Sewing to Sell

Virginia Lindsay is a self-taught sewist and lover of all things fabric. She is the author of the popular sewing blog, Gingercake, and the designer behind Gingercake Patterns. She has had several patterns published by Simplicity. Virginia lives in Freeport, Pennsylvania. gingercake.org

December 2014Want ideas and inspiration to make money from sewing at home? This book shows you how to start and run a successful sewing business from home. There are interviews with four women who run craft businesses, tips for beginners and how to create marketing and promotional material. You’ll find basic information for setting up a business, what you need in the way of equipment and materials and ideas on where an how to sell, template pattern pieces. Patterns are included copyright free. The stylish, contemporary patterns are easy to follow and have a suggested price point. Please note this is an American book.

• Introduction Finding Your Sewing Style Authenticity Using Sewing Patterns to Get Started Interview: Jessica Rider from A little Grey Identifying Your Customers Be Selective Sewing for Kids and Babies Sewing Fashion Accessories Sewing for the Home Sewing for Fundraising Essential Equipment Your Sewing Machine Machine Accessories Thread Cutting Tools Additional Tools Serger Computer Camera Interview: Vanessa Hewell from LBG Studio Buying and Using Fabric Have a Plan Use What You Have Building a Stash Making Smart Fabric Buying Choices Quality Counts Coordinating Fabrics Try Something different Interview: Monica Donohue from Little Pigeon Crafts Sewing Change Your Favorite Patterns to Work Even Better For You Keep Good Notes Organize Your Pattern Pieces Organize Your Workspace Selling Selecting a Name Selling Online: Setting Up an Online Shop Taking Good Photos for Online Sales Selling at Craft Shows: Setting Up Your Booth Making a Plan Consignment Sales Promoting Yourself: Business Cards / Postcards Using Social Media Keeping a Mailing List Pricing and Packaging Pricing: Materials Time Price Show Pricing Packaging: Packaging for Show Sales Packaging for Online Sales Interview: Candace Todd from Sparkle Power PROJECTS Projects That Are Useful Boxy Pincushion Craft Apron Lunch Bag Oven Mitt Placemat and Napkin Projects That Make Best Use of Materials Drawstring Backpack Grocery Tote iPad Sleeve Trimmed Messenger Bag Half-square Triangle Quilt Projects That Are Great Sellers Baby Set Handy Organizer Great Big Tote Professional Pillows Slouchy Purse Zippered Pouch Appendix: Business Basics You're In Charge Keeping Your Look Fresh Inventory The Legal Aspects of Setting Up a Shop: Doing Business As (DBA) Get a Tax ID Set Up Bank Accounts How to Pay Sales Tax Income Tax Making it Work For You Resources About the Author