Designer Tayma Martins has been working with instructor, Christine Knobel for the last while. Christine and I were really impressed with her drive and work ethic and have both fallen in love with the nostalgic chic of her fashion collection. We hope you enjoy this interview with this budding designer
Read moreTeaching Children to Sew: The Dos and Don’ts
Most seasoned sewers share the memory of their first shaky, uneven, hand-stitches; though imperfect, they were the beginning of a lifelong love of the craft. Whether taught by mother, grandmother, or all on your own, those fond memories of the pride we took in early projects speak to just how impactful sewing can be for children.
Sewing is an ideal hobby for children to pick up -- it’s both fun and functional, and the basics are easy for even younger kids to learn. Your own experience and the most basic elements of your sewing basket are all you’ll need to teach them, and it’s the perfect project to dive into on a rainy day.
Read moreFun, Useful Skills to Learn During Self-Isolation
Image via Pexels
Are you spending more time at home than ever before? Sure, being cooped up comes with some downsides, but you don’t have to allow yourself to become stir-crazy. You can make the most of your self-isolation by picking up a few new skills.
Whether you’re aiming to turn your newly acquired skills into a career or simply want to fill your time with productive activities, learning something new can add joy and excitement to your routine. Here are some fun skills worth learning while self-isolating in 2021.
Read moreFashion Illustration - Student Highlight - Alisa Clements
This month I wanted to highlight one of our former adult illustration students who is putting out some amazing work. Here is a little bit more about Alisa in her own words:
Read moreIn 2019, I started an online search for sewing, fashion, art.
I found The Sewing Room! I would look through the classes and feel super excited thinking when I was going to take a class! Then one day while perusing Jennifer's website, I saw Fashion Illustrating with instructor Julie Ann. "WOW," I thought to myself, "gosh, that's so cool- fashion illustrating!" I cannot express how thrilled I was about this class offering. I felt so lucky to have found this opportunity at The Sewing Room.
How to Sell at Craft Shows and Artisan Markets Without Spending a Fortune
How to Sell at Craft Shows and Artisan Markets Without Spending a Fortune
Your art is your passion, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a good way to earn some extra income as well. Perhaps you’ve already invested in classes from The Sewing Room and now thinking about getting a start selling your products at local craft shows and artisan markets. These outlets can be a wonderful way to connect with your community. But before you start making any money, you need to put some effort into the following basic steps to set up your business and ensure success. As you venture into selling at craft shows and artisan markets, considering a more formal business structure could be beneficial. Exploring top-rated llc formation services might be a smart investment to help provide your business with legal protection and credibility, without breaking the bank.
Use Coupons to Save Money on Displays
Visual merchandising insight is crucial if you want to really “wow” customers at crowded markets and pop-ups. You need to start your merchandising and display plan by figuring out your target audience. Keep these customers in mind as you set up your display, but also use common retail tricks, like having a fun theme, grouping items into arrays of three, and allowing customers to touch products. If you need to pick up some displays or merchandising tools to attract more customers, you can do so without going over budget by shopping online from eBay or Amazon and using cash back offers to make items more affordable.
Process Mobile Payments from Your Cell Phone
In the past, you needed expensive credit card machines and plenty of change to satisfy market customers. With mobile hotspots, however, buying additional equipment is a thing of the past. A mobile hotspot allows you to process credit card payments and access other handy web features from just about anywhere without worrying about draining your phone’s battery and relying on spotty and unsecured WiFi networks at craft shows. You will also need a reliable method for processing credit card payments. Mobile card readers are available from various providers, so do your homework to see which one makes financial sense for your business.
Accent Merchandise Displays with Attractive Signage
In addition to product displays, you should think about having signage printed to raise awareness of your brand. The elements of brand identity include things like logos and signage — all of which can help your target customers really connect with you and your products. If you do not currently have a logo and plan to sell on a regular basis, consider whether DIY or professional services will best fit your needs. A graphic designer is the best option for custom logos, and you may even be able to barter services from fellow artists. However, if you can’t afford a graphic designer, you can always use your own skills and a logo generator instead.
Ensure That All Products Are Priced Clearly and Appropriately
Proper pricing is another critical step for success with local markets. Before you begin putting tags on your products, do some research to see what similar products are currently selling for online. Also, take into account the cost of materials used in your arts and crafts, as well as your time. Keep in mind that some customers at markets may try to haggle. How you handle hagglers is up to you, but if you are not entirely put off by lowering your asking prices, be sure to calculate the lowest price you can accept without cutting into your profits.
Take Steps to Operate As A Real For Your Peace of Mind (and the Benefits)
You may only be selling your art on a part-time basis, but even if art shows are just a side hustle for you, you will still need to pay taxes on your earnings. If you’ll be setting up a booth at an art show soon, you’ll want to tackle a few business-related tasks before you go! From determining a realistic business budget to getting your receipts organized to setting up an LLC for your business, you’ll be glad that you checked these items off of your to-do list.
Why establish your art business as an LLC? This business structure will safeguard your personal assets while allowing for plenty of flexibility and granting you certain tax breaks. When filing for an LLC, California has its own set of regulations, so to save time and money, you can work with an online formation service.
Selling arts and crafts at local events, markets, and festivals can be quite simple. Plus, you don’t need a huge investment to get started, especially when you have a handy guide like this one. Just put your creativity to work when setting up your booth and table, put your best face forward for potential customers, and offer products your target customers will love. Best of luck and be sure to check out The Sewing Room’s Fashion Studies course and other classes to get a head start on your passion!
Photo Credit: Pexels & Canva
Too Cold to Play Outside? Try One of These Fun Family Activities Instead
When you’re spending most of your time at home, being able to send the kids outside to play can relieve boredom for them and provide a much-needed break for you. If it’s snowing or raining outside, or simply much too cold, you may need to come up with some alternative ways for your children to have fun and stay occupied. In fact, you may want to prepare for the colder months ahead by keeping these ideas in mind to keep those blustery days less stressful.
Read more6 ways to be Sustainable while you shop for Groceries - Eliminate Single Use Plastics
And the Zero Waste Saga Continues. This week, I want to talk about the grocery store and grocery bags. It really rubbed me the wrong way when we had to give up our reusable bags over Quarantine. I'm so glad we can use them again. Here are a few ways you can do your part to avoid plastic bags and single-use plastics while you are shopping:
Fashion Illustration - Interview with artist Velicia Gourdin
Recently, our very own Julie Ann Brown reached out to fashion illustrator artist Velicia Gourdin for an interview. She asked ten great questions. We hope you enjoy Velicia’s answers and her AMAZING illustrations below. She is such a talented artist and illustrator!
Read moreHow Much Is An Embroidery Machine?
Embroidery is an age-old art that has existed as early as 5th century B.C. It is the process of adding accents to clothing for design and aesthetic purposes. Once a delicate craft that can be done only by hand, thanks to modern technology, embroidery can now be completed using an embroidery machine.
With an embroidery machine, you can do different kinds of stitches and choose pre-made designs or accents. Similar to a sewing machine, these tools have a bobbin and a spool placed inside a hook which is used to form the stitches. Machine embroidery designs are responsible for some of the breathtakingly beautiful accents we see on towels, pillowcases, sweaters, and other items made of cloth.
Read moreHow To Design The Ultimate Craft Room For Beginners
Originally posted on Porch.com
June 8, 2020
Whether you love to sew, embroider, or paint, having a craft space is a great way to get creative at home. From a spare bedroom to a spot over the garage, you can create the crafting area of your dreams with a few tips and tricks. Of course, if you don’t have an extra room, you can always create a “craft station” in your office or living room. Read on to discover some easy ways you can transform a part of your home to make it a crafting getaway you’ll love.
Read moreSewing and Stem - How are they related?
It may be hard to imagine how STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) can have much to do with the mundane experience of Sewing. Upon further investigation, you might be surprised. Sewing directly involves Math, Engineering and Science. And, technology can be incorporated into the sewing process with the use of circuiting and led lighting effects as well as computerized machines and programmed embroidery. But even on a more basic level, Sewing encompasses a myriad of STEM principles.
Read moreHow to Keep Your Kids Entertained When They’re Stuck Inside
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
With school closures in effect because of the coronavirus, most parents are scrambling to find activities for their children. And depending on where you live, the weather might not always be cooperative so your children can get out to play. Don’t worry though, there are still plenty of opportunities to keep them entertained while they’re inside. Better yet, you can even sneak a few educational moments into these playful tasks.
Read moreHow to Be Sustainable in your Sewing Practice
Sustainability is a word that's been getting flung around a lot in the past few years. It's definition is: Noun, The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level. In terms of fashion and sewing I'm looking at Sustainability as the "avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance" (quoted from Siri after I asked her). We are in a Climate Crisis. It's real and it overwhelming.
Read moreFashion Studies: Student Update - Kelly
8th grade Fashion Studies Student Kelly H. has been coming up with amazing designs over the Fall and Spring. In the fall, Kelly draped a bodice and skirt and then created flat patterns from the drape. She also learned out to use a block or sloper to create the dress she's wearing. The embroidery she's holding is based off an illustration she created for the the dress she's wearing.
Read moreBest Sewing Machine Threads Reviews 2020 →
Please note, this post contains affiliate links
If you are up for any sewing project, then you better gather some ideas about threads. There are tons of different threads on the market, but you have to pick the one that is most suitable for your project. Threads are long interlocking fibers (natural or synthetic), which can be used for multiple purposes. Sewing threads are exclusively produced to fit needles and make stitches.
Read moreFashion Careers: What is a Fashion Designer?
When I was growing up, all I wanted was, to become a FASHION DESIGNER. I wanted the glamorous life of being famous as well as the daily activity of making clothing that started out in my mind and then became a physical garment. I think that’s what most people think of when they think of a fashion designer. In reality, the glamorous life of a fashion designer is few and far between. That kind of designer is the one that many of us all look up to, but isn’t the actual job that most designers have.
Read moreFashion Careers: What is Pattern Making?
This is the start of a new blog series about Fashion Careers. I’m starting with Pattern Making or Pattern Maker, because that’s the job I’m most familiar with . I’ve been pattern making and pattern fixing for the last couple of decades and it’s something that gives me great personal satisfaction as well having been a skill I’ve used to earn a living.
Read more5 simple ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable
So you want to become a more ethical shopper?
Change isn’t going to happen overnight and the journey ahead isn’t always going to be easy. However, if you make some small changes to your shopping habits, ethical shopping is sure to become second nature and you can feel great about the good you’re doing for the planet (as well as your bank balance).
Here are five simple tips on how to make your wardrobe more sustainable, without compromising style and fashion:
Read moreWhat You Should Sew If You Want To Start A Business
disclosure - Affiliate links included in this post.
Sewing can be relaxing, even as it presents real challenges. And when you get something just right, it feels incredible! Unfortunately, it can also be an expensive hobby if you're at it regularly, so you may need to find a way to offset the cost. This will inevitably lead some who love to sew start their own little businesses (with companies like ZenBusiness for example ) selling handmade workmanship - even if the primary focus is on creativity or personal projects. Some people choose to sell in person while others choose to sell online via their own website or Etsy. Either way, it’s entirely possible to turn your skillset into a business.
But how do you know what will sell? Ultimately the hope is that you can simply make beautiful things, and people will want to buy them. For the purpose of generating some income though, it can't hurt to have a few ideas that are more commercial, so to speak. So here we have some ideas that could lead to more regular sales, such that before long you may be wondering more about how to fulfill orders than what to sew in the first place!
Embrace Trends
Even if you aren't a fan of current fashion fads, they do represent a nice way to boost your business right away. If everyone is looking for a tiny bag for the fall fashion season, for instance, then it stands to reason you could capitalize on the demand. Put your own spin on it, and you can enjoy the best of both worlds - satisfying your own creative urge, and giving potential customers the feeling that they're stumbling on something trendy, but new. Statement hats are also big for the fall, and can actually be relatively easy to craft at home. In general, following seasonal trends like these is a good way to get customers on board with your fashion-forward business and your craftsmanship.
Follow Pop Culture
This season there are several films coming out that fans have been looking forward to for a while. The “Little Women” and “Downton Abbey” movies in particular have generated lots of hype, and some moviegoers are every bit as excited for these releases as they are for the average Marvel or Star Wars feature. Naturally, there's a fashion angle to take advantage of here! Fashions and accessories that hearken back to the mid-1800s and the early 1900s would get lots of attention this season as part of your sewing collection.
The same goes for any kids movies. With Halloween coming up, costumes from “Aladdin” or “The Lion King” will be big this season, given the recent theatrical remakes of both films. Kids will be begging to dress up as Jasmine or Simba this October, and you don't need to step into any licensed territory to design princess or lion costumes that give them what they're looking for in an unofficial capacity, so to speak.
These examples are specific to the current season, but they speak to how pop culture can be excellent inspiration in general.
Imitate Sports Logos and Colors
Another aspect of the autumn season you may want to take advantage of is college football, which captures the attention of millions. Every prominent school has tons of fans who are looking to sport their teams' favorite colors. There will be a big base for your sales, and while you can't sell officially licensed images, some of the more stylish fans may want to support their teams without wearing cheap tee shirts with mascots plastered all over them. This means even sewing regular clothes with patterns and colors reminiscent of a team's aesthetic can be a hit.
Now, it does take a bit of knowledge to choose the right teams and looks, but if you don't follow college football it's easy enough to get a feel for the major teams. Available college football betting odds online can give you a week-by-week feel for which teams are the most competitive (and therefore likely to have the most active fan bases). And for that matter you can probably even research apparel sales to see which teams sell the most merchandise as is (giving you an idea of where there's significant demand).
Personalized Items
Whether it's college students heading off to university this fall, or younger students going back to school, personalized backpacks, lunch boxes, totes, and zipper pouches are huge right now. If you have a machine that does embroidery, you may be able to turn significant profits if you offer personalized accessories and for your clients. You can also offer these things “a la carte”, meaning they don't have to add personalization to one of ”your” products specifically. Instead they can bring an item in to have a name added, even if they got it item somewhere else originally. Projects like these don't take very long, and quick turnover can make the whole thing more worth your time.
And again, the above were just a few examples specific to the back-to-school season. But really, there's always demand for personalized products of one sort or another.
Really, there are tons of ideas out there that can help you to turn sewing from a habit or hobby into a small business of your own. There's more to it than the ideas and inspiration, but if you craft well, find a way to generate sales, and take on only the business you can handle, you'll be of to a great start. Before you know it, you might not only be funding your hobby, but profiting from it!
Until next time, Happy Sewing!
Student of the Month - April
This month we highlight Kelly H. who is one of our Fashion Studies Students. Only 12 years old with a fairly developed sense of style, she is learning the craft of clothes making and cultivating her design skills. She's even doing it with a cast on her RIGHT hand. Yikes! She will be an ambidextrous designer by the end of the school year! That shows a lot of commitment and determination, if you ask me!
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