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?

Oh shit I bought them!

Should I offer to take back the recyclable plastic postage bags as well as the pillowcases so I know they are recycled properly?

No to taking back the recyclable packaging unless you plan on re-using them? It will end up as too much admin for you.

I'm spending so much time on my "sewing business" I'm struggling to find time to sew.....

I think you are right about the bags, sadly

love these

Haha, I know the feeling... am knitting frantically at the moment to try and get some stock but there are so many other things I need to do too!

Love those bags, they could be the sort of thing I want. I would still rather use paper but I don’t what things arriving in tatters!

or soggy

Soggy was my worry a dirty puddle would wreak our work! Knit or fabric

& at least they are recycleable at a supermarket if not in your bin

There are compostable ones but you have to buy 100 and they would decay before they were used

Will this look better?

Is a dark background better?

No, I think I prefer the lighter background.

Have you taken any pics of yours yet?

Yes, but they haven’t come out right. Once I’ve got enough stuff to do a proper session I’m going to set up a proper photo area with a white background and try that.

The getting ready is tedious isn't (but a bit exciting at the same time)

I made a skirt last night so creating...and this morning I have cutting out multiple sizes of patterns so organisation and "low-income creating activity'

It is!

I have further refined my prototype yoga mat bag and have started a pair of fairisle handwarmer / mittens - I have two old fleece jackets with big holes cut into the back that I used to use when DS was in the sling on my back in winter, so I plan to wash them then cut them up and use them to line the hand warmers. V excited to see them done, although since I’m not knitting from a pattern it’s taking a while - have already started again twice as I wasn’t quite happy with them! But am making notes as I go so hopefully I’ll have a pattern soon and be able to knock out future pairs more quickly.

Hi you really need a steam iron the pink purple tiered item is lovely but so creased, vintage linens etc takes lot of ironing unfortunately if not ironed perfectly it may give the impression that rest of item is also not made with attention to detail which would be wrong but I do like your stuff but you have quite a bit of competition

Oops! The pink/mauve is crinkle cotton and I was about to dump it in the sink and wring it so it gets it's crinkle back it's smooth where I have ironed the seams - but thanks I know presentation will be my hardest challenge

This dress I tried on 2 sizes of mannequin not sure which looks better (yes it need ironing but I am working on sizing for these photos)

You yoga bags sounds Fab, so do your hand warmers - are they the sort you can button back the 'mitt' bit and have your fingers free?

Thanks! These ones aren't like shooting mitts, they are just fingerless mittens in essence. I have had several pairs for ages - I used to find them really practical when I rode as I could do up and undo buckles on tack without needing to take gloves on and off. Now I often wear them over normal gloves for extra warmth, or just on their own around the house. I get really cold hands I’ve knitted some teeny ones for DS too which are great as he (like I think nearly all toddlers) dislikes losing the use of his fingers in mittens, but will wear these so at least some of his hands are protected! Will probably do some teeny ones too, perhaps even some matching adult and child sets as I know people like doing matchy matchy

I like that idea - matchymatchy

I found a frilly knicker pattern this morning so I guess my dresses will have matching knickers

Not had the best day - made a skirt with a 28 waist & a 38 hip but know no-one that size (is it even a size) so I may have to rethink/make it smaller - fabulous retro fabric!

Now I have 3 days of no sewing, London theatre, funeral, travelling back from funeral - wont see my machine(s) again until Sat evening at the earliest

What are you doing about insurance? I think I'm going to join here, www.a-n.co.uk/join/

Its £38 for the year and gives you product liability insurance. I think youd have to go some to injure yourself on knitwear, but never underestimate the human capacity for daftness, right...?!

Panicking as I hadn't even thought of insurance

Just had my mum tell me she wouldn't pay a fiver for a handmade dress

She’s not your target market then! Some people would rather bit a dozen dresses in Primark, others value individuality and craftswomanship 🤷‍♀️

I know it just made me sad

I think it would anyone. It was a mean thing to say

Today I bid on some some vintage bias binding

& got an interview doing wedding dress embroidery

Nice!

I’ve nearly finished my first mitt - just sorting the thumb! Quite hard to do as DS was getting overtired / excited and flinging himself around the room 🙈