I am floored that you are charging so much with such little investment. I would not have it in me to do that to people. I would feel like such a scammer..
My major investment with all of my products is time Dawn. The fabric I receive, although free to me, still needs to be picked up, sorted and processed to make it a usable piece of fabric. As a taxpayer, I also have a lot of overheads such as power, insurances, taxes, wages, machine maintenance, thread, needles... I could go on. I also have the added costs of zippers, labels, tags, interfacings, stabilisers, subscriptions to the avenues I use for selling, and some advertising costs. Are you aware that my prices are in Australian $$ not USD? As an example, my supermarket shopping bags retail for $15 au which is about $9.95 USD at current exchange rates. A minimum (unskilled) hourly wage rate for Australians in the sewing industry is currently over $26 per hour, and that doesn't even include the $11.5% compulsory retirement fund. I am completely transparent in all of my costings, and freely tell people that my charge out rate for anything I do is $45 au per hour. The difference between my hourly wage rate and chargout rate are all the costs I have already mentioned as well as many I haven't listed. My chargout rate is actually well below what it needs to be for me to earn a wage and survive in this industry. Whilst I factor all of these expenses into my pricing, I do not EVER charge a customer for fabric or materials that I have received for free. My customers are fully aware that I rescue fabric, and that they pay me a good wage for my time. I pride myself on my honesty and my workmanship. I would never consider ripping people off or scamming them. I do however value my time and think I am worth the effort I have put into the small business I have. I have good morals, and a conscience that would never allow me to take advantage of others. All of these things might be well worth considering before inferring that a person is a scammer.
Christine that is amazing!! I have just started selling my goods. My top three so far are the puppy pooh pouch, chapstick holder and the grocery bags. When people ask me where my ideas come from I tell them about your shop in Australia, and how you so graciously share your ideas and how to make them. Thanks again for all that you are doing.
Congrats on your sales. They are well deserved! I just want to say how much I enjoy watching your videos. I have learned so much and I really do appreciate you're no-nonsense and music-free tutorials. You have a charming way of engaging your audience. I feel like you are an old friend. 🙂 Wishing you the very best. Happy New Year!
Congratulations Christine, that’s a fantastic accomplishment,your items are wonderful and you are saving items that would otherwise have gone to landfill.Thanks for sharing
I love that you so generously share how to price your items and how much you earn on them, it makes sense and makes you remember the work behind every part of the process and materials, - thank you!
Love your videos ! You make some of the easiest instructions to follow. I dont make things to sell, I make them for my family. One of the things they like the best are the different size pouch's and zipper bags. I have 3 great grand children all under the age of 10. When I give them a gift, little care, blocks, figurines etc I make a bag to keep them in. I use a matching fabric, like minecraft for those and car fabric for little care and such. The kids love them. Living in Florida in the US where its hot, I make shopping bags using heavy pre quilted fabric and with a zipper closing to keep food cold. Your assortment of different bags are perfect for these Items ! Thank you !
Thank you and WOW!!! It is really mixing up lately, a good way to see that different items do well and not the same all the time. Yes, the more and varied items help. Glad to see it is dog walking weather again for you, lol.😄
Congrats on your sales success and thank you for sharing! I enjoy watching your videos and seeing what you create using all types of fabrics and I really appreciate you rescuing fabrics from going to the landfill. Thank you for all that you do for us fellow sewers. Your work is greatly appreciated ❤
So excited about your success, Christine! Love to hear the excitement in your voice too. I do use labels too, but in my area, people seem to like them placed a bit more discreetly. ❤ Cathy from Nevada
Thanks Cathy. I think the labels have worked because the fabric isn't very pretty or glamorous. The sepia colour of the labels works well with the textured fabric of the sample swatches. I don't think the labels are particularly nice, but they convey a message that people seem to like. Of course there are people that don't like the labels, and I offer to remove them, but have only ever done that once. Fortunately because we're in a tourist area, people usually prefer the labels visible, especially if giving as a give to family or friens overseas.😁
Congrats on your sales!! Your items are truly useful in everyday life and your sewing is top notch!! Thank you for all the tutorials and best wishes for a very Happy New Year!!
Thank you so much Christine! I love how open you are about what u sell and make to help the rest of us! You are such a smart kind women to share with all of us. Especially those of us that are just starting out!! 🤗
Happy new year to you and Chris. And good health.❤ With so much sewing, I wonder how you find time for so many new videos. You are a wonderful inspiration and motivator. I am happy about your well-deserved success. Thank you very much for sharing.
What a nice way to finish up the year - Congratulations! The addition of the label increasing sales makes total sense, especially for folks who are traveling on vacation as it is a nice souvenir/memory of the trip. And I love that your #1 is always #1. I think we would all be surprised if that ever changed. Happy New Year!
Very productive year for you. You deserve all your success. And thanks for the bit about the labels. I will be investing in some for my products, even though I'm nowhere near as productive as you!
So excited that your helping hands have made the list of best sellers . Was holding my breath lol. I made them for a Christmas craft show 2022 , some sold but spent a lot of time explaining what they were . This recent craft show I dragged a garbage bag of them (50 ) out to the car debating whether to bring them . Glad I did , started selling them the set up night before and all day during the fair ($300@$8.00 each .) many were looking for matching designs ! I was thinking of doubling the CDs too as a repeat customer said her Granddaughter snapped one . So grateful I had found your channel and your wonderful ideas 😊
So pleased for you that the tourist park has now reopened. Well done on all your sales after all the hard work put into making them and time spent video editing. I've got myself a few CD's now so hope to get a 'helping hand' made for a friend soon, using 2 cd's as you mentioned for extra strength. I still need to sort out my 2 books of fabric swatches - both with beautiful fabrics. Best wishes to you both from a rainy England ☔🌀🌧
You are such a great teacher! I watch every tutorials your put out. I have a request, With the season changes I like to cover my tissue boxes and I would really like you to give us a tutorial on how to measure and sew these covers. I use both the small square boxes as wwell as the traditionial size. Thanks again for your very useful, well sewn tutorials. Virginia Unger
Do you wash your sample materials, such as upholstery etc? You have one of my very favorite channels if not my favorite. I love making some of your projects. Congrats on your sales!
You inspire me so much, your bags are beautiful, i made quite a few for Christmas presents, will keep going i have a large stash of fabric, will make and sell and try to sew up my stash❤
Congratulations Christine i did ask around about fabric swaches the places i went to told me they all use didital format from their sales person was a little dissapointed but oh well i tried
I didn't know that was a thing Pamela. As a customer, I'd prefer to see and touch the fabric. Try the smaller independent furniture restorers and upholsterers. I only have one of those suppliers, but he gives me enough to keep sewing😄
I'm completely gobsmacked at the prices you manage to reach. Here in Europe (and Britain especially) people just don't have that kind of money. Those shopping bags wouldn't bring more than a couple of pounds. This is why i stopped making things to sell. I can't even get the price of the thread and accessories back, never mind the fabric. Well done that you've overcome this. Those labels were a Gamechanger.
Hand sanitizer holders might sell well as a complement to your puppy poo bags. Congrats on a great quarter. It’s fun to get paid for doing something you love. ❤
You've got golden hands. Beautiful items and they look very neat. I have a query, can those items be sewn on our domestic sewing machine or do we need a stronger motor machine, because most of the fabrics seem to be thick to last for a long time. Another thing about the labels, did you do them by yourself? Thanks a lot for your time and help.
Anita, I purchased my labels after using design templates on website (there's a link in video description). I've only been using industrial machines for 3 years. Prior to that, all my bags and alterations were done with an old MyExel Janome sewing machine. It worked fine. Just a lot slower. 🙂
Amazing and thank you for sharing! Quick question is I see tags hanging on all your products would you care to share what information and details are these hanging tags.
Yes of course Jeane. I'm a licenced/approved "Australian Made" seller, so the green triangle tags just say "Made in Australia" (you can't purchase the tags without licence), where my other tags are a description of my store, what I do, and give website, RUclips, and contact info. If you have a look at the Community tab on my channel, there is a post about the tags which will show you what is written on each side. 😁
Hi Christine, I’ve just discovered you😊. I’m in Australia too and I’d like to know how you get swatch samples, especially those of a decent size? Marcia
Quilting cotton is 100% cotton fabric, that is usually better quality than regular cottons. You'll find it in all quilt shops, and Spotlight/Lincraft have a section for it too. The quality from quilt shops is better than the big stores. 😁
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs ohh I didn't know there were quilt shops I thought it was just spotlight!! I'm a newbie never sewn in my life!!! I've just got my machine and all confused
I was just talking to Chris about this today. I might do a "day in the shop" video. Chris and I offer a service where we clean out houses of deceased estates, people downsizing, or just moving house. Often with a deceased estate, the family members take what they want and we come and do the rest. We deal with the rubbish, and every item left in the house. Then price it for our shops. We both have similar stores, and now run both out of the one building. Sometimes Chris might do the shed cleanout and I'll do the house contents. We don't mind competition. The more of the same type of business close to us, the better it is for tourism😁
Zee, we haven't needed to look for abandoned storage containers, but have had the occasional customer sell us their container contents. Here's a video of one Chris and I did recently😁 ruclips.net/video/RLsRDmdBxaU/видео.htmlsi=3y_sc2eSLroeFsNi
Just take one day at a time. Go slow, stop and pause videos regularly and you'll be fine. I'm almost 60, have been sewing since I was a child, and still learn every day😀
1:58 i really like the Australian made tag you put on. Where did you get it? My inlaws are indian and live in India, his sisters want gifts from Australia but everything here is made in China lol. But if i learn how to make a pouch from watching your tutorials, i could put an Australia made tag so they will think i purchased it and its Australian lol. Where did you get the tags 😊
You need a licence to carry the Aussie Made logo on your products, then after that, they allow you to carry the official tags. If you want Aussie made gifts, I have bags on my website stitchthis.com.au/shop/ and more products in my store that all carry the tag. 😁
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs Really? A licence for a tag? Ohh. I can whatsapp the your link if you like 😊 But I would like to learn how to sew so I can make my kids things like library bags and light tote bags for groceries lol. I need to learn how to sew because I convinced my husband to let me buy one haha. I often get into hobbies and get over them and have all the stuff laying around lol. I need to prove to him that I made a useful purchase 😆 Plus I need a hobby to do on my days off work when I'm bored
I’m thinking of starting an etsy shop, but can’t imagine figuring out the shipping, are you continually going to ship things, or do you sell at bazaars?
Kate, as I use my website for most of my shipping, it works out postage costs for me. When I unsuccessfully had Etsy, I had a flat rate for postage and packaging. Any other posted sales are used with prepaid satchels, and are easy to price😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs thanks for the reply, i would like to do this, i may make what like and after awhile sell them. i don’t think i can create fast enough. i have a job or organizing education events, lots of. details, i understand how organize and complete a project. so you tried etsy first. many years ago i did bazaars but people want yard sale pricing. thanks again!
Jen, I don't count inventory very often. A bit slack there. I do have a ledger book where I record what I make. I should find a program though. It would make it easier to collect data each quarter. I record sales in a diary.🙂
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs I to write in a book but I have so much stuff I need a program lol ..... I am going into hospital tommorow for knee replacement surgery my second knee in 7 years, I'm a little nervous, I don't like pain at least I have no more knees left lol and I hope to be back sewing within a week...... how is your shoulder doing now and do you have physio.?
@jenjenh706 hope you're recovery goes well, and your surgery. Shoulder still has limited movement, but Chris and I have started training again (table tennis). I've entered my first comp in 18months in a few weeks time which will be interesting. Am now able to put my hair up again too. That was exciting 😄
I just use google sheets. It’s pretty simple if you are familiar with excel, but what is great about it is you can access it anywhere. For example, I can make an entry on my phone, then go to my tablet or computer and the updated info is there. Makes it very convenient.
wow table tennis ,you are active I just wanna walk lol............ today is the day you have a lot of videos too watch in hospital so I will be enjoying them I have to be at LIsmore hospital at 11 and be out on Sunday I use square at Markets and I believe it has an inventory thing I will look into that 😀😀😀
Hi Christine. Where do you buy your zipper tape and pulls. I'm finding that one of the most expensive items to buy. Do you buy different colour zips and pulls.
I stick with just one colour as it's much easier for me and customers don't seem to notice. It's also become my brand. I buy in bulk from an Australian company called Mrecht. Usually about 200metre rolls at a time with around 500 sliders 😄
@ChristinesHomeAffairs goodness that a lot of zips..lol. Another question if u don't mind. I'm wanting to put a little tag on the sides of bags, pouches etc..not on the front. What size should I order? Many Thanks
@kalmyluv ahh, that would be a decision for you. It really depends on how much information is on your label. Try cutting strips of paper on your products for size. 😄
The first time I received fabric was by accident when someone dropped it in to me. After that I wondered if other places had excess stock and started looking into it😁
I am floored that you are charging so much with such little investment. I would not have it in me to do that to people. I would feel like such a scammer..
My major investment with all of my products is time Dawn. The fabric I receive, although free to me, still needs to be picked up, sorted and processed to make it a usable piece of fabric. As a taxpayer, I also have a lot of overheads such as power, insurances, taxes, wages, machine maintenance, thread, needles... I could go on. I also have the added costs of zippers, labels, tags, interfacings, stabilisers, subscriptions to the avenues I use for selling, and some advertising costs.
Are you aware that my prices are in Australian $$ not USD? As an example, my supermarket shopping bags retail for $15 au which is about $9.95 USD at current exchange rates.
A minimum (unskilled) hourly wage rate for Australians in the sewing industry is currently over $26 per hour, and that doesn't even include the $11.5% compulsory retirement fund. I am completely transparent in all of my costings, and freely tell people that my charge out rate for anything I do is $45 au per hour. The difference between my hourly wage rate and chargout rate are all the costs I have already mentioned as well as many I haven't listed.
My chargout rate is actually well below what it needs to be for me to earn a wage and survive in this industry. Whilst I factor all of these expenses into my pricing, I do not EVER charge a customer for fabric or materials that I have received for free. My customers are fully aware that I rescue fabric, and that they pay me a good wage for my time.
I pride myself on my honesty and my workmanship. I would never consider ripping people off or scamming them. I do however value my time and think I am worth the effort I have put into the small business I have. I have good morals, and a conscience that would never allow me to take advantage of others.
All of these things might be well worth considering before inferring that a person is a scammer.
@@ChristinesHomeAffairsyou don’t have to justify yourself to scammer who projects his/her ill nature on to others.
Christine that is amazing!! I have just started selling my goods. My top three so far are the puppy pooh pouch, chapstick holder and the grocery bags. When people ask me where my ideas come from I tell them about your shop in Australia, and how you so graciously share your ideas and how to make them. Thanks again for all that you are doing.
That is awesome Juanita. I'm so pleased you're having success with them all. Thanks for sharing😁
Thanks for such generous sharing. Nagambie is a cute place. Best wishes !@@ChristinesHomeAffairs
Congrats on your sales. They are well deserved! I just want to say how much I enjoy watching your videos. I have learned so much and I really do appreciate you're no-nonsense and music-free tutorials. You have a charming way of engaging your audience. I feel like you are an old friend. 🙂 Wishing you the very best. Happy New Year!
That's so lovely Rebecca. Thank you😁
Congratulations Christine, that’s a fantastic accomplishment,your items are wonderful and you are saving items that would otherwise have gone to landfill.Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much Eve. I'm enjoying every minute of it all 😄
I have so much fabric it's ridiculous. I'm off to go through my stash now I have some ideas. Thankyou!
That's awesome Helen. Happy sewing😁
Congrats on all your sales! Your videos are inspiring me to expand my business. I really enjoy making accessories and bags the most.
Thanks Raquel. I'm so pleased they've been helpful😀
I enjoy watching your masterpieces.
Recycled, reusable and functional. You're work is a blessing.❤
Thank you so much Candy😊
It's so generous of you to share the details of your products and how they've sold. Thank you so much
You're very welcome. Thank you😁
You are such a remarkable and resourceful business woman. Thanks for sharing. 🌺
Thank you so much Lee😁
I love that you so generously share how to price your items and how much you earn on them, it makes sense and makes you remember the work behind every part of the process and materials, - thank you!
Thanks Sofie. I'm glad you enjoyed the video😁
I love how you share your patterns in detail and what you sell. Thank you ❤
You are so welcome Gail. Thank you😁
Love your videos ! You make some of the easiest instructions to follow. I dont make things to sell, I make them for my family. One of the things they like the best are the different size pouch's and zipper bags. I have 3 great grand children all under the age of 10. When I give them a gift, little care, blocks, figurines etc I make a bag to keep them in. I use a matching fabric, like minecraft for those and car fabric for little care and such. The kids love them. Living in Florida in the US where its hot, I make shopping bags using heavy pre quilted fabric and with a zipper closing to keep food cold. Your assortment of different bags are perfect for these Items ! Thank you !
Thank you so much Trudy😀
I love when you tell us about your sales. So proud of you, you do a great job with your found fabric! You are doing great!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Debbie. I always wonder if I overshare in those videos😁
Those are really great numbers. Congrats on beating out last year and having some surprises in the top 10 list! Great work!
Thanks Sadie. It was nice to have a couple of new ones in there😁
I love your ideas and creativity. I draw inspiration from them. Thanks for sharing ❤
Thank you Naomi😁
Thank you and WOW!!! It is really mixing up lately, a good way to see that different items do well and not the same all the time. Yes, the more and varied items help. Glad to see it is dog walking weather again for you, lol.😄
Thanks Judi. It was nice to see a few new items in the list😁
Congrats on your sales success and thank you for sharing! I enjoy watching your videos and seeing what you create using all types of fabrics and I really appreciate you rescuing fabrics from going to the landfill. Thank you for all that you do for us fellow sewers. Your work is greatly appreciated ❤
Thank you so much Doris. 😁
Love watching these videos. Grocery bags did REALLY well. Good to see things are going great.
Thanks Terri. I'm glad they're still a winner😁
Great ending for the old year. Wishing you an even better year in 2024. Thank you for sharing so much knowledge with us.😊
Happy new year Babs. Thank you😁
So excited about your success, Christine! Love to hear the excitement in your voice too.
I do use labels too, but in my area, people seem to like them placed a bit more discreetly.
❤ Cathy from Nevada
Thanks Cathy. I think the labels have worked because the fabric isn't very pretty or glamorous. The sepia colour of the labels works well with the textured fabric of the sample swatches. I don't think the labels are particularly nice, but they convey a message that people seem to like.
Of course there are people that don't like the labels, and I offer to remove them, but have only ever done that once. Fortunately because we're in a tourist area, people usually prefer the labels visible, especially if giving as a give to family or friens overseas.😁
Well done Christine. I love all the things you make. You are my inspiration for making things for myself and my family. Xx
That's so lovely Christine. Thank you 😊
Congrats on your sales!! Your items are truly useful in everyday life and your sewing is top notch!! Thank you for all the tutorials and best wishes for a very Happy New Year!!
Thank you Esperanza. Happy New Year!😁
Thank you so much Christine! I love how open you are about what u sell and make to help the rest of us! You are such a smart kind women to share with all of us. Especially those of us that are just starting out!! 🤗
Thank you so much! I hope it helps😁
Happy new year to you and Chris. And good health.❤
With so much sewing, I wonder how you find time for so many new videos. You are a wonderful inspiration and motivator. I am happy about your well-deserved success.
Thank you very much for sharing.
Thanks Sybille. Chris and I only open our shops 3 days a week. It leaves us plenty of time at home for videos. Happy New Year!😁
What a nice way to finish up the year - Congratulations! The addition of the label increasing sales makes total sense, especially for folks who are traveling on vacation as it is a nice souvenir/memory of the trip. And I love that your #1 is always #1. I think we would all be surprised if that ever changed. Happy New Year!
haha, I still have way too much fabric to use up for those shopping bags, Robin. The're not allowed to drop off the list until I run out!😀
I love the card holders
Thank you for your quarterly update. It's always interesting to see this breakdown and I appreciate you taking the time to share with us.
Glad you enjoyed it Christine. Thank you😁
Incredible results, Christine! Well done! Lots of hard work on your part but it is paying off!
Thank you so much😁
Great job Christine! Way to go!
Thanks Georgy😁
Great results, well done Christine,
Thanks Faye. It was nice to have a good ending to the year😁
Excellent Christine! You go girl...🥰
Thanks Sue😁
Congrats. That’s great. I sure do agree with you about Labels! They’re a game changer.
They sure have been Cyn. The best investment ever. 😁
Wow! Congratulations on the sales. Well deserved return.😊
Thanks so much Melanie 😊
Very productive year for you. You deserve all your success. And thanks for the bit about the labels. I will be investing in some for my products, even though I'm nowhere near as productive as you!
Thank you. The labels have been the best investment I could have made in my business😁
So excited that your helping hands have made the list of best sellers . Was holding my breath lol.
I made them for a Christmas craft show 2022 , some sold but spent a lot of time explaining what they were . This recent craft show I dragged a garbage bag of them (50 ) out to the car debating whether to bring them . Glad I did , started selling them the set up night before and all day during the fair ($300@$8.00 each .) many were looking for matching designs ! I was thinking of doubling the CDs too as a repeat customer said her Granddaughter snapped one . So grateful I had found your channel and your wonderful ideas 😊
What wonderful sales Catherine. I ended up doubling my dvds as some people were a bit heavy handed with them😀
variety works! I love the vinyl pieced bags & the tapestry bags, especially. Looking forward to the year end summary!
Thanks Lori. I'll be doing that one in the next few days😀
Thank you Christine, it’s great to see your work and many congrats on your sales, well deserved.
Thanks so much Susan😀
So pleased for you that the tourist park has now reopened. Well done on all your sales after all the hard work put into making them and time spent video editing. I've got myself a few CD's now so hope to get a 'helping hand' made for a friend soon, using 2 cd's as you mentioned for extra strength. I still need to sort out my 2 books of fabric swatches - both with beautiful fabrics. Best wishes to you both from a rainy England ☔🌀🌧
Thanks Lesley. It's amazing how much of a difference the park has made in just a few short weeks😁
Great job!! You are a great inspiration. Love your videos. Have a blessed year !❤
Thank you Connie. You too!🙂
You’re doing such a great job and the items look so professional with the tags hanging on them. Could you share how you make them?
Thanks Marcella. I have tutorials for all of these products. You'll find the links in the description below the video.😁
You are such a great teacher! I watch every tutorials your put out. I have a request, With the season changes I like to cover my tissue boxes and I would really like you to give us a tutorial on how to measure and sew these covers. I use both the small square boxes as wwell as the traditionial size. Thanks again for your very useful, well sewn tutorials. Virginia Unger
Great suggestion Virginia. I have been thinking about tissue box holders😁
Wow what a fantastic 3 months you've had! Great work and a lot of hard work. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Thanks so much Janet. It was nice to have the tourists back in town. 😊
Do you wash your sample materials, such as upholstery etc? You have one of my very favorite channels if not my favorite. I love making some of your projects.
Congrats on your sales!
Hi Joanie. I don't prewash the samples as they get too messy and are labour intensive. I usually only prewash fabric if it's for garments😁
Wow fantastic way to end the year!!! Congratulations 🎊 always love watching your videos. Looking forward to seeing more in '24 x
Thanks Nanni Bee😁
Wow!! I’m so impressed!! Congrats on your amazing sales!!
Thanks so much Hiba😁
You inspire me so much, your bags are beautiful, i made quite a few for Christmas presents, will keep going i have a large stash of fabric, will make and sell and try to sew up my stash❤
You can do it Liz 😀
Congratulations on your sales! I love watching your channel.
Thank you so much Donna😁
Love your video what an inspiration you are, great you are doing so well with sales for all your great work. Thank you for sharing...❤
You're very welcome Phyllis. Thank you😀
love your items and ideas! Happy selling!
Thank you Robyn😀
Congratulations Christine i did ask around about fabric swaches the places i went to told me they all use didital format from their sales person was a little dissapointed but oh well i tried
I didn't know that was a thing Pamela. As a customer, I'd prefer to see and touch the fabric.
Try the smaller independent furniture restorers and upholsterers. I only have one of those suppliers, but he gives me enough to keep sewing😄
Congratulations Christine!!!🇨🇦
Thank you Shelley😀
That's awesome Christine. 🎉🎉
Thanks Janet😁
congratulations good job ..I always look forward to seeing your top ten..I knew the grocery bags will be #1 ..awsome ..be blessed..
Thanks Leticia. I'm really looking forward to sharing the annual report next week with the previous year's comparison. 😁
Good for you, Christine!! 👏👏👏
I love your videos. You are so honest and inspiring!
I have a question: where do you suggest going for labels?
Thanks Barbara. I have links to both my labels in the video description😁
Thank you for sharing you sales data. Very interesting. I’m feeling inspired. Happy sales for 2024. I really enjoy your videos.❤
You're welcome Melissa. I hope this helps😁
You mentioned your labels, and the whole video I was wondering where you get your labels? 😀 Love your work!
Thanks Karen. In each of my videos, you'll find links to my label suppliers in the description😁
So exciting to see your success. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.
You're very welcome Margaret. Thank you😁
This is a wonderful video to show how you can have a business. Thank you!🙏
You're so welcome Bella Rose. I hope it helps😁
I'm completely gobsmacked at the prices you manage to reach. Here in Europe (and Britain especially) people just don't have that kind of money. Those shopping bags wouldn't bring more than a couple of pounds. This is why i stopped making things to sell. I can't even get the price of the thread and accessories back, never mind the fabric. Well done that you've overcome this. Those labels were a Gamechanger.
Thanks Em. Don't forget my prices are in Australian $, so would be considerably less in your part of the world😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs this true, but I'd mentally made an adjustment. How about I make stuff and send it to you 😆😆 (kidding)
Thank you Christine! Awesome sales!!!! :)
Thanks Leseann😁
Hand sanitizer holders might sell well as a complement to your puppy poo bags. Congrats on a great quarter. It’s fun to get paid for doing something you love. ❤
They've been on my to do list for ages Maria. Hopefully some time soon I'll make time to try them out😁
Thank you so much for sharing! It has been very inspiring.
You are so welcome Mary. Thank you😁
Congratulations Christine!
Thanks so much😁
All beautiful Christine. Ive missed your latest videos but will catch up. :)
Thanks Vicki. Enjoy the catchup😁
Good for you Christine. Great increase. Congratulations. Happy New Year, all the best 🥰
Thanks Lucrezia. Happy New Year😁
You've got golden hands. Beautiful items and they look very neat.
I have a query, can those items be sewn on our domestic sewing machine or do we need a stronger motor machine, because most of the fabrics seem to be thick to last for a long time.
Another thing about the labels, did you do them by yourself?
Thanks a lot for your time and help.
Anita, I purchased my labels after using design templates on website (there's a link in video description).
I've only been using industrial machines for 3 years. Prior to that, all my bags and alterations were done with an old MyExel Janome sewing machine. It worked fine. Just a lot slower. 🙂
Wonderful news, your a talented lady 😊😊😊😊
Thank you Pamela😊
Well done!! Congratulations
Thanks Becky😁
Amazing and thank you for sharing! Quick question is I see tags hanging on all your products would you care to share what information and details are these hanging tags.
Yes of course Jeane. I'm a licenced/approved "Australian Made" seller, so the green triangle tags just say "Made in Australia" (you can't purchase the tags without licence), where my other tags are a description of my store, what I do, and give website, RUclips, and contact info. If you have a look at the Community tab on my channel, there is a post about the tags which will show you what is written on each side. 😁
Good for you! You are such an inspiration! Thank you!
Thanks so much Peggy😁
Hi Christine, I’ve just discovered you😊. I’m in Australia too and I’d like to know how you get swatch samples, especially those of a decent size? Marcia
Hi Marcia, I've done a few videos on obtaining free samples. Check out the free fabric playlist. I'll be doing another in a week or so😁
Congratulations on all your sales.
Thank you Angela😁
7:23 i love that! What is quilting cotton, is that normal 100% cotton? Spotlight is overwhelming and theres so many fabrics
Quilting cotton is 100% cotton fabric, that is usually better quality than regular cottons. You'll find it in all quilt shops, and Spotlight/Lincraft have a section for it too. The quality from quilt shops is better than the big stores. 😁
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs ohh I didn't know there were quilt shops I thought it was just spotlight!!
I'm a newbie never sewn in my life!!! I've just got my machine and all confused
Would you mind sharing a bit about the "cleanouts that Chris and I do"? Don't worry I'm in Canada so not your competition. 😄
I’d love to hear about that as well.
@@cathysimpson6126 I wonder if she means abandoned storage compartments? A lady here has the nicest shop stocked completely from those.
@@Dingle1234 you mean like a shipping container?
I was just talking to Chris about this today. I might do a "day in the shop" video. Chris and I offer a service where we clean out houses of deceased estates, people downsizing, or just moving house. Often with a deceased estate, the family members take what they want and we come and do the rest. We deal with the rubbish, and every item left in the house. Then price it for our shops. We both have similar stores, and now run both out of the one building. Sometimes Chris might do the shed cleanout and I'll do the house contents.
We don't mind competition. The more of the same type of business close to us, the better it is for tourism😁
Zee, we haven't needed to look for abandoned storage containers, but have had the occasional customer sell us their container contents. Here's a video of one Chris and I did recently😁 ruclips.net/video/RLsRDmdBxaU/видео.htmlsi=3y_sc2eSLroeFsNi
Love watching you! You are Fantastic!
Thanks so much Patricia😁
5:04 wowww youre so creative.
How long do you think it will take me to learn? I want to make for my kids to put pencils in
Just take one day at a time. Go slow, stop and pause videos regularly and you'll be fine. I'm almost 60, have been sewing since I was a child, and still learn every day😀
I love your labels!!
Thanks Vicki😁
Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure Elizabeth. Thank you😀
That is wonderful!
Thanks Deborah😀
1:58 i really like the Australian made tag you put on. Where did you get it? My inlaws are indian and live in India, his sisters want gifts from Australia but everything here is made in China lol.
But if i learn how to make a pouch from watching your tutorials, i could put an Australia made tag so they will think i purchased it and its Australian lol.
Where did you get the tags 😊
You need a licence to carry the Aussie Made logo on your products, then after that, they allow you to carry the official tags. If you want Aussie made gifts, I have bags on my website stitchthis.com.au/shop/ and more products in my store that all carry the tag. 😁
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs Really? A licence for a tag? Ohh.
I can whatsapp the your link if you like 😊
But I would like to learn how to sew so I can make my kids things like library bags and light tote bags for groceries lol.
I need to learn how to sew because I convinced my husband to let me buy one haha. I often get into hobbies and get over them and have all the stuff laying around lol.
I need to prove to him that I made a useful purchase 😆
Plus I need a hobby to do on my days off work when I'm bored
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you too Cynthia😁
Hi there are you able tell where you purchase your labels. the fabric ones. thank you
Yes Tracey. There's a link to both label suppliers in the description box of all my videos 🙂
Jeg elsker dine videoer, og du er så inspirerende at jeg straks må gå i gang med at lave min egen kollektion 1000 tak🤩
You're very welcome Pia. Thank you😀
I’m thinking of starting an etsy shop, but can’t imagine figuring out the shipping, are you continually going to ship things, or do you sell at bazaars?
Kate, as I use my website for most of my shipping, it works out postage costs for me. When I unsuccessfully had Etsy, I had a flat rate for postage and packaging. Any other posted sales are used with prepaid satchels, and are easy to price😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs thanks for the reply, i would like to do this, i may make what like and after awhile sell them. i don’t think i can create fast enough. i have a job or organizing education events, lots of. details, i understand how organize and complete a project.
so you tried etsy first. many years ago i did bazaars but people want yard sale pricing.
thanks again!
Well done Christine can I ask how or what do you use for inventory or what program?
Jen, I don't count inventory very often. A bit slack there. I do have a ledger book where I record what I make. I should find a program though. It would make it easier to collect data each quarter. I record sales in a diary.🙂
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs I to write in a book but I have so much stuff I need a program lol ..... I am going into hospital tommorow for knee replacement surgery my second knee in 7 years, I'm a little nervous, I don't like pain at least I have no more knees left lol and I hope to be back sewing within a week...... how is your shoulder doing now and do you have physio.?
@jenjenh706 hope you're recovery goes well, and your surgery.
Shoulder still has limited movement, but Chris and I have started training again (table tennis). I've entered my first comp in 18months in a few weeks time which will be interesting. Am now able to put my hair up again too. That was exciting 😄
I just use google sheets. It’s pretty simple if you are familiar with excel, but what is great about it is you can access it anywhere. For example, I can make an entry on my phone, then go to my tablet or computer and the updated info is there. Makes it very convenient.
wow table tennis ,you are active I just wanna walk lol............ today is the day you have a lot of videos too watch in hospital so I will be enjoying them I have to be at LIsmore hospital at 11 and be out on Sunday I use square at Markets and I believe it has an inventory thing I will look into that 😀😀😀
How do you come across free swatch cloths and upholstery fabric?
Check out my free fabric playlist. It has many tips Margaret 😃
Thank you!
You're welcome Kim. Thank you😁
Will you please tell me where you got your label plate?
Karen, the links to my label suppliers are in the video description😀
Hi Christine. Where do you buy your zipper tape and pulls. I'm finding that one of the most expensive items to buy. Do you buy different colour zips and pulls.
I stick with just one colour as it's much easier for me and customers don't seem to notice. It's also become my brand. I buy in bulk from an Australian company called Mrecht. Usually about 200metre rolls at a time with around 500 sliders 😄
@ChristinesHomeAffairs goodness that a lot of zips..lol. Another question if u don't mind. I'm wanting to put a little tag on the sides of bags, pouches etc..not on the front. What size should I order? Many Thanks
@kalmyluv ahh, that would be a decision for you. It really depends on how much information is on your label. Try cutting strips of paper on your products for size. 😄
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs thank you for being so helpful
Congratulations!
Thank you Elena 😊
Where did you get your labels from? Thank you
Monica, there's a link to my label supplier in the comments section 🙂
I did a few craft fairs last year. I get lots of compliments but hardly any sales. My pooh bag holders are only £5 just cant sell em?!!
You can never tell what's going to sell from one fair to the next Sue. It happens in the shop all the time too😀
Where do you connect to find free fabric?
Here's my "free fabric" playlist Brenda. It will give you some tips on finding it😀
Where is this giant utility bag pattern from?
Here it is Sara😁 ruclips.net/video/ab_B84czBkM/видео.htmlsi=ZkD3awK411eZPStD
I'm from the U.S.A. and woud like to know are your prices in Our Dollar Currantcy?
Sandra, I'm in Australia, so everything is in au$
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs Thanks so much..
If you enjoyed this video & feel like giving something back to the channel, you can do that here..... www.buymeacoffee.com/stitchthisr
Do you have an adult bib tutorial?
Yes I do Renee. Here it is. ruclips.net/video/5ZG105ViaZQ/видео.html
How did you find out how to get that fabric for free?
The first time I received fabric was by accident when someone dropped it in to me. After that I wondered if other places had excess stock and started looking into it😁
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs So did you just go to fabrics stores and ask them?
@stephaniemangold4209 I've done a few videos on how to find free fabric. You'll find them in my "Free fabric" playlist😀
@@ChristinesHomeAffairs thank you so much!
💚
Watching videos like this makes me wish I had some actual sewing skills. 😔 Rest in peace, my sewing skills. 😭😭😭🪦💐🕊️🪡🧵⚰️
Choose a simple project, take your time, and your sewing skill will soon develop😁