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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: akire
Date: 07-11-2004, 10:59 AM (1 of 17)
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Hey all. Does anyone make and sell pillows? For a while now I have been trying to think of a project that I could develop to the point of sale, and a while back (although I can't remember where I posted it) I mentioned an idea of a purse (made from old clothes/jewellery) but had realized that I need a more basic project in order to develop my sewing ability. I've got a lot of experience in the design area because I quilt, but have only ever really used my sewing machine in a very basic way (I machine piece, but hand quilt). So...my idea is to make pillows...and I think I will try to get my design inspirations from places where I live...go out and take pictures and then interpret them on the pillow top. Just curious if anyone else has ever done pillows as something they sell or even give away, and if it was an enjoyable project that had appeal to others (was marketable I guess is what I'm wondering). I live in an area that has a strong tourist season and the government is always yelling about needing 'Island made' crafts...I'd love to try and jump into...something...and sewing would be a great thing to be able to do right here, in my own house, at night when the kids are in bed. |
User: akire
Member since: 03-06-2001 Total posts: 61 |
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 07-11-2004, 03:35 PM (2 of 17)
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While I have never done any sewing for the crafts market, my in-laws did. My mother in law and her two sisters had a business sewing and selling pillows at crafts fairs, etc. They used piecing techniques (log cabin was a favorite with customers), applique techniques, and printed panels that they either hand quilted or did a trapunto technique on. All the pillows were knife edged, and most had a ruffled edge or corded edge. They charged from $15.00 on up per pillow, depending on the size of the pillow and the technique used on the front. This was ten years ago, so your prices would need to reflect today's standards. They were so successful, they had to give up the business! They didn't want to work that hard anymore. If you develop a wonderful product and set up a booth at a crafts fair, people will find you, buy from you, look for you at other crafts fairs, remember you and send their friends to you. I think your idea of interpreting local scenic views on your pillows is a wonderful idea and something tourists can take back home as a thoughtful souvenir. Please keep us posted on what you decide. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 07-12-2004, 12:57 AM (3 of 17)
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I think that's a wonderful idea.....there are two women in my area that started a pillow business, they START at $60 per pillow, and have gone national. I don't think I could charge that much for a pillow, lol.... You live in a very unique area, and making something that reflects that is a great idea. Would it be possible to do some Anne of Green Gables stuff as well, or is that all tied up in copyrights? I wish you much success! Allie Just had a thought - how about embroiderying your own version of a map of the island, with tourist highlights? "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
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From: MaryW
Date: 07-12-2004, 05:04 AM (4 of 17)
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Akire, you talked about this before. Jump in and give it a go. Do you have any sort of plan for your business?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: akire
Date: 07-12-2004, 08:29 AM (5 of 17)
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Hi Mary...you've noticed eh, that I'm stuck in the 'idea phase'. I have tuns of ideas really, for all sorts of things I'd like to make, in all sorts of mediums really. I love making things. But I haven't been able to move beyond idea to taking actual steps in putting myself 'out there'. It's scarey! Doing crafts although natural, is something I"ve never allowed myself to do 'full on', know what I mean, part of me says I can't, the other part of me says I can't pass up the chance to find out. This is my plan so far: Visit my local business center for info on producing crafts Start making some products that I can show to people Make a list of stores that sell local crafts (find out about consignment and if I could actually sell this way) I'm going on the 'Studio Tour' in Sept so I can get a glimpse at other local artists/craftspeople and how they get their craft out into the world Submit product to local Crafts Council (just for fun because I'm sure that's a long shot) REally I'm not sure at all how to take the next steps in getting a 'business plan going'. All I know is that I am home with the kids and this is the time for me to get something started. |
User: akire
Member since: 03-06-2001 Total posts: 61 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-12-2004, 10:32 AM (6 of 17)
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Sometimes you have to try all sorts of different things before you find that one area you just really love. Who was it that said "Find something you really love and do it." MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 07-12-2004, 12:16 PM (7 of 17)
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"Find something you love and do it." I think it was Oprah (bless her) who has said, " Find something you are passionate about and you will find a way to make money from it." Or words to that effect. Go for it! We're all excited for you! |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: weB2cats
Date: 07-13-2004, 11:29 PM (8 of 17)
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Akire, Have you considered eBay? This might be what you're looking for as it would allow you to sew whatever you felt like at the time, then list it upon completion. Eileen |
User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002 Total posts: 232 |
From: akire
Date: 07-21-2004, 08:29 AM (9 of 17)
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Hey again, so a couple things came together for me I think...while I was thinking about making pillows (and purses, when my sewing ability steps up a bit and I figure out how what type I could create easily myself) I decided to try one of these frayed edge quilts. One because it was quick and two because it used up all my old jeans, and I love recycling. While I am doing my quilt I start a pile of scraps, bits of fabric, that I will throw away. Then while I am waiting for something (the iron to warm up I think) I see two squares of cordouroy I cut out a while ago, and look at them, hmmm, I could just sew them together and make a basic, recycled pillow. How would I fill it...someone mentioned here that filling a pillow would be more expensive than the pillow. Need filling...see a big pile of scrap/bits o fabric. Could I stuff the pillow with bits of fabric...yup. Gave it to my daughter, she loves it. So, if I go with the whole recycled fabric thing, to make purses, and quilts/pillows...couldn't I also collect old clothes (nothing gross of course) and use them to stuff pillows? Would that be cheaper than buying proper filling...could I spin it as environmentally friendly because its all recycled... Any thoughts? And thanks in advance, everyone here is so insightful and shares so much in the way of ideas, it's just great, especially for someone who really needs a sounding board to get started on this endeavor. 
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User: akire
Member since: 03-06-2001 Total posts: 61 |
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 07-21-2004, 01:24 PM (10 of 17)
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Seems to me that I've heard somewhere that in the US you MUST use new materials in your projects that you intend to sell. You might be able to get around that by clearly listing on the hang tag that this item contains only vintage fabrics and such and that those fabrics have been washed, cleaned, etc. You will have to check with your local county or state to see what they have to say about this topic. Above all, be within the law! |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-21-2004, 01:26 PM (11 of 17)
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That might be of particular problem if you put it on Ebay and sold out of state? I really don't know.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 07-21-2004, 01:38 PM (12 of 17)
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I hadn't thought about possible consequences of selling on ebay. Perhaps you need to check with the Federal government. On the other hand, people sell used items on ebay all the time. Sounds to me like we all should spend some time doing research on this subject! Now . . . where to start . . . |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: akire
Date: 07-22-2004, 08:06 AM (13 of 17)
| Thanks for the comment on whether I can stuff a pillow with recycled fabric, I have started a long list of questions to take to my local business center, and will add two or three questions regarding using recyled fabrics in the making of products for sale. |
User: akire
Member since: 03-06-2001 Total posts: 61 |
From: weB2cats
Date: 07-22-2004, 09:52 AM (14 of 17)
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Stuffing a pillow with old fabrics isn't something I would do. For one thing, the pillow would be extremely lumpy! I'd stick with new stuffing from a bag or, pillow forms. Maybe you can find the forms on eBay. It will blow your mind what you can purchase from eBay. It's wonderful! Personally, if I were to purchase a pillow it would have to be from clean, unused fabrics. Any money you'd save would be used up anyway with the cleaning and prepping of used goods (fabrics). Stuffing can be purchased at JoAnn's for what, .99 cents per bag? Don't take on more work than you can comfortably handle. At first, I'd start out with 3 well-designed ideas (I love the island map with highlighted tourist spots idea). You could make pillows than are miniature for Barbie beds (or 9 1/2" dolls instead of using the copyrighted name). Another idea would be small pillows, with Baby's name embroidered on it, suspended with ribbon to put on the wall above baby's bed. Or if you're into quilting, maybe neck rolls for the car (for the driver), exercise pillows for the mat, etc. As far as eBay goes, you simply need to ask. They have wonderful instructions on selling w/them. I believe their fee is a % of your final price. I'm not certain but I believe you will need a label for the pillows that gives a fiber content and care instructions-much like the ones we see on store purchased sheets. If there are specialty stores in your area (gift shops), that would be the place to start a consignment relationship with the store. If things sell very well, you'll be in a good position to raise prices accordingly. That will help cover the cost of stuffing, thread, needles, etc. I find it wise to schedule chunks of time for cutting, ironing, sewing. Then there are times when paperwork (licensing your name, idea) has to be addresses. And don't forget, take days off for the other things in your life. Get out into the fresh air for walks to clear the brain. Exercise has been very important for me. The ideas flow and I'm doing something healthy for myself at the same time. If mom gets sick, everything tends to get bogged down. Be well. Be blessed. Eileen |
User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002 Total posts: 232 |
From: akire
Date: 07-22-2004, 04:44 PM (15 of 17)
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Well, made one and cut up the fabrics for the inside really small, so its great, more than comfy, and yup lumpy but in a soft, old pillow kind of way. And, it would only be a novelty object, that I might sell at the local artisans market, cheap and targeted to those who would want something recylced. Beisides, I'll only have enough recycled filling once in a while, when my scrap piles get big again. For my original idea of pillows, where I would take a photo of a local spot, and try to interpret it through design on a pillow top, all materials would be new. Great comments all...very valuable. |
User: akire
Member since: 03-06-2001 Total posts: 61 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-23-2004, 01:15 PM (16 of 17)
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Our sewing guild bought stuffing by the huge bagfuls.wholesale... I am 5 feet tall and the bag was as tall as I am..about 3 or 4 feet in diameter.. I don't remember the cost, but it was not very much.. we were making mastectomy pillows for breast cancer patients..I am no longer in the guild , so I cannot tell you the name of the seller..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: akire
Date: 07-25-2004, 04:35 PM (17 of 17)
| Well...I will certainly start looking around for pillow stuffing, and see what the price is before I assume it is expensive, thanks. |
User: akire
Member since: 03-06-2001 Total posts: 61 |
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