The Comfy Crafting Cafe Challenge

sketchingkari

Its been a busy few weeks of crafting for me, working a couple of magazine commissions and finishing up items for Etsy, i've also just submitted by student loan application to start my 6 year degree in Textiles, i'm so excited :j I've also released my first ever pattern, which is pretty cool :beer:

I finished this cutie this week:

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and this one for halloween:

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rufusdog52

They are gorgeous, skechingkara, love the reindeer most xx

soolin

Can I please ask a question of anyone that has a Folksy shop. Can you see completed listings as before I sign up I want to make sure I am going to list in a category that actually gets some sales.

Thanks

simplydevine05

1940sGal wrote: »

Hi folks

There's some great work on here! I wondered if someone could help me. I saw someone mention they had upgraded to s full size sewing machine after having used a mini one.

Can you tell me, would a mini one suit me for the basic stuff i'm wanting to try for now until i can afford a full size one? Or would you not recommend them at all? When i say basic i do mean basic, too. Nothing overly complicated until i know what i'm doing. Any help's much appreciated

That was me! A mini one saw me through occasional sewing but it was temperamental as to whether it would work. It also snapped the thread a lot. It served its purpose but I would recommend buying the best you can afford. The Ikea one looks good but how long it lasts I don't know. You're best going for a brother, singer or janome. Ebay is a good place to get a good quality machine for a lot less by buying second hand. I watched quite a lot when I was looking to upgrade but I found mine on sewingmachines.co.uk and it was too good a deal to turn down. I think Tesco and argos do brother machines for around £60 too and this are likely to be better quality than the Ikea. Saying that I've never had a problem with any Ikea purchase I've made. I hope that helps x

simplydevine05

craftier wrote: »

I've been wanting to teach craft classes for a long time, and have finally taken the plunge and booked a room in a community centre for three mornings in Nov/Dec. The classes will be 2 hours and making simple things like tree decs, sock cupcakes, facecloth swiss rolls etc.. All sort of "make & take" items.
I wondered if anyone did a class like this, and how much they paid.
I thought £5 per session (incl Tea & home made cake) or £4.50 per session (incl Tea & biscuit). The materials cost would be extra, depending on the items made each week, about £1 - £3 per week.

Are these the sort of prices people pay, and which would you prefer?

I think your prices are about right. I don't run crafting classes but plan to in a few months. I was going to do them as block bookings, so say £50 for a six week course with materials included. I like that you've included home made cake. Definitely worth paying for! I would check with the local council about food though because you will probably need a food hygiene certificate and environmental health approval. You will need insurance too for product and public liability. If someone claims you have made them ill with a glue or even the cake/biscuits, they may sue and it's not worth the risk. Get quotes all over to find the right insurance for you. I use Direct Line for home businesses which worked out perfect for me but some people find they're too expensive for their needs. Good luck with the classes. They sound like great fun and I think they'll work very well for you x

craftier

Thanks, I think I'll go for £5 including cake. I decided not to say 'home made cake' on the poster, so if I'm too busy, I can nip into Sainsburys! I'm already insured public & product liability, as I have been doing craft stalls for years. I'm with GM Imber, just added teaching. My kitchen is already registered with environmental health, as I do a few cake stalls, and I have a food hygiene certificate. I know what you mean about not taking a risk. I'm insured for giving reiki treatments, under a separate policy, and I only do a few for charity, so don't even get the cost of the insurance back - I take it off the profits from the craft stalls.

I wondered about making people pay up front, but going to try pay on the day and see how it goes. Providing at least 3 people turn up, at least I'll cover the hall hire - got a cheap deal - £15 for the morning! These are a trial, but I'd like to continue classes after Christmas if I find enough people interested.

Sazzarella

Aw the reindeer is so cute. Good luck with uni Kari.

After doing some facebook networking ive got myself up to around 200 likes which generated a lot more etsy views/hearts and another sale. Slowly but surely

skyeceilo

Been doing xmas bits for craft fairs - got a few orders for my name plaques and xmas hearts also sold my xmas blocks which im happy about.
https://www.facebook.com/timeless.stitch/photos_stream#!/photo.php?fbid=375298455881134&set=pb.185531274857854.-2207520000.1353368193&type=3&theater

bluegiraffe_2

hello! I've been reading this thread for ages and just wanted to say hi! After reading all your experiences, I've decided to take the plunge and do my first craft fair next month. Im really excited - but nervous at the same time! If anyone has any advice, I'd be grateful.

fairyclicks

bluegiraffe wrote: »

hello! I've been reading this thread for ages and just wanted to say hi! After reading all your experiences, I've decided to take the plunge and do my first craft fair next month. Im really excited - but nervous at the same time! If anyone has any advice, I'd be grateful.

Well done on taking the plunge its certainly a great experience and a good way to get to know other local crafters etc

My advice would be to make sure you have plenty of stock with you and try out some different ways of displaying them at home. Its worth investing in some nice cloth and mobile display items but its hard to know what you need until you try some set ups!

Apart from that, try not to be too nervous and try to chat to as many people as you can!

Hope it goes really well for you! xx