grannylou

Hi, I am new to this board, but am wondering. I retired 2 years ago in July. I love to make quilts and our income is limited. I would like to try to make and sell quilts, table runners, potholders, etc. Do any of you know how I would price such items? Also, advertising and showing my work. I am in the process of trying to get a small inventory by the fall before I start any kind of advertising except for "word of mouth". I have a queen top, 2 small lap tops done and am working on 3 baby quilts now. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Linda B

I hope someone else can give you some good advice. The only thing I can think of would be perhaps starting with local craft fairs, perhaps talking with people at your local quilt stores, eBay, Craig's List. Maybe there are some 'boutique' type stores in your area that feature local artisans. That's about all I can think of at the moment. Good luck.

dotcomdtcm

Are there upscale baby shops? Women pay a lot for special baby quilts. Show your work & see what others say. Or a folk art museum shop. You might investigate a shop here in NYC called Granny Made. They prob buy from all over the country. Good luck!
Dotty

Curley's Girl

I sell in a flower shop that has a nice boutique and until recently in a "Country" flavor shop. I don't make a ton but enough to keep buying fabric and producing. Place mats and table runners are big sellers!!

Good Luck!

raptureready

Good luck but I'm no help. I'm horrible at pricing things that why I just gift mine.

RST

There is such a range of pricing, and it depends a lot on the area where you live, the style of quilts you make, etc.

I'd suggest that you take a look at Etsy.com (online site for selling crafts and handmades) and see what kind of range of prices you see on items that are comparable to your own.

It's also a really good idea to track realistically how much the materials for each item came to, and a rough idea of your time expended -- you have to make a profit, and I notice a lot of beginners severely underestimate how much their materials come to.

grannylou

Thank you for all your comments. I will try that website. I know it will be hard to estimate the material used, as I do have a good stash to draw from too. I am sticking with the 4 patch and 9 patch to start. They are quick and easy to make. Once I get a good quantity, I thought I would branch out to more intricate designs. I am doing some strip quilts too. I had heard that baby quilts go quickly. I want to do some generic and some especially for a boy and a girl. There is so much I want to do I just can't calm myself down. I am so hyper.... I want to do all at once.

This board is so neat...I love it. Thanks

sharon b

So many variables come into play.. Area of the country, the economy, cost of the fabric .

Maybe start out with some local craft fairs, have a range of items in different prices and see what sells . And remember what sells one time , might not sell the next time . Be willing to Adjust pricing if necessary.

ladyredhawk

put some pics on here, please

grannylou

ok, i will try to get some on in a few days. thanks for comments