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Monday, November 17, 2014

Sewing to Sell Book Review & Zipped Pouches

Recently, I received a complimentary e-copy of the new book, Sewing to Sell! by Virginia Lindsay of Gingercake Designs. The paper version of the book is releasing today and promises to be a huge success like all of the other wonderful patterns and projects from Virginia!


About the same time that I began to read through the book, I signed up to provide a handmade item or two for a silent auction fundraiser event being held at my daughter's school. I soon realized that one or more of the 16 starter projects included in the book would make the perfect item to donate to the auction. In the end, I sewed up six zipped pouches in varying sizes using the instructions and suggestions from Sewing to Sell! and donated them to the auction.

While the book primarily focuses on how to turn your love of sewing into a business, I was personally more interested in the awesome quick-sew project tutorials. Presently, I only take the occasional custom order; therefore, I found much of the information in the book on pricing and packaging to be extremely worthwhile and helpful. I'm always second guessing myself when I quote a price for a custom job, but no more! 

For the auction I mentioned earlier, I sewed two sets of three zipped pouches. The Zipped Pouch project from the book, shown in the next photo, provided the dimensions to make a medium sized pouch with suggestions to make an optional gusset bottom and pouches of various sizes based on the length of zipper used. These pouches are ideal for storing about anything you think of from make-up, to jewelry, to a snack!


Here are some pictures of the 2 sets I sewed. I made one set with gusseted bottoms, 


and the second set without the expanding bottom.


These were all super quick and easy to sew. I used Tula Pink fabric featuring these adorable woodland animals for the main part and lining of each pouch, and on some of the pouches, I attached a piece of faux suede fabric from Shannon Fabrics to the bottom. 




The book's instructions for cutting out and sewing up the zipped pouches were simple yet detailed and accompanied by several clear illustrations. I love the fact that each of the tutorial projects at the end of the book offers a price point for selling that item in your handmade shop or at a fair. Based on that information and the cost of my materials and time, I chose to set a reserve bid price of $25 with a suggested minimum bid of $45 for each set for the auction.


So, if you are thinking about starting a small handmade items business, Sewing to Sell! is a great resource. The book helps you discover your sewing style, identify your customer base, determine your business name and selling venue, as well as provide you with some very basic legal aspects of running a business. Even though I'm not planning to sell handmade items on a regular basis, the information in this book has answered a lot of questions I've had about how to start a business.


The photographs in the book are bright and beautiful and can teach you a thing or two about combining fabrics just from looking at them! If you are familiar with Virginia's patterns and free projects at Gingercake, then you can already image the attention to detail in this book!

Want a chance to win your own paper copy of the new book Sewing to Sell! by Virginia Lindsay? Then simply enter through the Rafflecopter widget below. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only and ends at midnight on Sunday, November 23, 2014. Winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email the following day.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you just can't wait and don't want to take the chance that you might not win, then you can purchase the book today at Amazon or through C&T Publishing.

Also, be sure to follow along the Sewing to Sell! blog tour! You'll read more reviews and see other projects inspired by the book.


Have FUN sewing!

36 comments:

  1. I set up an etsy store but haven't filled it. I need to get the nerve to do it!

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  2. I have an etsy shop in the works :)

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  3. So lovely - already in my Xmas wish-list :)

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  4. Cute pouches! I find that even "simple" projects take me a lot of time/effort to sew up and it is really hard to charge enough for the finished product to make it worth my while... But I still love sewing for my family/friends!

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  5. I need this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  6. I think about it all the time and then I end up giving the items away as gifts! I would love to read this book and find out more!

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  7. great post veronica! Your pouches are beautiful and thanks so much for your kind words!

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  8. I have been selling for a little bit now but I am sure that the information in this book is still relevant. Of course I would love to make those little pouches and I would really love to know what other cute projects are in the book!! Thanks so much for the chance to win!!

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  9. I do not have a homemade store, but have been thinking about it. Thank you for the chance to win!

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  10. I already like you on Facebook. I do make and sell a few items (previously on Etsy, currently in a small local shop with other hand crafters. I would LOVE some insight on pricing. I'm always torn between being fair to me and to the purchaser.

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  11. Looks like a great read and I'm loving those pouches!!

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  12. I have an Etsy store but love new tips and tricks and of course, simple sewing projects.

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  13. Cute! Love zipper pouches! Can't have enough of them. So excited for this book!

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  14. I do have a handmade store cozycameras.etsy.com

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  15. I do have 2 Etsy shops, but am just starting to do craft shows as well. Would love to pick up some tips on pricing for craft fairs and try out the cute projects in the book!

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  16. I don't have a shop. But my husband keeps encouraging me to sell my creations.

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  17. I have an etsy shop (etsy.com/shop/lolajoyouslyhandmade) and want to learn more about doing craft shows. I am excited to get my hands on this book for all the wisdom and insight it contains. Thanks for writing it and sharing your expertise, Virginia Lindsay!

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  18. I have all my bags, clutches and pouches ready to go...but haven't done my shop yet! I'm hoping to find the courage to do it soon.

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  19. My cousin and I have been contemplating doing craft shows. But, and etsy store could always work!

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  20. Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win it!

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  21. I have been contemplating selling what I make, this book would be helpful!

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  22. I'm a big fan of Virginia's. I love what you did with her patterns!

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  23. I've thought about starting an Etsy store. I'd love to learn how to bulk produce items and price them.

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  24. I don't have a shop yet but I want one! I know it will happen someday- this book would be a great push to help me get going!

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  25. I have an Etsy shop and I love her patterns! My son and grand kids have lunch bags they take to school and work!

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  26. I have an Etsy shop but haven't gotten to the point where I have enough stock of anything to put out there!

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  27. I would love to make a living selling my wares. Looks like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway. I know I'm late but I just saw this but I've shared this giveaway on my Giveaway List for just sewers & quilters at wowilikethat.com. Hopefully it will bring some more to enter. I'll also share on my Facebook for you. Thanks again. (debbie@wowilikethat.com)

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  28. I love those pouches and would love to get a book like this :)

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  29. This is just what I need. Hope to someday have a shop.

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  30. I do not but I have been thinking about it.

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  31. I have a very small store, but would like to expand. I make personalized, embroidered bibs and personalized zippered totes for friends who buy them as gifts. I've even sold a few to strangers, so I could certainly expand!

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  32. I've often thought about making some things to sell but have not known how to start or how to price -would love this book to get me started and not just thinking about it!

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  33. I would like a children's clothing store where handmade sold. I think it is good idea.

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