All-in-one dress kits

[chestnutlady]

Hello, I have been planning to set up an online shop selling all-in-one dress kits: ever been put off sewing by the need to go around choose everything individually - the pattern, the material, the thread, the sundries? Well my plan is to offer all these items in one "kit" so that you buy all of the materials, ready to go. If its successful I would offer the ability to "customise" the kit so that you can choose different fabric/thread combinations, etc. That's a bit of a way off though!! But just before I finalise all my plans I am having last minute doubts. Hubby is pretty sceptical and just doesn't think there'll be demand, but then again he isn't a sewer. Am I barking up the wrong tree and should I quit while I am ahead?? Or should I place my orders for supplies and not look back?! Argh!

something like this - Clothkits? swoon

arf at hubby being a sewer

thats exactly the same sort of thing!! I'd done loads of googling but not found anything - they have a very nice website. Argh. Competition!!

go for it chestnut!! You'll never know unless you try.

I am going ah-gaaah at the beautiful fabrics used inthat link Boys.

I have this skirt - is gorgeous

Well I'm not convinced tbh sorry, you did want feedback. I enjoy sewing and for me a large part of the process is choosing the fabric, pattern, buttons etc. That's the bit that gets me all excited and also gives me great pleasure when I've made the item and I get compliments. I don't think anyone is complimenting me on my sewing skills, but on the entire finished item. I don't know if it'd appeal to people who are not into sewing.

Clothkits was big in the 70's and the few people that I know who've thought of getting a kit have done so because they remember them from when they were children. Clearly they wouldn't buy if they didn't like the designs, but I think the history of the company gives it an advantage.

Hope you won't be offended.

Hi Magnacarta, not at all and I really appreciate the feedback. You raise some very good points. I think I am going to try and do some more market research... I suppose my target market is the beginner sewer, someone like me who would like to try my hand at it but I live nowehre near a haberdashery and I like the sound of the convenience of an all-in-one pack. But I do agree with you about the fabrics and choosing all the bits and pieces being part of the fun. The challenge is also making a sufficient mark-up because at the end of the day if it is too expensive, people may as well just buy the items separately!! Thanks again for your comments

I do think a kit like that would be a good intro for people starting out - it is a bit daunting, and if everything was pre-cut with all the bits and pieces it would be a good introduction to sewing.

You could try making up a few and selling them at craft fairs or on Etsy maybe? Low investment upfront and you'll get a sense of if it's worth it or not. I find Clothkits stuff very expensive and I'm not convinced by their fabrics - I think you could have much prettier items without too much trouble.

I like the idea, where I live we have one small fabric shop which isn't too inspiring, I love the clothkits stuff, it is expensive but the designs are fab, I had seen there site before, when I am rich enough to invest in a sewing machine I will make some dresses.

I knit and some of the knitting sites are really friendly, I think offering email advice would be a nice feature.

If you gave me idiot step by step instructions aswell - yes I would

yes i think its a good idea and you should definately try it. their are ways to get nice fabric cheaply so you should make a profit. also getting a pattern that fits real women will help.