Christmas Boutique
 

How many of you have sewn items for a Christmas Boutique and how did you do? Was it worth it? Do you live in a large town or small area? What items were the most popular and would you do it again?

I find people this year are holding onto their money. Small items did sell like hot pads, towels, casserole carriers but all must be under $10 and best yet under $5.

I also am interested in the answer to this question. Am thinking maybe next year about doing some selling. Have got lots of ideas and inventory ready, hoping to get more after Christmas, if I hear positive feedback.

People in my area don't seem to be buying this year. Economy is still down and people don't have much money to spend at boutiques. I agree with ka9sdn items would have to be under $10. Good luck and let us know what you decide to make.

I did 2 shows this year, both in small towns, Selma and Demopolis Alabama. In Selma I sold a few table runners and 3 quilts (all to one person), in Demopolis I also sold 3 quilts (also all to one person) but nothing else. The quilts were not cheap so I feel it was worth my time so all it really takes is one customer who appreciates the time and effort that goes into making a quilt.

I agree with all of you about keeping it under $10. Anything small you can think of is best. Problem being, there isn't a lot of money to be made on a $10 item either. We live in a very, very small town area so it's even harder. I usually do a handful of sales in Oct and Nov. and make a few bucks that I wouldn't have made sitting at home but I won't get rich either.

I don't think that there is any money to be made selling hand made articles (at least not in my part of Ontario). At the Christmas bazars, the hand made articles were beautifully stitched and were not selling briskly even though the prices were reasonable and the fabrics were up to date. I would have been very disappointed had I been one of those sellers who had spent all of the money for quality materials, stitched for months, rented a table, hauled all of the stuff and set up to mediocre sales.

Do you think next year MIGHT be better or worse for sales? To buy the designs for embroidery and the blanks, plus the thread and ear and tear on the machine I just don't know. I was thinking of starting in January to make things from the stash I have - maybe make 6 of each???Or should I do 12 - or ANY for that matter.---- thanks