Sewing

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Review + Giveaway: sewExpecting eBook

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sewexpectingcoversewExpecting is the new eBook from Leigh Ann Tennent (The Object Project and Strawberry Truffle).  If you’re an expecting mother, or know someone who is pregnant, or just like to have sweet baby gifts on hand just in case, this eBook is for you.  In it, you can find patterns and instructions to make 20 – yes, TWENTY – different projects for baby:

  •  A basic infant bib, plus a patchwork and appliqued version.
  •  A basic toddler bib, plus a patchwork and appliqued version.
  •  A toddler bib with a storage pocket that doubles as a crumb-catcher!
  •  A basic burp cloth, plus a patchwork and appliqued version.
  •  A burp cloth with an innovative storage pocket!
  •  Three styles of changing mats.
  •  A very cool diaper clutch with instructions for 2 looks.
  •  A textured securtiy blanket to keep little fingers busy!
  •  A satin lovey.
  •  A very simple, super-quick quilt!

sewexpecting2All of these projects are boutique-quality, assuming of course that you construct them of quality materials. 

The instructions are straightforward and are geared toward those with limited or no sewing experience.   (Experienced sewers can probably skip straight to the patterns and use the instructions just as a quick reference guide.)  If you’ve wanted to learn how to sew but haven’t known exactly where to start, sewExpecting is a good place to begin.  The beginning of the eBook gives quick instructions for basic sewing, applique, and patchwork skills that you’ll need to create the projects.  Most of the projects are constructed with from simple shapes, with minimal fuss.

sewExpecting is available from Strawberry Truffle for $22.00.

By now, I know there are more than a handful of you who want a copy of sewExpecting for your very own.  And so Leigh Ann has graciously offered to give away one copy of the eBook to a lucky Craft Gossip reader.  Here’s how it will work:

To enter, post a comment on to this Craft Gossip post telling me which SewExpecting project (listed above) you think will be the first one you’ll sew.  One entry per person, please.  Deadline is Friday, August 7, 2009 at 10:00 pm CST.  I’ll choose a winner at random the following day.

Next Pattern:

Comments

  2. I think I’d probably stitch up the burpr cloths and bibs, as my daughter is expecting our first grandchild in September.

  3. My little guy is just starting to eat finger foods.. We could certainly use a few of the toddler bibs with crumb catchers around here!

  4. I’m responding to the give away of the SewExpecting book. I would sew the diaper clutch first. I have a friend that just had a baby and she asked if I knew how to make one! Thank you for the opportunity to be in this contest. (I’m new to using blogs)

    Pam Guerrette

  5. I’d go for the bibs. Not only are the pictures too cute, but we’re drowning in drool over here, so they’d be functional too!

  6. What a lovely book. I’d like to try one of the change mat patterns first – I hate the hard plastic thing that came with my babay bag and would like to use something softer with my baby girl.

  7. Looks like a great book! I would start with the diaper clutch. I’m also very curious about the burp cloth with pocket :o)

  9. I think I’ll make some diaper clutches! I have 3 friends who are expecting, not to mention my three. 🙂

  11. I’d love to make the diaper clutch! We have lots of friends who are expecting…lots of baby gifts to make! 🙂

  13. The first project that I would love to make is the patchwork infant bib… and I know a few babies to make them for too! The book looks awesome!

  14. I would DEFINITELY try the textured security blanket first! My little one loves holding things in her hands – she’s VERY tactile and I think this would be a perfect gift for her!!!

  15. For sure I would make one of the bibs first. I am due any day to have my fourth baby and all the others have been terribly spitty. I’ve been looking for great bib patterns for this new little one.

  16. I think I would start with the textured security blanket. It may keep my 1st busy when the 2nd is born.

  17. We’ve been TTC for 22 months, I’d probably start with a quilt to help keep my mind occupied…Maybe do a few mini-quilts in memory of my angel babies.

  18. I think the first thing I would make is the patchwork burp cloth since my 4 month old is teething this would be GREAT! Love the Craft Gossip website it is a daily read for me.
    thanks

  20. I would love to have this book because I have small children and I’d like to make the small quilt with printable muslin with pictures of their grandfather who just passed away.

  21. Oooh! Great projects! I have two little ones in diapers, so I think I’d go for a changing mat first. I need something better than just a blanket to take with me when we go places. I’d love to keep off the germs in style!

    Thanks for the chance to enter!

  22. I would love to make a changing mat. I have been looking for a good pattern for that for awhile. The ebook looks wonderful. You can never have too many baby patterns!

  23. diaper clutch for me! my best friend is pregnant and very creative so it would be lovely to have something orginal and funky to give her

  24. Hello,,My first will be A basic infant bib, plus a patchwork and appliqued version ..

  25. A textured security blanket to keep little fingers busy!

    I’m looking up on making me own diaper bag and blankets so… that’ll be the first project!!!

  27. I have many baby gifts to make and I think I would start with a changing mat.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  28. As an expectant mother, I am intrigued by the Diaper clutch. I remember being all too annoyed the first time around carrying a huge bag, and after a while I basically just grabbed up 3 diapers, when on the run, and stuffed in my pocket. I’m curious to see how the diaper cluth can replace and minimize the diaper bag.

  29. hmmmm…i think its a toss up between the bib and the burp cloth. I have a spitter at home!

  30. I will make the super quick quilt first, since I’m running out of time for a baby shower gift!

  32. I’m having a hard time deciding on a first project. I would probably start with the burp with pocket, then the appliqued bib and then the simple quilt. I will need to do several because I have one granddaughter of 5 months and one grandchild due in Jan ’10

  34. Love that this book is for beginning sewers, because I am that exactly, but want so badly to do more DIY stuff for our baby due in December and our 2 year old toddler. The first thing I would make is a baby quilt….I’ve wanted to learn to do that for years!!

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.