Friday, June 11, 2010

1, 2, 3, 4............

For two of my grands,




And the buttons.










My daughter bought this pattern last summer.   She was going to make it, but she gave it to me, instead.  I finally got around to it.  When I was getting ready to cut out the two red and blue dotted fabrics for Lil'E and Big Girl R, I decided to go ahead and cut out two more.  I almost never follow a pattern completely, but I did this one.  Whew!!!  How easy it is to not have to really think about how to make something work, just read the directions, or in this case look at the pictures and TA-DA! it's done!!   The pattern was so simple, and I had more fabric that would work.  I've been meaning to make some things to have for either an ETSY shop (MAYBE????) or to have to sell at our wearable arts fashion show, or to sell at a booth at an art fair in a nearby town, or maybe to donate to the Boys and Girls Club for their auction if I don't have time to do what I really plan to do for it.  I'm not sure what I'll do with the two extras.  

These really were easy.  They would be easy to make reversible, too.  I was thinking maybe pumpkins, leaves, snowmen, poinsettias, bows or hearts (like on the pattern) for holidays, or I could imagine birds, butterflies, and all kinds of other general things.  I don't really like doing the same thing over and over, but if I vary the appliques and colors, etc... maybe it wouldn't be too bad.  Or, I could just make double of everything I make from now on to have a variety of stuff to sell.  I have learned that taking orders doesn't work.  You have to actually have an item to sell on the spot.  

If any of you have an ETSY shop, what do you think?  Is it profitable, worth your time and trouble, etc....?

17 comments:

KID, MD said...

So cute!! That is a very nice basic shape but the appliques really make it fun.

Grandma G said...

Those dresses are soooo cute!

My daughter had an Etsy shop, and I made all of the sewn items for it. She closed it around the first of this year, and here is her evaluation of having a shop. She is a graphic designer (with a wacky sense of humor at times, as you can see :) ), and she designed all the fabric I sewed.

I considered taking over the shop, or opening a new one of my own, but I decided not to. I just enjoyed the fun of working with her, and I didn't think I wanted the hassle end of it.

Good luck in your decisions!

Myra said...

You know I have one now, it's a hit or miss IMHO. It seems buyers are very fickle. I think an in person craft booth at fairs, church festivals may have a better shot, especially if booth rent is cheap. My goal is to do that, but with these kids, logistics of sitting in a booth is an issue. I love the appliques.

Jackie's Stitches said...

The dresses are just too cute for words! No advise regarding an Etsy shop other than to explore who your competition would be there and exploring pricing.

ShirleyC said...

I have looked at that pattern numerous times, but talked myself out of it not even considering doing the appliques.
I think they are all really cute, and I love the red and blue combination because they are so eye catching.
I definitely think the fabrics you chose will be the deciding factor as to whether they will sell on ETSY or anywhere else.

MushyWear said...

I just love the dresses, with the blue and red being my favorite! They are so adorable. I don't know anything about selling on Etsy, but will be curious what others have to say too.

Shannon said...

Those dresses are cute, cute, CUTE! I love the idea of varying the applique- I'd love to see a pumpkin, or a simple Christmas tree in red and green!

Gail said...

Julia, these are so nice. I just love their brightness. Hope your Mum is doing ok. I must look in your other blog. Chin up my dear!

Ladydy5 aka: Diane Yates said...

I think they are adorable and wish I could buy one for my grands but only have one girl and she is 22.
I think esty shop a good idea except you have to remember to charge enough for postage, wrap them up,and mail them. Do you really have time for that Julia.?

Michelle said...

Those dresses are adorable! Wonderful work!

mermaids said...

cute dresses. a very retro feel

~~louise~~ said...

Simply adorable, Julia.

Personally, I would love to see your creations on Etsy except, I just never seem to have the time to shop online or anywhere else for that matter. I wonder if there are others like me.

Perhaps, testing the waters at a fair or another type of fundraiser is best for now. If you do decide to do the Etsy thing, be sure and make up some really cool "business" cards.

Thanks for sharing, Julia...

Kim said...

The dresses are adorable Julia- I kind of wish I had one in my size!

quer|elastisch Sabine Sprotte said...

Really cute (-:

Sabine

Kathy said...

Those dresses are just TOO adorable! I love them. I have an etsy shop, but so far I'm only selling vintage patterns that I pick up from estate sales. Not a whole lot of luck, but then I do nothing to promote it...try it!! It's worth a shot.

Claudia said...

Julia, those little dresses are so sweet! Perfect for summer.

xo
Claudia

Cindy said...

The dresses are so cute! I like your choice of red and blue better than the picture on the pattern.

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