Twice Giggle Thrice is making the move from hobby to business, and we're all really excited about it.
I plan to sew between 9pm and midnight for four nights a week. I will see what that results in and adjust accordingly.
I have bought some quality woven quilt labels from Fancyweaver and I can't wait to sew them on some quilts. We have a great big shipment of organic fabric on its way too. I don't think my Etsy store will know what hit it!
Speaking of Etsy, I have updated my policies to reflect my change from hobbyist to business and one big change I have made is flat rate shipping. I am hoping this will result in more sales, because I hate paying for shipping so I assume that everyone else does too!
I need to decide whether or not to continue making change mats, because I only have enough coated linen to make a handful more. Unfortunately I cannot source this amazing fabric here in Australia, and the next best thing available here is much lighter (though comes with written safety certification).
I'll also be investing some real time in this blog, which will mean photos!! I know, I can hardly believe I have had over two thousand hits when I have been so slack in the photo loading department.
So that is what is happening here on the sewing front, along with two Oliver + S Explorer vests from the book Little things to sew.
Stay tuned, I may even post photos...
Sewing adventures in Footscray.
Showing posts with label Etsy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Etsy. Show all posts
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Why I love Etsy...
Etsy is such an amazing marketplace, and I have so many ideas for creations that I have yet to create. Once I do make them of course, I know exactly where I can sell the extras I don't give as gifts. I just love how Etsy removes the whole middleman and 100% mark-up that traditional retail is based on.
Markets are a great social occasion and were really important to me when I first started sewing because I needed a community of real life people after a year of pregnancy and baby and no sleep. But the unspoken issue with markets is the great cost of attending. I don't sew for profit, but neither do I want to sell at a loss. The costs associated with Markets mean that you might as well be giving your creations away. That is, unless you are sewing for profit with that 100% mark-up thrown in. If you are running a business, then markets are pretty great.
I still love markets and shop at them, but I know businesses feel that hobbyists make for an uneven playing field, being able to sell their items more cheaply without incorporating labour costs. Let's for a moment put aside business needs (to make a profit) and appreciate everyones innate need to create, develop and grow. And this is what Etsy is great for. You can make one thing a month and have an Etsy store, or you can be in business and sell 100 items a week.
Recently, I have become much braver on Etsy, and have started to make 'retail equivalent purchases' buying items from true artisans that aren't cheap but have integrity. They have soul and substance and I feel so lucky to possess them when they arrive.
The weather is cooling here in Melbourne and so I have been turning to Etsy for hand knits in preparation for winter. Beautiful jumpers from Poland, a cardigan from Italy and socks from Finland. How great it is to be able to buy these bespoke pieces without jumping on an airplane!
Markets are a great social occasion and were really important to me when I first started sewing because I needed a community of real life people after a year of pregnancy and baby and no sleep. But the unspoken issue with markets is the great cost of attending. I don't sew for profit, but neither do I want to sell at a loss. The costs associated with Markets mean that you might as well be giving your creations away. That is, unless you are sewing for profit with that 100% mark-up thrown in. If you are running a business, then markets are pretty great.
I still love markets and shop at them, but I know businesses feel that hobbyists make for an uneven playing field, being able to sell their items more cheaply without incorporating labour costs. Let's for a moment put aside business needs (to make a profit) and appreciate everyones innate need to create, develop and grow. And this is what Etsy is great for. You can make one thing a month and have an Etsy store, or you can be in business and sell 100 items a week.
Recently, I have become much braver on Etsy, and have started to make 'retail equivalent purchases' buying items from true artisans that aren't cheap but have integrity. They have soul and substance and I feel so lucky to possess them when they arrive.
The weather is cooling here in Melbourne and so I have been turning to Etsy for hand knits in preparation for winter. Beautiful jumpers from Poland, a cardigan from Italy and socks from Finland. How great it is to be able to buy these bespoke pieces without jumping on an airplane!
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About Me
- Twice Giggle Thrice
- Footscray, Victoria, Australia
- I sew, design and create whilst also being a loving mother of one beautiful son. Like thousands of other women, my nesting instinct led me to a sewing machine and I haven't stopped since. I adore all fabric, but try to only buy organics. I simply can't resist a good Japanese linen though, so I do make an exception on organics sometimes!!