Sew to Sell Time Trial and pricing for Batch sewing boxed bags made with sample upholstery fabric

[@xoombug830]

This was inspiring. Even if I make ten of something, I make them one at a time. Batch sewing would certainly be faster. Mahalo, Christine!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I think batch sewing is my favourite😀

[@meandering.needle]

Thank you for showing the entire process. I use sample fabrics for my project too. Great to see your ideals for how cut them up to add interest. I’ve seen another video where you talk about using the zipper on a roll. Love that idea. So much more economical than buying individual zippers. Thank you for making these videos and discussing your pricing strategy.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're very welcome Bry. Hope the pricing tips help😀

[@HodgePodgeHarmony]

I sat down and did some mesh front project pouches a few weeks ago after being inspired by some of your previous batch sewing videos and was pleasantly surprised how accomplished I felt afterwards. I still work full-time and it’s hard to take a full day to do that type of sewing, BUT! I also have an easy day job and great boss so I am able to take down time at work and cut my fabric out, which is a real plus. But my boss wins too because he usually gets one of whatever I am making, lol. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's awesome. I love that you can bring your cutting to work with you😀

[@HodgePodgeHarmony]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs isn’t that sort of what you do? 😉 In all seriousness, I work a lot with fat quarters, and they are small. I can’t imagine he would be too keen with me hauling in yards of fabric and my large cutting pad lol.

[@georgycolson9671]

Your new sewing area looks great Christine!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Georgy. I'm loving it, though I've been kicked out of the house for a couple of weeks whilst we get a new bathroom.... Too noisy😁

[@GsportsSoccer]

You’re so awesome. I’m batch cutting today and this is helping me get through it lol

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Have an awesome sewing day Brooke😀

[@bettys375]

Thanks again! You have a very articulate tutoring voice. Love love your program 😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Betty. Thant's so lovely😀

[@janetsheehan6983]

You get me so inspired to sew things. I'm just thinking if I batch sew about 10 of these they'll make good presents to have on hand. Thank you again Chrisine.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

What a fabulous idea Janet😀

[@claudettebettis9463]

Beautiful bags Christine, ingenious way of working out your cost, thanks for sharing.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Claudette😀

[@sheribrogden9247]

Thanks so much. I have been sewing for years but learned techniques!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It's amazing how no matter our experience, we always learn something new. I learn something almost every day. Now if I could just retain it all🤣

[@judifisher8703]

Love it, and yes, batch sewing is the way to go for quantity items. I am working on my 3rd batch of strawberry totes today people/kids love them. I would love to see your ideas for a car organizer/trash bag that straps around the headrest. I like the wider band instead of narrow straps (think it will take more weight) but they are great for tourists and campers. Thanks for your ideas and inspirations.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I've done a video, but my handles may be a little narrow😀

[@AlainaSerra]

That is such a fun project, I'm total gonna try it. Thanks

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I'm glad you liked it Alaina. Happy sewing!😁

[@mikeandjeanninejeffers1196]

Christien I really enjoy your videos. What a great teacher you are, I have learned so much from you. I love to make bags and have used your techniques which has worked out so well. I look forward to your next video. Jeannine, from Pittsburg, California

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you so much Jeannine😀

[@kwatson5451]

Very informative video. You are always so thorough with every aspect of making your bags. Thanks so much!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you so much K😀

[@jenniferreinke9898]

Thank you again! Great guidelines to go by. Love the scrappy look

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Jennifer😀

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

It's interesting to see how you work and sell. Thank you!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Dannie😀

[@lesleygilbert1945]

Another great and useful video. I'm sewing some small items for a cat charity stall - I batch sewed 20 circular zipper pouches (for ear buds etc) but I made a sampler one first for sizing. Sunday I shall start on some coin purses; another day coasters. I have 2 weeks before posting as many different items as I can make. Looking forward to watching the Coronation on Saturday - starts at 7am but I won't be up until later. - rain is expected ☔fingers crossed 🤞 not all day Hope you have a good weekend ❤🤍💙

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I've done a few of the circular pouches, but don't have much success with my circles. Sounds like you're going to be very busy Lesley😀

[@Satninsatnin]

Fab video lots of usefull info wouldnt have thought to factor in all the extra things you said

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It was interesting for me too as I usually guess all the extras🤣

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

You are a gem!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Cynthia😊

[@christinahughes6608]

Love Your videos!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Christina😊

[@doloreshigbie1892]

Just want to say hi.. Smiles from NY..Love your videos

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Hi Dolores. Thank you😊

[@cinziabeley7059]

Thanks Christine, I always do one at a time and it's really interesting to see a different process, and actually how much more productive your way is. Much appreciated! I also find it interesting that you have already factored your overhead costs into your hourly wage, which makes your selling price seem lower, because you aren't doing the "multiplication pricing formula" that many people suggest. I am having a lot of problems giving my hourly wage a good value as I make memory quilts mostly, and the customer tells me "where are my overhead costs". Learning process and a difficult one 😳 Thank you! 🤗

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Cinzia. It's difficult sometimes to work out which is best method for pricing, and I review this annually starting with the best hourly rate I would get as a seamstress, add 30% for taxes in Australia, reel of thread, estimate for power and maintenance. Then for material I double the cost of purchases 😀

[@julielapworthhandmade]

Hi I'm Julie from England and I love your video. I'm hoping to start making to sell and have been making wall pocket organisers out of scrap fabric. I was wondering if you could do a video on how you would make a pocket organiser to hang on your wall? It's a really good way to use scrap fabric to make something really useful for the home, sewing room or office. I would love to see how you would make one as I know I could learn lots. xx

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I've added this to my list Julie. It would be a good one for my swatch fabrics😀

[@bevschutt848]

Thanks Christine

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

My pleasure Bev😀

[@cyn4rest]

Nice vid. Thank you

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Cyn😀

[@louisepenfold6327]

Morning. Another great sew to watch! Can I get the double sided sticky tape from Spottys? What width should I look out for? Is there a particular brand that’s good? Thanks 😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Louise, I use the SewEasy brand that should be available at independent stores. It's a washaway double sided quilters tape. Spotlight will have the Birch brand which I haven't used yet. I've been using the 8mm, but if you can get 6mm that would be better as sometimes I have it peaking out of the edges😀

[@4golfing]

Love your videos. I wish I could find the people who would pay that. They would be so pricey if you had to buy the fabric.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Gail. I've been very fortunate that I've been able to rescue so much fabric. 😀

[@lorainejones2375]

Great tutorial! What was the measurement of the boxed bags? Sorry, if I missed if. Thanks again!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Loraine, the finshed size is approx 8" x 3 3/4" x 3 3/4" 😀

[@jeannemohr776]

Great video. What kind of foot are you using on your machine? It is very different from any that I have seen.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Jeanne. When inserting the zips, I'm using a very narrow zipper for that is open one one side, whilst my regular foot is just a narrow industrial machine foot😀

[@chryskramer]

When did you put the zipper heads on? Did I miss that ?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Chrys, I put the sliders on immediately after the topstitching. I mentioned in the video that I had lost the footage😀

[@tuesdayschild7899]

Lovely. I was wondering about your shop space. Do you have a morgage or rent? How do you factor that into the price? A couple of years ago a lady gave me 8 huge boxes of samples and thanks to you, I now know what to do with them!!!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I rent my shop. When I work out what hourly rate I want to be paid, I use the basic rate for an experienced dressmaker in Australia. Currently minimum wage is around $25 hr. I then add rent, taxes, insurance, power, consumables and machine maintenance. I came up with a figure of $45 per hour which is what I charge for all products that I make, as well as my alterations service. The sewing side of my business is only part of what I do in my store. I am also a second hand dealer, and sell junk, as well as some giftware and soap. 😀

[@katrienvh4289]

Is it possible you forgot te edit a clip in ? Where did you put the zippers together? I watched it back but can't find it. Nice design as usual!

[@deborahfeinn769]

I found that quite annoying, actually. Having made these bags - and taught making them - I was wondering why she didn't put the zipper pull (slider) on the zipper immediately after she sewed and topstitched the zipper.. As far as pulling the zipper apart, these zippers readily pull apart when there are no pulls (sliders) on them. If you use a complete zipper that already has a pull in place, you can secure them in place as she shows, then just open the zipper when you begin to sew. You may have to adjust the slider as you get closer to one end or the other, as they will distort your sewing. Be sure the slider is inside of the box when you sew your tabs on, and continue.

[@katrienvh4289]

@@deborahfeinn769 I like zippers that are not complete because then you don't wast material and you can make thinks really customized. I think she just forgot to put the filmed part of putting the pull on the zipper in the video. Forgetting something is just human, not annoying at all.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Katrien, I lost that part of the video. I add the pulls right after i finished the topstitching, I mentioned it in that part of the video 😀

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Right after the topstitching Cathy. I lost the footage😀

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Katrien. 😀

[@cathysimpson6126]

Hi Christine, what’s the seem allowance you used for this project?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Cathy, I would have used a 1/4" or 6mm seam allowance for this one. It's really personal choice as there is enough room at the side tabs for a bigger allowance if that's what you prefer😀

[@leighhansen738]

Hi, I’m loving your videos. I’m just wondering about your labels. I got my last batch from overseas but would prefer to get in Australia, can you recommend where you get yours? I’ve had trouble with quality before so would love to be pointed in the right direction. 😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Hi Leigh. The link to my labels is in the description box below the videos. When I first began using them, I thought they were an Australian company and that they were made here. The labels changed just very slightly, and that's when I found they were being made overseas (korea or vietnam from memory). They're still great labels, and also fabulous to deal with and have a great turnaround. They do have an office in Australia too 🙂

[@leighhansen738]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs thanks Christine, I didn’t even think to check the description 🤦🏼‍♀️ I have been watching from my tv so should’ve checked when I got on my phone to ask you lol. Your labels look great, I’ll give them a go. Thanks for your quick reply 😊

[@cathysimpson6126]

Hi Christine, love these! Assuming the sliders go on after the zip topstitching is done. Also, could you tell me the dimensions of the denim piece you used and the overall dimensions of your finished bags? Thanks, Cathy from Minden, Nevada

[@dickworrall123]

I was going to mention that also. One step was missing. That also takes time.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Richard, the time included the zips as well though I lost that part of the video. I add the pulls right after i finished the topstitching, I mentioned it in the video 😀

[@cathysimpson6126]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs oops, I must have missed that. I'll recheck before I make any. This is definitely on my to do list.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Cathy. Yes, the sliders go on after the topstitching. I lost the video footage. The denim was 12 1/2" x 6 1/2", the fabric samples were 9" x 8" to begin with. 😀 The finished bag measures approx 8" x 3 3/4" x 3 3/4"

[@cathysimpson6126]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs 😃👌 Thanks much!

[@naomikeiser4204]

Hi Christine, which brand of double sided tape do you use please? Hugs, Naomi in Adelaide xx

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Hi Naomi. I usually use the "SewEasy" brand of tape 😀

[@karentoynton8948]

Mmm very different but looked a good idea. The blue wouldn’t run on your clothes

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I'm going to have to test that Karen. I'm so use to the good quality of the upholstery fabric, that I overlooked the denim😀

[@karentoynton8948]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs it maybe fine if not new but Dennis does run when new. My hubby had some Levi jeans, was out in the rain in a new pair and when he took he trousers off he had blue legs. Hehe.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

haha, I've had that happen to me as well😀

[@karentoynton8948]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs no fun is it.x

[@clairtomlinson8189]

Do you count the cutting time into costs??? Do you find open zipper best??

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Claire, I counted everything including the ironing and removal of paper. Right up until I put the bags on the shelves😀

[@alisonhingston7820]

At what step did you attach the zipper pulls.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Alison, I lost that part of the video. I add the pulls right after i finished the topstitching, I mentioned it in that part of the video 😀

[@auntielhandmade2099]

I live the way you figure your price, however where i live, those bags would never sell for that amount. My bags sell for about $12-$15 each

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Michi. Not sure what's happening on the website, but I'd be happy to send to the US. Postage costs are quite steep though😊

[@jayneterry8701]

Did you add in the cost of the denim? It didn't seem like a sample? I must have missed it you adding on the zipper tab 😂. I was like oh oh shes going to sew it up without the tab! Cute bags 🛍 👍

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Jayne, I often forget the tabs. The denim was also free. I received two full rolls recently😀

[@jillymills1]

Where do you get the tags from ?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Jilly, I've put the links in the description below video😀

[@jillymills1]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs thank you 😊

[@rode-o5206]

$35 for a bag seems kind of high. I don't know, maybe depends on your location and customer base.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I don't usually have a problem with the pricing as they are now, but occasionally put them down if they're slow sellers, but it does also depends on your location. I find it easier to price high and take a punt, as you can't really put them up if they sell too quickly. These are Australian prices, and the exchange rate may reduce the price in your location too😀

[@sheilakeating9089]

❤

[@joyfuljoy5711]

🪡🪡🪡🪡🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙃🙃🙃😉😉💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Joy😀

[@MsHighpeaks]

You are never clear on what you are doing

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

This one developed as I went along. I didn't really have anything in mind when I began 😄

[@billbottoms8295]

From my Mother: Why don't you PROCESS putting out a pattern so the rest of us can sew the item. I just unsubscribed. Tired of watching you sew items to make you money while I subscribe, like, and comment on making you KZbin money.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Sorry to see you go Bill Bottoms. I think this is the only video I've done where I haven't shown the sizing of fabric, but as mentioned at the beginning of the video, I didn't know what I was actually going to make. This was about using up sample fabric, and making the best of what I had available. I do have similar boxed bag videos available.😀

[@sammiesue3556]

Double sided tape gums up your needles ;)

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I've never had problems with it gumming up my needles Sammie. I guess it depends on the brand you use😀