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Recycled Leftovers Part 2

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Recycled Leftovers Part 2

Here are a few more ideas to clean out those closets.

Sweaters

·         Shrunken wool—Here’s something you once may have cried about, but can now rejoice over. That expensive sweater you splurged on that could now fit your poodle, can now be made into a great hat and mitten set. Or hat, if only that big. Trace a hat you already have onto paper. Cut out two of the same using the hem as the bottom of the hat, adding ½inch seam allowance to the sides.  If you unsure if the sweater will run or not, run a narrow zigzag just inside the cutting line on your sewing machine before you cut it out.  After you cut it out, just place the two halves  right sides together, and zigzag or serge around it. If you have enough for mittens or have more than one sweater, trace around the outline of your hand, leaving lots of seam allowance, trust me here.  Don’t forget you need to make 4 halves, two for each hand. Stitch around, turn right side out and enjoy your sweater! Oh, if you have no other use for it, put it on your dog.

·         Scarf—use bits of sweaters and  make a patchwork scarf joining the random pieces together with a zigzag or serge stitch. I would make it wide enough to fold in half lengthwise, stitch down and turn inside out so you can’t see any of the seams, plus it will be warmer.  Unravel some of the yarn from any remnants and make fringe for the ends.

·         Bag—make a cool bag. Cut off the sleeves and stitch them shut rights side together. Stitch straight across the top of the shoulders including the neck edge. Turn upside-down so the bottom is now the top and you have the beginnings of a bag. You can then use the sleeves for handles, or use jean legs for something funky. You can add pockets from scraps of whatever you have. If the sweater has a loose knit to it, you may want to line it. Think of a contrasting colour that may show through for extra funkiness!

·         Stuffed animals—what do you do with disco leopard print sweater that was off one shoulder? Make a stuffed leopard, what else?  Make a stuffed elephant for something different? Get creative, who doesn’t want a pink striped dog?

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.