Finally, A Comprehensive list of Quality Online Fabric Shops just for you! Quality comes in so many forms. The type of fabric we buy and who we buy it from can make a huge difference to the outcome of our projects AND how we feel about those projects. Quality fabrics are hard to find at 'Big Box Stores", believe me! I've had my share of bleeding textiles or fabrics that fall apart after a … [Read more...] about Where to Buy Quality Fabric Online, The Ultimate Guide!
Resources
The Maker’s Directory
Quick Guide Directory for Makers & Sewing Enthusiasts! I've created a simple {and every growing} list of my favorite resources. Whether your looking for fun tutorials, build a business or buying a sewing machine or fabrics online - I have you covered. I've curated a very thoughtful list of my absolute favorites in a multitude of categories. Feel free to leave questions in the space … [Read more...] about The Maker’s Directory
Customer Loyalty ~ The 80/20 Rule for Makers
Have you ever heard of the 80/20 Rule? It’s also known as the Pareto Principle and it basically explains that for many events - 80% of our results come from 20% of our actions. If you're thinking about going into business, the sooner you recognize the 80/20 rule the better. Here are some examples of how the 80/20 rule show itself once you’re in business: Roughly 80% of your results will … [Read more...] about Customer Loyalty ~ The 80/20 Rule for Makers
The Dirty Little Secret About Owning A Crafty Business
The dirty little secret about owning a craft, fabric or quilt shop is this – it’s almost impossible to make a livable wage because the margins on fabrics, notions and craft supplies are so small. Most patrons cannot even imagine how hard it is to be profitable and nearly impossible it is to bring home a paycheck – AT ALL. Think about this - When Thread is your biggest seller and you’re only … [Read more...] about The Dirty Little Secret About Owning A Crafty Business
Don’t Make the Same Mistakes I Made…PLEASE!
In 2010 my husband and I opened a boutique fabric shop in our neighborhood lovingly named The West Seattle Fabric Company. The Community had recently lost a large, corporate fabric and craft store 2 years prior so there was certainly a need for a convenient place to buy threads, notions and the basics needed for sewing. I personally had a strong desire to create a place that wasn’t fussy but … [Read more...] about Don’t Make the Same Mistakes I Made…PLEASE!
Why I Created The Maker’s Guide To Making Money
Let's debunk the idea that having a creative small business is easy, fun and prosperous. You see, over the past 7 years I’ve had countless customers, friends and strangers tell me that they are interested in going into business. Some of them are much more intuitive than I was, with plans to have an experiential business from the start. Others told me that they want to open a retail shop … [Read more...] about Why I Created The Maker’s Guide To Making Money