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Where has your sewing editor run off to?

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I don’t usually delve into the super personal on this blog, but since events in my personal life are keeping me from my blogging I thought I’d offer a quick little explanation.

My father had been very ill for some time with two very awful diseases.  One was early onset Alzheimer’s disease, which came on hard and fast.  The other, a cancer that wasn’t discovered until it was too late to treat.  We have spent the last 6 – 9 months spending as much time as we can with him and trying to make him as comfortable as possible.  Last week the pain from the cancer was such that he had to go into hospice.  The day before yesterday, he took leave of this world.

In all honesty, I feel very happy for him.  I’m happy he’s not hurting.  I’m happy he has his mind back.  I’m happy that he lived his life on his own terms and with gusto, speaking his mind freely and refusing to stand by arbitrary formalities.  I’m happy that when life in this world was no longer able to provide him joy and comfort, he just “went on to the next level” (to borrow a phrase from my daughter). I’m happy the very awful thing that’s been hanging over us is now over and done with.

Even so, I’m taking a few days to get my head back together and spend some quality crafty time with friends.  I’ll be back to share sewing gossip again with you by Monday.

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Comments

  1. Hi, I am sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I pray for comfort and healing for your family. ~ Paige

  2. I am so very sorry for your loss Anne. He is in a better place, and I am happy you were able to spend so much time with him at the end. You and your family will be in my prayers.

  3. Hi there,

    Your outlook on this potentially earth shattering part of life is just plain inspiring! I hope you take all the room and space you and your family need to grieve in your very own way.

    -Katie

  5. many strong and peace for you. I lost my father last year, so I can imagine how much love and sadness you´re feeling now.
    We´ll be here when you´re ready to come back.

  6. A sad hello – so sorry for your loss – don’t worry about the blog – after as “its only stitching” – God’s blessings upon you and your family, Karen

  9. I’m so sorry for your loss… Take as much time as you need, we’ll be here when you come back!

  10. Anne, I echo the words of others and say we are so sorry for your loss, and we support you taking the time you need!

  11. I am so very sorry for your loss… but I am glad for him, and you, that his pain has ended and he is now at peace. You will see him again one day.
    Love to you all.

  14. I am sorry to hear about your great loss…I’ve had the same experience, lost my youngest sister to cancer last year, and I could totally understand your feeling of relief that he had been free from the pain and moved on to the next world. Hugs from Malaysia…

  15. I am so sorry for ur loss. May u and ur family finds a peace and stregth and peace in this difficult time.

  16. We just lost my grandmother after a long slow decline and increasing dementia. While I will miss the woman she was, I could not be sad at her death. She was not happy with who she had become and she was ready to move on. I’m glad you are at peace.

  17. Thank you for sharing your life with us, especially in such a challenging time. Sending peace and love to you and your family.

  18. Sorry for your loss, we will all say prayers for your father to be at peace and you & your family for strenght to carry on. Please take as much time as you need. We will all be here for you. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.

  19. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
    My Mom also travelled the difficult journey of Altzheimers as we did also.Take some time for yourself to reflect. Hugs from Michigan.

  21. I am very sorry for your loss. I like your thoughts on being happy for your dad, I felt that way when my dad passed. They are pain free and happy in a much better place.
    Deb

  22. My deepest condolences for your loss. Do NOT expect a couple of days to help get you back on track. It may take months, or even longer.

    Take care of yourself and remember “one step at a time”.

  23. You are truly inspirational in the way you are approaching this heart-wrenching ordeal.
    You have hit it with precision. Your dad is now without pain and his mind intact. You did what every good daughter should have done. You will be rewarded.
    Thank you for sharing. I know it is hard.

  24. My sympathies for the trials you had to go through and the passing of your father. But as u say he has moved on to something better now. Gentle orbs of soothing to u and your family

  26. Anne,
    I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your father, but you’re right. He’s in a much better place. I’m praying though for the loss your family is experiencing.

  28. Sorry to hear that, but like you said, he is in peace right now. Sending you many hugs!

  31. My dad died when I was 14 years old. It doesn’t matter how old you are, he is still your daddy. Take all the time you need to collect yourself and your feelings. We all look forward to your return, but not until you are ready. You are in my prayers.

  32. I’m sorry for your loss but happy for you and your family that he no longer is in pain. Alzheimers is such an awful disease and most definitely cancer too. I currently work with elderly that have ALZ and its hard and sometimes overwhelming as people grow attached to others we know for a short time. The thoughts and feelings that people impact and leave us with is amazing and the courage and strength they have really leaves a big impression. My father has been gone for 8 years ago as of the 4th of May due to ALS Disease. Its all hard for those that loose. Best wishes and I hope your days are brighter.
    Danielle in Oregon

  33. my prayers to you and your family .. i too lost my dad suddenly ..we were told he had cancer march 3rd and he passed april 29th .. it was fast and painless for him and i know he is in a better place … sending love to you and yours to help you heal

  36. Your dad looks like he was a wonderful man. I am happy for you and your family that you could spend so much time with him in his last months and that you, and he, were spared illnesses that went on and on (my grandmother has been in hospice with Alzheimers for 3 years). May you take comfort in being together with your family and with your sewing machine.

  37. My sincere condolences for the loss of your Dad. Please take all the time you need.

  38. Oh, Anne, I’m sorry to hear the news. So glad you are dealing with the grief positively. You and your family will be my my prayers.

  40. I am happy and sad for you. My mother went home two months ago.I am grieving hard but I know that she is free of her body and is singing and dancing in heaven.
    I am glad your family had time to share and Hospice can be very helpful. You know he is having a good time at the next level,
    Loving thoughts Chrissy b IN Maine

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.