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making use of scrap fabric could this be a good idea?
rmusic1 Advanced Beginner UNITED KINGDOM Member since 7/3/10 Posts: 702	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 11/28/12 1:45 PM Not sure if this is the right area to post, but here goes. I am a self confessed scrooge when it comes to fabric. I always try to get the best layout to maximise fabric use. The result is a steadily growing mound of scrap fabric ranging in size. I've just made a small fabric bag (with bias tape for a draw string) as packaging for a baby PJ set I made for a friend. I thought I might as well make use of some of the scrap. A colleague at work showed interest when I mentioned and said he'd pay me for the fabric costs if I whipped up a few bags which he could use as Christmas packaging. Which leads me to my idea. Draw string bags are a doddle to make. Is it worth making them in various sizes and selling them on ebay? I dont intend to make a profit, just get rid of scrap and cover the cost of the unused fabric. Plus people aren't going to be too demanding of a humble fabric draw string bag, right? Thanks!
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 6980	Login to reply to this post In reply to rmusic1 << Like this post Date: 11/28/12 7:25 PM I think that's a great idea. I have a friend who gives all of her gifts, even birthdays, in wrapped fabric bags. There are several books out to show how to design them and make them special. You might want to promote how "green" it is to buy a repurposed fabric bag; maybe even offer a set of them. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
KensingtonCrab Advanced Beginner SC USA Member since 2/13/09 Posts: 723	Login to reply to this post In reply to rmusic1 << Like this post Date: 11/28/12 7:52 PM That is a great idea for scraps! I should make bags for all my Christmas gifts---if my embroidery machine gets here in time, I can monogram them! Also look into selling on Etsy.
61sew4fun Expert/Couture WA USA Member since 4/13/12 Posts: 70	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 11/28/12 9:22 PM Since I mostly sew bridal I have all sorts of lovely scraps. I cut strips with my pinking shears for ribbon and decorate packages with all sorts of bits of lace. It is always appreciated and met with oohs and ahhs. -- Edited on 11/28/12 9:23 PM -- ------ 61sew4fun
61sew4fun Expert/Couture WA USA Member since 4/13/12 Posts: 70	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/28/12 9:23 PM Since I mostly sew bridal I have all sorts of lovely scraps. I cut strips with my pinking shears for ribbon and decorate packages with all sorts of bits of lace. It is always appreciated and met with oohs and ahhs. ------ 61sew4fun
SandiMacD   Intermediate FL USA Member since 2/8/09 Posts: 1040	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 11/29/12 6:44 AM Another idea is to make jewelry holding bags out out that bridal fabric. I love those soft drawstring bags when I travel. ------ re-living my youth through sewing...
fcsltd   Intermediate TX USA Member since 6/13/12 Posts: 39	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/29/12 7:12 AM this is a great idea - useful for loose tea gift giving (I would put the tea in a plastic bag first then put the whole thing in a nice fabric bag). Also potpourri drawer sachets.
Vintage Tailor   Intermediate MN USA Member since 4/27/09 Posts: 8	Login to reply to this post In reply to rmusic1 << Like this post Date: 11/29/12 7:15 AM These questions come to mind (and I don't know the answers): What are the costs of doing business on eBay? If all you want is to break even, what would you need to charge to cover every cost you incur? Will you ship only domestically or anywhere in the world? Will you lay in a supply of shipping materials? Is eBay the best marketplace for your product? Do you have a setup for taking detailed photos of your product so customers can get a good look? I'm a customer on eBay but have never been a vendor. I'm under the impression that vendors have to keep their ratings really high, or they get booted out. (Or am I wrong about this?) Your customers might well be demanding of what they buy from you. Are you prepared to deal with complaints and low ratings that might threaten your status as an eBay vendor? Like I said, I don't know the answers to any of these questions, but they might be worth considering.
nicegirl Intermediate DC USA Member since 5/10/06 Posts: 1607	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 11/29/12 9:31 AM eBay is a difficult marketplace for lower-end items--you are competing with mass-produced factory items from Asia, where the sellers have thousands of ratings. You might also take a look at Etsy, which is meant to be for handmade items (though it has more than its share of mass-produced factory items as well). ------ http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com ================= 2007: purchased 115+, sewed 105+ So close to parity, yet so far Trying again in 2008 Yards purchased: 133 Yards sewn: Somewhere around 95 2009? I give up
GwenH Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 8/26/09 Posts: 371	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/29/12 12:44 PM I think making the bags is a great idea, if not for sale, at least for your own use and family and friends. -- Edited on 11/30/12 9:35 PM --

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