Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Making Progress!!


This is one of the flyers that I will have at my booth at the show this weekend. The tag on the left is one that will be on one of my sample dresses. I'm not selling any of these dresses. They belong to my grand-daughters. I have priced them to give an idea of how much similar ones will cost. I have priced them very high. I have decided that 1) I have quite a bit of $$$ tied up in the fabrics, heirloom linens, etc..... 2) my time is worth lots, to me anyway 3) people feel like they are getting quality if the price is higher (I may be wrong on this one, but I have been told this by several people who are in the know and 3) I think they are worth it. The label you see is definitely one of the highest priced ones I have. Most are in the $100 range.
On the right you see my "new" business card. I ordered these through Staples. I designed them at home on my computer using one of their templates one night, and they were ready the next morning. But, (I am kicking myself right now! Ouch!!!) on my way to pick them up I realized that I had put my husband's cell phone number on them instead of mine. (I never call my number is my excuse.) When I got to Staples the girl told me that they would just print them over at no extra charge. I thought that was weird, but that was okay with me. I was going to be near Staples this morning anyway. Of course, when I got there I was told that the clerk was mistaken. Oh well, I bought a pack of paper that is called Sticker Paper. It is computer paper that has a peel off back and is adhesive!!! I came home and typed my number on my pages program. I typed it 4 times across one line and then colored it the color I wanted it, and then copied and pasted that line until I had 100 numbers. I then printed it out and cut and stuck the numbers over the wrong one on my cards. They really don't look too bad. Whew!!!

Below are the dresses that I am taking. I think I have 25 or 26 to display. I had to iron all of them. These are all dresses that I have made for my sweeties over the years for Christmas, Easter, Valentines, etc..... I will take photos when I have my booth set up so that you can actually see them. The picnic basket in the background is full of antique linens, handkerchiefs, etc.... so anyone who is interested in buying a dress from me can pick out something to be incorporated into the dress. Of course, they don't have to do this. I will use something of theirs from their family treasures or nothing at all. I will smock, embroider, etc.... But, I will not make duplicates. I will only do one-of-a-kind dresses. I don't like making the same thing twice.



Here's Kellen's dress with the pleated border around the hem. I think she will be happier with the length now. I actually like the way it turned out better than I did before.

15 comments:

Faye Lewis said...

A lady at work was talking to me today about making dresses for her little girl. I told her about you and the beautiful work that you do. Do you have a website or an esty shop where you sell your dresses?

megannielsen said...

I love your new stationary! It's gorgeous!!!! I agree with Faye, you should have an etsy shop or something, you just make the most adorable kids occasion clothing!

Goosegirl said...

Oh Julia. I wish I could come see your trunk show. Everything looks lovely and so detailed.
I feel the same way about pricing my custom work. If we do not value our work, no one else will, and we will be taken advantage of. So price based on your time. I am working on a custom smocked dress for a client right now who is a repeat customer. It is a good feeling to know that I charged what I felt I was worth, and the customer agreed with my price. Now...to get it done in time!
Have fun at your trunk show!
Sivje

gwensews said...

Good luck with your show. I hope you do well. A lot of people are selling their items on etsy. Have you ever given that a thought?

Trudy said...

I would get so bored making duplicates.

The things you sew are definitely worth the higher prices. And I agree that people won't appreciate your work if you don't charge a higher price.

Good luck.

Kim said...

What a great solution for the error on your cards! Smart gal!! Good luck at your show- the flyers look fantastic! I do not think that your prices are high- a handmade creation is far different from a dress purchased from a store. You can tell just by pictures the love and time that goes into your sewing- I imagine they are even more amazing in real life. You would never find the same details elsewhere- and you said the magic words- the clothing is one of a kind piece. I hope that you get some orders and that you have a wonderful time!

Claudia said...

That was a smart way to deal with the wrong phone number! Good for you! I wish you best of luck at the show - I think your work is gorgeous and can't imagine anything less that fabulous success!

xo
Claudia

Rachel said...

Those dresses are gorgeous. I wish I could come see them. You really should set yourself up and etsy shop. You would probably sell alot.

Dot said...

thanks for stopping by dabbled.org! I love your dresses - I so wish I had a little girl.... their clothes are so much cuter than the ones for boys :)

dot

Karen said...

Just beautiful.

Aminat said...

Woa, those are beautiful dresses.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I wish you much success!

I think an etsy shop would be a great idea too!

ittybittyandpretty said...

good luck!! your clothing is lovely and you should charge what you would expect to pay for a one of a kind garment.
xx

Chicago Sarah said...

Can't wait to hear how the show went. I love your work and don't think those prices are too high. It's a LOT of work even if you enjoy doing it, and materials aren't cheap!

Branded Entertainment said...

cute line

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