Now that I have product made to sell, where do I sell it??

Sewing is my passion and I like doing production, now to find a place to sell my product!

I have joined a few Craft show facebook pages to keep up where and when show are. When I learn about a show coming up, I need to find a contact person, to see if they still have booths left, how much the booth is and how far away it is.

There are a few different types of shows.

A juried show is one that usually will only let handmade crafter's have a booth. With a juried show, there is an application, and then I have to send pictures of my product, and sometimes a picture of how my booth was set up at another show. Then they have a panel of people who review my information, and product and decide if I am someone who fits within their mold. They will contact me if I make the grade, and I put it on my calendar.

Then there is a regular craft show which may or may not let direct sales people have a booth, some do, some do not. My opinion is let them in, there is room for all of us! Most  craft shows will have an application, basic information, and what and what I make. Some provide a table and chair, some do not. I have my own, so not a problem.

Then there are the farmers markets and outside craft shows. With this I must have my own tables and chair and usually requires a tent. Which I have as well. 

The cost for a show ranges from $15.00 to $100.00. The earlier you apply the better chance to get into the show. Then there is the question of how far do I want to travel? This year because I am still working full time I have limited my self to a range of up to 100 miles away. I have found some very good shows in this range too.

One of the best ways I find out about shows is word of mouth, so if you know of any shows, please take a moment and let me know, I would appreciate it very much!

Getting ready for Craft Shows

Getting ready for craft shows is like working on an assembly line. Need to have enough product made to sell and make money. 

I am just finishing up 96 Christmas potholder bowls. There are 72- 10 inch bowls and 24- 12 inch bowls. It takes 144 squares of both the fabric and the inner batting for just the 10 inch bowls, and then of course 48 squares of the same for the 12 inch bowls.

I first start with a cutting day. I gather my cutting mat, wheel cutter and quilt ruler. Then grab all the fabric I plan to cut. I used 4 different patterns for the Christmas potholder bowls. I bought 4 yards of each pattern. Which made the 96 bowls. I actually buy a whole bolt of the batting at a time. It took one whole bolt plus 3 yards to make these bowls.

After cutting everything, I match up the batting with the square and put them into a pile. There they will set until I have time to sew.

I will set small goals of how many quantities I will sew when I have limited amount of sewing time. 

To sew one bowl it takes 2 squares with the batting sewn together. This is down crosswise, so it  looks like a big X on it. Then darts have to be sewn on the sides, so it will make the "side" and be able to hold the bowl. the dart is cut off then, just leaving the sewn part. Put the 2 right sides together, pin and sew, leaving a gap in which to turn it right side out. When right side out, must sew the gap shut and go around the whole bowl at the top.

When I am sewing a large quantity, I will put a laundry basket next to me, I throw the sewn part in there until I complete my sewing. This way they stay cleaner and are easier to move to do the next part.

I love the sewing, and going to craft shows, meeting new people and of course making money by selling my creations. 

Memory bears

Memory bears or a memory quilt are great ways to display and keep those memories alive when a loved one passes. I use 3-4 pieces of clothing to make the bear. 

A memory quilt is made so you can wrap yourself in the memories of your loved one, or to just display to always have those memories. I piece the quilt together with favorite colors and colors that go with the clothing provided.

I pride myself in listening to what you need, how you need the bear or quilt to look. I will always try to get the project down when it is needed most.

I recently made 7 memory bears to be made for great grandchildren, I worked with the family on a Thursday as to what pieces of clothing they wanted to use for each bear. Their desire was to have 4 of the bears done by Tuesday of the next week so the children could receive the bears at that time. I was happy to be able to complete the 4 bears and get them to the family in that time frame. While this may not always be the way projects go, I will always do m best for my clients.

Welcome to the Sew Creative TC website

Welcome to Patti's blog.  Here's the place to go to find out what Patti is currently working on, shows she'll be going to and great presents for special holidays and life events. 

If you have a project you'd like Patti to look at please send her an email or give her a call.