-19 and I'm trying to promote my items via instagrama nd facebook, but it isn't easy and very time consuming.
it is hard to be pushy! THis is when I start my job as an actress and claim "shamelss self promotion!" Sales is hard and it makes many of us feel uncomfortable. Keep up with the social media- it pays off eventually with consistency.
@@gingercakesews before bringing up my family while joint running a business with my family, I was a sales representative and good at it, but that was one on one, which is why I enjoy the craft fairs so much. Selling through social media isn't quite as easy.
@@arriettysbags As a customer it's so much easier to ignore a product on line so I imagine it is very frustrating as a seller. Good luck with your sales
have you tried market places like Etsy ? I don't like selling to friends and family because it's usually at a discount 😫
@@DesignerNerida I barely make a profit so etsy is out. Markets/craft fairs are the best for me and I use face book and instagram.