Sewing

Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew

Review and giveaway: Sew Liberated

by

coverIf the word “applique” conjures up images of Sunbonnet Sue and gingham-checked Scottie dogs, then you haven’t seen the new twist on applique by modern sewists.

In Sew Liberated: 20 Stylish Projects for the Modern Sewist, Meg McElwee captures the spirit of this new approach with a handful of projects that use simple applique patterns to create items for the home, items to wear, and items for baby.

Flipping through the book, I found myself saying, “Oh, I am SO making this!”  again… and again… and again.  Standout projects for me were the Capture the Moment camera bag (the color and texture are such a happy departure from the typical black canvas camera bag), and the Funny Animals Children’s Tote (ribbon legs for the critter – oh my!).

As much as I want to keep this book for ever and ever, I’m giving away my review copy to one lucky Craft Gossip reader.  Leave a comment on this post to enter.

Deadline for entry is midnight CST on February 15, 2010.

Next Pattern:

Comments

  2. It sounds so much fun and I obviously need it becaue my first thought was… what’s wrong with gingham-checked scotty dogs? *g* 😀

    Thanks for the chance to win.

  4. It’s so kind of you to offer this giveaway! I’ve been wanting this book for so long, it looks amazing! Thank you so much for the generous giveaway!

  6. I’ve just found Meg’s blog and have really enjoyed her work. I would love to add her book to my library and get to work making her awesome projects!

  11. I looked thru the preview and LOVED the dark green bag. I hope I win…I hope I win… (*crossing my fingers)

  22. How perfect! I would love to have a copy of it! Sounds like the perfect thing to keep be busy and create a few fun pieces for spring!! =)

  24. Oh, man. I saw this book at Barnes and Noble and fell in loooovvvvve, but my wallet was all, “Uh, how about groceries, moron?” So now I’m well-fed and ready to craft my ayuss off…with that book?

  25. I’d love a copy– I’m learning to sew and have spent a lot of time with Amy Karol’s book– and I’ve been hunting around for new challenges to tackle!

  27. I read her blog and would love to learn how to applique like she does! Have you ever seen a cheerier skirt?

  28. I am already in love with the skirt on the cover!! Would love to see what other treasures are inside.

  29. ooh- I was just looking at this on amazon! It came up after I bought Betz White’s “Warm Fuzzies” (which is incredible). It’s definetly on my ‘to get’ list

  33. This book would be worthwhile just for the pattern for that camera bag! I use lots of recycled denim and I can ‘see’ that bag in denim. It sure would be a great book to win!

  37. Oh, thanks so much for the chance!! I’d love to work on projects I’ve read about from this book!

  39. This book sits on my amazon wishlist waiting to be purchased. It would be great to WIN it instead!!! Thanks for the opprotunity.

  41. Everytime I go to the book store I flip through this book. It looks so cool! I really shouldn’t buy anything else until I finish what I have soooo…I should win it instead! 😉

  50. I saw it at the craft store this weekend. Unfortunately hubby made me choose between the book and fabric! This is my shot to have both. Thanks!

  51. I really enjoy looking and dreaming about the projects in this book everytime I browse through it at the fabric store…I really want it!

  53. i have tried to sneak a peek at this book but can never seem to find it in stock! i have loved the pics i have seen posted on line…. yum!

  56. Cool book and projects. I would love to curl up with it. With so much snow coming again to MD I need something to read!!!!

  61. I have a hold on it in our library, but it is taking soooooo long! My grown daughters and my 15 year old son decided that this would be the year they all learned to sew. We would get a lot of use out of this book.

  64. I came here after googling the book for reviews and now am so glad I did as I’ve found another crafty blog to read! Thanks xoxo

  69. Wow I’ve been looking for good books on sewing, but they’re hard to find. Looks Good, and even a chance to win! Cool!

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.