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23.2.11

Craft Fair Tips & Tricks

Hello!  I haven't formally introduced myself yet.  My name is Ashley, I'm an avid crafter and lover of paper.  You can see some of my past work at Joyful Creations.  I hope to bring you some fun tutorials very soon.  In the mean time I'm preparing for my 1st craft fair.  I've been in search of lots of tips and tricks from others that are more experienced with fairs.  I thought I would share what I've learned and some of my own thoughts.

Things to have on hand at your craft fair:

Price signs - use clearly marked price signs with a description of your item and the price.  A great way to up sale is to list it like "1 for $5 or 2 for $8.50".  It gives the customer an option to buy more and save some money but in all it will put more cash in your pocket.  And usually when someone buys multiples of handmade items they will be gifting them.  This brings me to my next tip.

Always include your brand info on your handmade product.  Put a label on your product somewhere so that if the item is gifted to someone they will know how to contact you in case they want more.

Guest book - encourage your onlookers to sign the guest book even if they don't buy anything.  Host a small giveaway as an incentive for them to sign it.  Include space for name and email address.  Let them know that you will contact the winner by email.

Business Cards - enough said!

Calculator - add up that money, but you want the transactions to go easy so price your items so that adding is easy for you and your customer.

Notebook & Pen - take notes during down time.  Jot down the pros and cons and things that you may see from other crafters around you that inspires you for your next show.  

For more ideas on what you might want to have on hand check out 160 Things to Bring to your Art or Craft Show.

Things to do before your craft fair:

Take inventory of everything that you will be selling and the price you will be listing it at.  After the show it will be easy for you to take note of your best selling items and keep track of your income.

Test out your display before the big day.  Set up your table, play with risers, screens, table clothes, shelves and your product.  Figure out exactly how you want to set your table.  When done, take a picture of it or map it out.  Print the picture or be sure to have your table map with you on the day of the show so that set up is a breeze.
Display tips:

Use either white or black table clothe to cover the table.  Use smaller scraps of fabric in brighter colors to highlight your products and draw the eye to different areas of the table.

Photo Source: PaperSparrow

Don't underestimate the power of risers.  Use different sizes of boxes or even a small book shelf or re-purpose a spice rack.  If you use random boxes, cover them in pretty paper or slip them under the table clothe and adjust how the clothe lays on it.

 Photo Source: Flapper Girl

For more tips and tricks on your displays check out Craft Show Display Tips & Must-Haves :: Etsy Blog.


So, there you have it.  Please, feel free to share your ideas and tips in the comments below.  I will share my personal experiences after the fair on March 26th.  HAPPY CRAFTING!!!

14.2.11

Sew Serendipity GiveAway

Happy Valentine's day everyone! AllFreeSewing.com is currently having a book giveaway right now. You can enter to win a copy of Sew Serendipity by Kay Whitt. The book includes patterns and tutorials on how to make various garments such as skirts, dresses and jackets. Why not enter to win today? The book is a great resource and would be a great addition to any sewer's bookshelf!


So enter today, tomorrow, and the day after that! And while you are visiting All Free Sewing sign up for their mailing list, and look at some of the great craft tutorials they have! It is a great website!

Don't Forget to Pre-Shrink!

Everyone who has ever learned how to wash laundry, most likely knows that certain fabrics are prone to shrinking. Most of those fabrics just happen to be natural fiber (no not the kind of fiber you need as a part of a healthy diet) fabrics like cotton or wool. I am a huge fan of using cotton and/or silk when I sew. Now as with any fabric, before you sew, or work with it in any way, it is a good idea to pre-shrink and (if needed, which is most likely needed when working with natural fiber fabrics) press the fabric before sewing or cutting it. Hey Tasha, Why do I need to do all of that? Can't I just wash it after I am done sewing?
The problem with sewing then shrinking is that thread and the stitch, won't shrink like the fabric will. Therefore you will have fabric that has shrunk, but not the stitch or the thread. It leaves your project looking rather poor. As far as pressing, it makes your projects look more professional and makes for a straighter more even stitch. It also makes the fabric and the stitch a little easier to work with.
Keep in mind, however, that different fabrics have different care instructions. Some you can wash like you wash the rest of your laundry. Some must be washed in cold water on delicate cycle and then tumble or line dried. Some must be dry cleaned. Don't fear though. When you buy fabric at any fabric store, the end of the bolt has the care instructions as well as the other information regarding the fabric. I suggest writing this information down when you are purchasing the fabric so it is on hand.
When you get your fabric home, go ahead and pre-shrink it. You don't have to press it right away, because odds are you will need to press the seams during the sewing process anyway. Pre-shrinking it right away will remove the "Did I shrink this or not?" problem before you begin your project.
And just a general word of advice. I suggest that when pressing your fabric, use a press cloth (I like to use cloth diapers. Not only are they cheap, but they work wonderfully). This helps keep the fabric from getting too hot or getting damaged by something that may be on the iron that you did not see.

11.2.11

Meet Cindi Penni!

There is someone very important that I want you all to meet. This is Cindi Penni.

Cindi Penni is a Brother CP6500. No she is not the best on the market, nor is she the worst, but she is my dear friend. She was given to me by my Marmie (what I call my mom) for Christmas.
I haven't told any of you (in the internet world that is) this yet, but Marmie recently suffered a stroke. The doctors say that she is going to make a full recovery and she is going to be just fine. Being a child that grew up in the military, I didn't have very many constants in my life. She was one of those constants. Marmie saved and did everything she could to get Cindi Penni for me because she knew it was the one thing I wanted more than anything for Christmas. I had been asking for one for as long as I could remember. Because of this, Cindi Penni has become of one of my most prized possessions and dearest friends. I am going to love getting to know her and create beautiful things with her! Our first creation together is going to be a quilt for Marmie. After her stroke, we feel that she needs something from the heart that was made with the deepest love that only a daughter can feel for her mother. Marmie, you have been my rock my entire life, and I will be here for you for the rest of our lives and beyond. I love you!

9.2.11

Stocking Your Sewing Kit

I am a firm believer that every crafter should at least have a well stocked sewing kit, and know how to at least make the most basic of stitches for minor repairs. With that said, I thought I would give you a few tips on stocking your sewing kit.

I will add some pictures of each tool later this evening when I can drag them out without the kids trying to run off with every item I have. Ha Ha!

MUST HAVES:
These are items that I feel every sewing kit must have. I have found situations that call for the use of one of these items far outweigh the situations that do not call for them.

Tape Measure
I prefer the tape plastic-coated fabric type. You have at least seen one in the movies. Ha Ha. It comes in very handy because it does not stretch out of shape, and when not in use you can simply drape it over your shoulders for easy access when you do need it. Most are 5/8-inch wide (the width of the standard seam allowance), 60-inches long, come in both standard and metric measurements, and come in two tone. Why two tone you ask? Well how else are you supposed to know when the tape is twisted? I have found that using this simplest of tools, which is not that expensive and even comes in most beginner sewing kits, has been a life saver! Measuring is the key to getting any craft to turn out wonderful! And always remember the old adage, "Measure twice, cut once." This will save you a lot of pain in the future.

Seam Gauge
This particular tool you can get away with not having if you are not planning on doing any sewing crafts. But if you are, it comes in very handy! It comes in very handy for small measurements such as button holes and hems. It is a 6-inch metal ruler with a slide that moves up and down. A lot of beginner's sewing kits may also come with this measuring tool.

8-inch bent dressmaker's shears
Okay, I am a terrible person for this one. My shears just broke and I have yet to replace them with a decent pair, but they are a necessity none the less. These come in uber handy when cutting fabric. They have one angled blade and one straight blade allowing for a more accurate cut. Always remember though, keep them sharpened and NEVER use them for anything other than fabric. This can cause the blades to dull and damage and snare your fabric. And you don't want that to happen.

Trim scissors
You remember when hotels and other places used to give out sewing kits? You remember the small scissors that they used to have in them? They were small straight scissors with round holes for your fingers. Trim scissors are slightly larger versions of those scissors. They are used for minor trims. While currently I do not have a pair as of right now, but I don't use them often. I found myself using them more when I first started sewing rather than now.

Wash-out pencil
While wash-out pencils are my marking tool of choice, any marking tool that you find at your local fabric store will work. You often find yourself in the position that you you need to mark your fabric before cutting it. Marking tools come in very handy because they show up on the fabric and the marks are easily removed afterward.

Pins and pincushion
While using a sewing machine, pinning the fabric down so it does not move while sewing is usually a good idea. And you need somewhere to keep those pins when they are not in use, and that is where the pincushion comes in! You don't have to jump up and buy a pincushion though. You can always make your own. I will provide a tutorial for one at a later date. I would stay away from purchasing the pins with the plastic ends. There will be times where you need to press the fabric with the pins in, and they can melt to the fabric and your iron. I also suggest getting the pins with at least some end on them, such as the glass head pins. This way you don't lose them and they are easier to grasp.

Needles
A pack of good hand-sewing needles is a must, or you are not sewing. Needles come in all shapes and sizes. You can pick up a pack that has various styles of needles for various projects significantly cheap. There are even (so I have heard, I have never used one) self threading needles. When in doubt you can always ask an associate at your local fabric store.

Thread
Thread is just as important as needles in the world of sewing. Both are necessities. However, choosing thread can be a tricky situation. First and foremost. If you see thread on sale for dirt cheap, turn the other direction. Cheap thread may seem like a break, but it can actually create more work for you. This cheap thread is basically the bottom of the barrel stuff. With that said, you have to look at your project do decide the thread you need. I suggest that you go with an all-purpose thread to stock your sewing kit with. That way whatever the situation you have some thread that will do the job. I do not suggest on buying several spindles of thread at the same time, "to save money and time". Thread, especially in certain climates, can become brittle and frail. So only buy what you need for a given project. I have found that keeping a little black and white on hand will get used before any damage happens.

Handy-dandy carrying case
Now that you have all the tools, you definitely need somewhere to put them. Growing up my Mom and I kept our sewing kits in tackle boxes. They have many compartments, are very sturdy, and lock close. Now they make sewing kit boxes with compartments that lock close. Some even have built in pincushions. For a little extra money you can eve buy one with spokes to hold your thread in place. It is all what you are comfortable with and what you can afford. This is one of those areas where you don't have to spend a lot of money. Growing up in the South tackle boxes were cheap and a dime a dozen. They worked perfect for my mother and I, but they might not work for you. Just pick something you are comfortable with.


Now that you have your sewing kit, you are ready for anything that heads your way! Good luck and happy crafting!

8.2.11

FAQs

Q: I would love to write for this blog, how can I do that?
A: Just click the contact button at the top of the page. Send me an email with your name, age, and a few pictures or videos of your particular crafting ability. Remember no matter what your craft, you can potentially become an author here at Sew Uber Crafty!

Q: How many authors currently write for Sew Uber Crafty?
A: Currently there are three writers for Sew Uber Crafty, but I would love to add several more!

Q: I followed one of your tutorials and would love to show you how it turned out! How can I do that?
A: We would love to see your versions of our crafts! You have two options, you can either email them to me or you can post them in the comments section. Once a month I will create a reader's version entry and show off all your wonderful versions of our crafts!

About Sew Uber Crafty

I created this blog because I love to create things. Growing up, the gifts that my mother liked to receive the most were the gifts that my brothers and I created ourselves. She said that those gifts truly came from the heart, because we put our blood, sweat, and tears into each and every project. I was a child when I had my first experience with sewing. My Nana sent me a couple of dresses that she made herself. I kept those dresses until I was a senior in high school. They were my most prized possession until they were lost in a move. I was in the 6th grade when I used my first sewing machine. I took a class in school that was basically home economics (which they don't teach in many schools anymore, which I feel is complete and utter bologna!). The teacher taught us to use a sewing machine and had us create a few different things. We made pillows from old pairs of jeans and tote bags. My mom still carries that tote bag that I made to this day. It has never had to be repaired and it is one of her favorite bags to carry. When I sit in front of the sewing machine and make something, I feel like I am contributing some beauty to this world. I want to share my knowledge with each and every one of you. Now don't get me wrong, we will discuss more than just sewing here. We will discuss everything from sewing and other needlecrafts, to paper crafts, glass crafts, and even some woodworking or metalworking crafts! Currently we have 3 authors (Tasha( that is me), Ashley, and Heather), but I plan on adding more! If you are a crafter and would like to contribute just click the contact button and shoot me an email with some of your crafting experience! We would love to have you! I hope you enjoy Sew Uber Crafty! Remember to tell your friends!