So first tell us where your from and who you are
I grew up in a very small town in New Brunswick and then moved to Calgary, AB in 1998. I've worked in various jobs (Hotel, Administration, Accounting, Retail) but by far, I love being home with my 2 girls. It also allows me the flexibility to sew while my youngest naps and my oldest is at pre-school.
When did you start sewing?
I have done embroidery, cross stitch, scrapbooking, cardmaking, knitting - from a young age, I did not start sewing seriously until just a couple of years ago. I grew up watching my mom who sewed us clothes, costumes and decor. So I guess you could say a bit of it rubbed off on me.
So this is your first time trying to "SEW and Sell" as a business, what made you jump into this--did you always think about doing this
I've always enjoyed being crafty and I'll admit, I have a bit of an addiction when it comes to children's clothing. I'm a total fashion wreck when it comes to dressing myself, but for my girls, it's so easy. After discovering etsy and seeing what others were sewing, it encouraged me to give it a try.
Your clothing designs are very cute and classic, what happens if you get swamped with orders, any thoughts on how you would handle that?
The key to it all though, is that my husband is very supportive of me. He takes the girls when I need the time to sew orders, doesn't complain when I come to bed late or have to sew all day on weekends.
What kind of machines do you use?
I bought my first sewing machine 4yrs ago from Walmart for $99! It's a Brother CS4000 (Computerized) and was an ok machine, but not really one I would recommend. For Mother's Day my husband bought me a Kenmore machine which I really like!
WHY?
It's a Kenmore MD-27 and I may just really like it because my old machine was so crappy! lol I did do some research before I started dropping hints to my husband and while Janome and Husqavarna were at the top of the lists for quality and great machines, they were out of my budget for what I could afford just starting out. That's when I started leaning towards a Kenmore. They are great machines when it comes to quality and are reasonably priced. For $300 you can get a good machine that has all the stitches you'd need for just starting out, as well as accessories (walking foot, 1/4" seam foot, etc).
Any advice for woman getting started in boutique clothing.
If you are not a pattern maker (I am not!), research your patterns. I found when I first starting looking for patterns that while there are a ton available on Etsy, not all are good. Some have poor directions, some poor pattern pieces or the outfit just does not fit correctly once sewn. Feedback is not always helpful as I found a lot of buyers would leave the feedback before they even tried out the pattern!
Also double their shop policies, everyone has a different policy when it comes to selling items made from their patterns. Some want credit on your listing, your hang tag, or want a licensing fee, which I've typically found to be in the $20-$30 range for unlimited production for at home sewers.
great tip!
As well, be prepared! No one wants to receive a clothing item from you with out tags. Things like labels, sizing tags, business cards and hang tags take time to get in. You don't want your product out in the 'wilds' without a tag. As a mom of two girls I can't even count the number of times I've been asked where I bought an item they are wearing or playing with, a tag with your name/logo on one side and your online shop name on the reverse is an easy way for the buyer to share with someone.
What do you have coming up for fall
For Fall I have a new Top being added to my shop, more dresses in holiday fabrics (Halloween and Christmas) and I'm hoping to add yoga pants and wet bags to my shop. Just added three Classic Dresses, one of which is a give away!
So ladies to win this beautiful dress and headband from Shelly's Autumn Rose Collection, pictured above, go to Shelly's Shop, Butterflies and Bees here, come back, leave a comment telling us your favorite item in shop. For a second entry leave a comment on Shellys blog by clicking here. **If you post on FB leave it in your comment. Winner will be picked this friday night!
Good Luck and thanks for supporting Cornucopia and Handmade!
8/20
OK..So just took this off Shelly's Blog, she picked 3 winners! Stephanie gets the dress and headband and then there are 2 other $10 gift cards! Thanks everyone and Thanks Shelly for your genorosity and good luck with your shop and your beautiful creations!
Who is Stephanie Z who said:
THIS is my favorite item! I am getting one for Lauren for her birthday!
And I chose 2 more people who receive a $10 gift card towards anything in my shop. Those 2 winners were Terri and Andrea B!
Congratulations everyone! And thanks for all the lovely comments about the items in my shop! Stay tuned, I just may have another contest coming up really soon.
