mkc

I would thing functional items using attractive, possibly theme fabrics, might sell better, particularly if they are packaged as a gift item. It does really depend on the community and clientele.

Pairs of insulated potholder mitts with cute fabric, along with a wooden spoon or whisk.
Make-up/brush rolls with a couple of basic brushes.

Other thoughts are travel items: jewelry pouches (the kind that are circular, drawstring bags with little dividers), zippered toiletry cases, car caddies/organizers

Sew4Home has some neat projects and free instructions for inspiration.

PurplePansies

Make what you enjoy making. If they don't sell, you at least had fun making them rather than thinking it was a wasted effort.

Mkotch

How about Christmas stockings? zipper bags or tote bags? I second the idea of bowl cozies.

lindaschipper

In my area bowl cozies are made by the millions at shows and very few really sell. Personally I think they will very soon become a flash in the pan and wouldn't have one unless I made it myself and was sure of the correct layers that were used.

aashley333

I was just at an outdoor event with vendors. There was a person selling bowl cozies. She had over 100 in stacks on a table. I knew what they were and suggested she place a bowl in one for display, but she declined. Nobody was looking at them. Marketing is the key! BTW, everyone that sees mine wants a tortilla warmer which also works as a bread warmer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RSO...SRxSLw&index=8
Here's a pic of a couple.

Lena1952

i made my niece multi sized Chrstmas fabric gift bags with ribbon ties attached and she loved them. She told her co workers bout them and them wanted several to help cut down on the use of paper. I looked like Santas workshop last year and made so many I lost count. Now they want other fabric gift wrap bags for general use or birthdays. Perhaps these would work for you. I don't remember what I charged but they were not given away or cheap. As stated before, marketing is everything. Display as if under the tree with faux pa kings inside and a note about cutting cost on paper. I also liked the idea of the sign that read: "Sure you can make it, but when?" Good luck in your endeavor.

illinois

Theme based items such as sports teams or pets might be of interest. Mug rugs?

sewingpup

ohh....yes, kennel and dog bed blankets! I made some for my dogs out of polar fleece they love them....spend time arranging them just so in their beds before nap or bedtime! find out the size of the common beds and kennels....oh...you might want to make a few out of old jeans...that is the only material one of mine did not chew through when she was a pup. I now have a couple that are made of regular quilting cotton that work now as my dog is older and doesn't chew up everything in sight. I love older dogs that have settled in!

MeadowMist

Lots of good ideas, thank you so much. I'm wanting to keep away from things that others are selling a lot of (such as bowl cozies, baby bibs) and finding something there isn't a lot of (Christmas stockings, jewelry drawstring bags, gift bags). I'm thinking about Christmas decorations - I also do a lot of knitting and am looking into ideas there, especially with felted wool - garlands with mini stockings and/or mittens and/or hats. Making a lot of money isn't my big thing in wanting to do this, moreso I'm looking for creative ways to use up my stash, as I vowed to buy no more fabric until what I have is gone. (Yes, I've already broken that vow a few times.) And I'm not even thinking about doing large craft shows, just a small local one or two at a nearby church or school.

MeadowMist

That's a great website, thanks for pointing it out!