Sewing

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From my studio last week: February 7, 2011

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I’m all the time posting links out to tutorials and other people’s projects, but I rarely show a peak at the things that I create.  So here’s my experiment with a new feature: a weekly recap of some of the projects and goings-on in my own studio.

Some will be my own ideas (usually made up as I go, cause that’s how I roll) and sometimes you’ll see projects made with tutorials I’ve linked to in the past.

 

If you love to sew, you know that it’s not Valentine’s Day without a cute Valentine’s shirt.  This is my version, made for my daughter.  I wanted it to be something she could wear year-round so I went with a sprinkling of appliqued scrap hearts in  a palette of reds and browns.  Free motion stitching on gold lame = no fun.  But otherwise I’m pleased with how it turned out.

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I also finally made good on my Christmas present I.O.U. for my mother-in-law.  From Christmas 2009, folks.  Yes, I’m THAT bad.  Anyway, she wanted a organizer for her purse to keep up with all of the loyalty cards, business cards, and appointment cards that were filling up her wallet.  And so the Card Condo was born.  It’s like a fabric book with tons of credit card sized pockets – 24 of them, in fact.  There are also two larger pockets for receipts and such.

And this little birdie was made by my 7-year-old daughter.  We used the bullfinch scrap fabric ornament tutorial that I linked to last week.   Little girl is still learning to control the sewing machine so I simplified it to use felt for the body and beak.  She’s so proud of her little yellow birdie!!

And what’s this?  It’s a Janome Memory Craft 6300p, on loan to me for the next few months.  If you can believe it, I’ve never used an electronic sewing machine before (I’ve always used a mechanical), so I’m having fun trying out all its whizz-bang features.  I’ll be writing up a review in the coming weeks.

So that’s my sewing recap from last week.  In the coming week, my plans are to create another version of the Card Condo and write up a tutorial.  And I’ll be using my new fancy schmancy Janome MC 6300P, continuing to try out its features and taking notes as I go.  I’m also writing up a review of Fiona Bell’s Sewn with Love.  Look for that in the next day or so.

What are you going to be working on this week?

Next Pattern:

Comments

  2. Yes! More of these recaps! Love it!

    I hope to finish up a whole set of dress up clothes for “drama class” for younger son’s kindergarten. For the fairy tale “Jack the Dullard” – we’re talking 19 pieces. I am glad I am nearly done!

  3. Anxiously awaiting that card condo tutorial! And LOVE seeing what you are up to, in addition to everyone else. =)

Have you read?

Pricing Handmade Sewing Items Without Undervaluing Yourself

If there’s one topic that makes sewists uncomfortable faster than sewing zippers, it’s pricing. Not how to sew the item — but how much to charge for it once it’s finished.

Most people don’t struggle with making handmade items. They struggle with putting a price on their time, skill, and effort without feeling awkward, guilty, or worried they’ll scare buyers away.

If you’ve ever thought:
 “I’m not good enough to charge that much,”
 “People won’t pay handmade prices,”
 or “I’ll just price it low until I get better,”

you’re not alone. But you’re also not doing yourself any favours.

Let’s talk about how to price handmade sewing items in a way that’s fair, realistic, and sustainable — without undervaluing yourself.

Why Undervaluing Your Sewing Hurts More Than You Think

Underpricing doesn’t just affect your income. It affects your motivation, your confidence, and how seriously buyers take your work.

When handmade items are priced too low:

  • You burn out faster

  • You resent the time spent making them

  • You struggle to restock

  • Buyers assume “cheap” equals “low quality”

Ironically, pricing too low can make selling harder, not easier.

Handmade sewing items aren’t competing with mass-produced factory goods. They’re competing with thoughtfulness, quality, and care — and those have value.

Start With the Real Cost (Not Just Fabric)

One of the biggest pricing mistakes beginners make is charging only for materials.

Fabric, thread, zips, interfacing, labels, packaging — these are your base costs. But they’re only the starting point.

You also need to account for:

  • Cutting time

  • Sewing time

  • Pressing and finishing

  • Packaging

  • Listing, photographing, or selling time

Even if you enjoy sewing, your time still counts.

A simple rule:
 If someone else had to make this for you, what would you expect to pay them per hour?

The “Straight Line” Trap (And Why It’s Not a Problem)

Many sewists worry that because their items are “simple,” they don’t deserve higher prices.

Straight seams, basic construction, minimal shaping — these are often seen as beginner skills. But from a buyer’s perspective, simplicity is often a feature, not a flaw.

Simple items are:

  • Practical

  • Durable

  • Easy to use

  • Less intimidating

  • Often more giftable

A well-made tote bag, table runner, or pouch doesn’t lose value because it’s simple. It gains value because it works.

A Simple Pricing Formula That Actually Works

You don’t need complicated spreadsheets to price handmade sewing items.

A beginner-friendly formula looks like this:

Materials + (Hourly rate × Time) + Fees = Price

Your hourly rate doesn’t need to be high — but it does need to exist.

Even a modest rate acknowledges that your time matters.

And remember: pricing isn’t permanent. You’re allowed to adjust as you learn.

Why “Charging Less Until I’m Better” Backfires

This mindset feels sensible, but it causes long-term problems.

When you price low “for now,” you:

  • Attract bargain-focused buyers

  • Set expectations that are hard to raise later

  • Undermine your confidence

  • Train yourself to accept less

Your skill will improve through repetition, not through underpricing.

Selling handmade items is a skill too — and pricing fairly is part of learning it.

What Buyers Are Actually Paying For

Most buyers don’t analyse your stitching technique.

They’re paying for:

  • Convenience

  • Thoughtful design

  • Quality materials

  • Handmade care

  • Supporting a real person

They want something useful, well made, and ready to use — not a bargain-bin price.

When you price confidently, buyers feel more confident too.

Comparing Prices Without Panicking

It’s smart to look at what others charge — but don’t use comparison as a weapon against yourself.

Instead of asking:
 “Why are they charging more than me?”

Ask:

  • Are they targeting the same customer?

  • Are they selling the same type of item?

  • Are their materials similar?

There is room for different price points. You don’t need to be the cheapest to be successful.

Pricing for Sustainability, Not Just Sales

Selling handmade items should feel rewarding, not exhausting.

If your prices don’t allow you to:

  • Replace materials

  • Restock without stress

  • Enjoy sewing

  • Take breaks

…they’re too low.

A sustainable price keeps you sewing longer — and consistency is what builds sales over time.

The Confidence Shift That Changes Everything

Instead of asking:
 “Is this worth what I’m charging?”

Ask:
 “Would I be proud to sell this?”

If the item is:

  • Well made

  • Useful

  • Finished with care

Then it deserves a fair price.

You don’t need permission to charge what your work is worth. You just need to believe that your time, effort, and creativity matter.

Because they do.

Book Review – Sewing to Sell – The Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Craft Business

Selling your handmade items? Here’s how to figure a fair price.