Selling handmade/upcycled clothing/projects

[KatyMac]

I know it's really hard to make a living at selling handmade and upcycled projects and I make them alongside alterations, repairs and making home furnishing

So where is a good place to sell, what do I need to know to be legal (like the inners of cushins must have a fire retardent label but the cushion cover doesn't)

What do you do about washing - most of mine would be hand wash I reckon so just a label?

Help?

I've just arrived home after the dentist with a pile of stuff from charity shops and DH has pointed out that buying and storing fabric is a different hobby to sewing it!!

Bless him...he knows nuthin’

Apparently I'm supposed to use some before I buy more - who knew?

Well I certainly did not know that !

Me either!! Silly idea!

At least it isn't new stuff! No new things (thread, occasional buttons, interfacing....oh hang on!)

Right now, packaging??

Don't want to buy new so I can:
*use charity shop tea-towels
*use charity shop scarves
*cut up charity shop bedding

Or does anyone have any better ideas?
If fabric is thin enough I can do pretty (almost) origami folding on the wrapping

Then do I need to put it in a plastic bag so it doesn't get wet or would the best compromised be one of those plastic posting bags?

I think cut up bedding is best if it's washed well....or scarves. I mean Lush use vintage scarves don't they? Or they used to anyway.

Would you have to hem the cut up fabric though? Might be fiddly.

So scarves wouldn't need hemming & pillowcases would be perfect

I wonder if I could do a 'refund on return' with a self dressed envelope enclosed - would that appeal to the eco conscious people I am getting?

Will this work?

If you would like to return this packaging (pillowcase or scarf) for reuse. Please put it in the envelope provided and when I get it back, I will refund £1 on your paypal. If you would rather, I can donate a £1 to Cancer Research
Ref:

With the reference being the invoice number so I know where to refund it?

Word it like this

"Return this packaging in the envelope provided and get £1 back! Or if you choose, we will donate your £1 to Cancer Research...support charity or save money and reduce landfill at the same time!"

Always use "We" and not "I". It sounds more trustworthy and professional.

(Source...me...I'm a copywriter)

I got a load of seersucker & checked/striped table cloths so I can make shorts for boys (well girls too but you know!)

& some pillowcases
Nearly finished the skirt from the sofa antimacassar - quite pleased with it

Etsy has a great tutorial on product photography - I’m in the process of setting up as well, knitted stuff for me though! There are some really good resources on there to help you with getting started.

Good luck op!

Ooo should we network gossip?

Let me go and look at Etsy, thanks for telling me :)

We should totally —gossip— network

@spudlet - how are you packaging yours? Are yours for adults or children?

Mine are mostly bags and other small items - I am not entirely sure how to package them yet, but I’m thinking wrapped in tissue then parcelled up in either post bags or brown paper. I’d rather use brown paper as it’s recyclable but I’m worried it may not be robust enough. Don’t want things to get damaged!

There are some good links on a thread I started here for eco packaging

Do you like my pillowcase idea - not sure it will work but I thought i'd start like that & see how it goes

Love your stuff - I think the advice given here is brilliant. I tend to go at the term upcyling but “beautifully crafted from vintage fabrics “ is another thing altogether.

Have you thought about folksy?

Really Whoopstheregomyinsides? that is kind of you

I think photography is going to be my biggest problem - I made a fab Kaftan last night but it's a size 18-20 & I haven't anyone in my family who is the right size and on a hanger it looks a bit like a sheet.......

My family call it 'tweaking' things

Thank you, I’ll have a look at that thread!

Yes, photography is a challenge. I need to set myself up a little area in the house but I’m building some stock up first so I can do a few at once. No idea if this is a thing or not, but can you get size adjustable dressmakers dummies for your things? I can see how that would be a real problem for you, which is one of things putting me off clothing!

I have a size 10 mannequin and 2 adjustable dresser dummies but they adjust from 10 to almost 14 one is normally set for DD (although it doesn't quite work as she is 35, 25, 37 but the back is too wide and the bust too small! The other is 'me' but again we have but problems (and since menopause tummy problems!!)

But doing children's would be impossible

I posted on FB about having an inflatable dummy which you just set the size and it self-inflated....but sadly dress-making uses pins

@spudlet, this is interesting

I've just seen 3 smaller, decorative, wire mannequins for sale on Gumtree and I am wavering between "if I have the right equipment things will sell better" & "more money before I've sold anything"