Most REWARDING parts of my handmade clothing business | What makes me come alive?

Today, I'm tackling a question I got from an Instagram friend: What's the most rewarding part of what I do? It's a great question, and I really appreciate the positivity behind it. It's easy to get caught up in the challenges, especially when you're still finding your way in the handmade clothing business. I'm about two and a half years into this journey, and I'm sharing the real deal. Is it positive feedback? Yeah, it's nice, but not everything. Money? I'll take it, but it's not the ultimate (or consistent) reward either. Join me as I talk about the tangible perks, like creating my dream wardrobe and the visual satisfaction of finishing raw edges. Plus, I'll get into the more intangible rewards, from pouring my deep love into my work to the joy of learning new skills and the thrill of business problem-solving.
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[@thisdogmama]

Interesting chat! I make my own clothes. I, too, find enclosing unfinished edges in a collar soooo satisfying. So much so that I often will hand sew this seam by hand so that I can really enjoy the process. Sticking a cute little tag in this seam is just the cherry on top. Wearing my own handmade clothes really helps me feel grounded and comfortable in my skin in a way that is really hard to explain. I am glad you are making patterns! I just made your Canary top. I am really please with how it came out!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

oh man, you are SO right, adding the tag really is up there as one of the most satisfying parts! Totally agree about feeling more grounded and comfortable-- something just feels right about it. And so glad your Canary top turned out well-- it is one of my favorites, and can't wait to have time to get to sharing the next one!

[@brooksidevt6120]

I'm so glad to have found you! I am a creator too. I love hearing about your process & the ways that you want your business to evolve. Very inspiring! Thank you for putting yourself out there!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Thank you for the kind words, I am so happy to have you here!

[@jacquelinealvarado6557]

Gracias Leah, hace un par de días encontré tu marca y ha sido de mucha inspiración! También tengo un negocio de ropa hecha por mi misma y es tan importante recordar el porque se hace lo que se hace!
Amo ese momento cuando terminé de coser una prenda, la cuelgo en el gancho y solo la contemplo por muuuchos minutos! Es taaan gratificante ver la belleza que pudo salir de mi mente y de mis manos! Me enamoro de cada prenda que hago, y cuando esa prenda encuentra a su persona, la felicidad se duplica y se me llena el corazón.

[@stephaniehacking1657]

This was excellent. Excited to have found you! I love your dream wardrobe. It is perfection and clearly is the extension of who you are. To derive a product line from the tangible makings of your solutions and sensibilities is the definition of finding peace and an ability to be one with one's self and the world. My wardrobe musings have given me the ability to be calm and present. And that has removed all the distraction and fuzziness that removes me from experiencing life.
Great job. Great work. An insightful breakdown. I'm off to get more morning coffee

[@charliedarwintextiles]

So well said-- thank you so much for this comment! I honestly am screenshotting it to save for days where I'm feeling down. It says everything I feel about being more calm, present, and clear. And so glad to hear you like the patches on the pants, they are one of my fav special details! :)

[@M2MadMadamMim]

Your wardrobe is my dream too! ✨ This is very inspiring and encouraging, thank you for sharing. I also love how much you geek out about finishing raw seams! 😂👏

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Thank you Sally!!!! I'm drawing optimism where I can lol 😜

[@MossyMozart]

Creative people are not necessarily good at business. So I am glad that you have set out to conquer both spheres.
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HINT - evening classes at a local community college are so much more laid-back than day classes. If you take business classes for non-credit, they are also much cheaper.
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PS: Your Daddy makes a wonderful, humble-appearing, male model. Mine died when I was 5, so I'm very jealous!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

You are so right! Getting trained in the arts pretty much never includes info about business-- for me it's been so self-taught (or, youtube/podcast taught lol!) Haven't done any official biz classes myself, but glad to hear your tips on it if I ever did. And haha I know my dad nailed it!! I had no expectations going into it, but he was so great to have there :)

[@barbarakinsey2789]

I would like to make linen bedsheets. My fabric is too narrow. Any suggestions?

[@vashSTAMPeDee]

Hi, I love your videos!!! Do you use 100% cotton thread (overlock) for your serger? I can't find anything good and durable enough to replace polyester. thx from Italy :)

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Thank you! Right now I usually use polyester thread for my serger-- mostly because it is less expensive and doesn't shrink when you wash it. But I have been soooo back and forth about switching to cotton serger thread-- I really want to be able to say that my garments are 100% biodegradeable, but just haven't made the switch yet. I'm also a little nervous about the durability of cotton, but I wonder, when people say that it is less durable than the polyester, what time span are we talking? Because if cotton will hold up for 10-20 years, I feel like that it is good enough for most clothing items! Anyway, totally agree with you, and have the same questions myself!