I’m so happy to be able to have a day to fit in a little bit of selfish sewing. I thought I was going to lose my sewing mojo after yesterdays Crafters for Courage auction. My quilt went for $250 which after the cost of materials put my hourly rate at a whopping $2. That...
Before I had Wallace, I ordered some of this print from Jones and Vandermeer knowing that I wanted to use it for a dress after I gave birth. In my mind, that was going to be right afterward, but in reality I waited three months because it has taken that long for my body to feel...
Baby Boy officially has a quilt. This one was made with Liberty, Robert Kaufman’s Cambridge Lawn in either Grey or Taupe, and Free Spirit solid voile in Seafoam [I think?]. Its an incredibly simple pattern from Alexia Abeggs Liberty Love. I really surprised myself on this one. I ordered some 28wt Aurifil after trying out some...
Thrilled. Yes. That’s what I am feeling since I get to share Layla’s completed birthday quilt with you today! I’m practically bursting. I showed you this quilt top a few weeks back, and though the quilting was completed in under two days, it sat awaiting the perfect binding for some time. Some things are worth...
I’m getting a head start on birthday crafting this year. I’ve been searching out projects for little boys since we’ll be having one join our family before we know it. I thumbed through my most favorite craft books, and couldn’t put down Liberty Love by Alexia Abegg. I love that book so much, and before long, I...
Welcome to Olivia Jane Handcrafted! I'm Meredith and this is my creative journal. Here you'll find loads of inspiration for a handmade wardrobe, home decor, bags, and quilts. I even have plenty of projects and tutorials to get you started or help you along the way.
hi Meredith,
I love the idea of buying and selling handmade! I think it not only helps the individual making it but I honestly feel better as the buyer knowing that someone put their own hands to work. I’m not very good at sewing (I’m trying) but am a much better crocheter and find that I love it when people are interested in the work that I’m doing which is for me is really therapeutic. I do think it’s good to be selfish though. You’re doing this for you really and that’s how it should be. If you were making things that you didn’t like I don’t think you would find it as satisfying. At least that’s how I feel. I do understand the feeling of worthlessness though, especially when I’ve made the most darling hat for one of my kiddos and it spends more time on the floor than on their head, haha. Chin up! You do marvelous and beautiful work!
I’m sorry about your quilt…and I agree 100% with you, I don’t think people realize how much time goes into handmade items. It kind of gives you a glimpse into our material world, I want it now, and don’t want to think about who made it or what they were paid to make it!
I had an etsy shop years ago that did well. I loved it for a bit, but it eventually felt like I was a sweat shop. Crayon rolls were my big sellers and they became the most boring things to make. I could whip them out quickly because they were just a bunch of straigh lines. I eventually decided I want to continue loving my hobby so I stopped my etsy shop and now just sew for fun!
Hi Meredith,
I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing your beautiful sewing projects, you really have talent!
I checked in on the auction a couple of times, and was disappointed to see the low bids on both your quilt, and a beautiful star quilt. They were both gorgeous, and as a (new) quilter, I know the money and work that goes into these projects. I hope your discouragement is short lived. God knows your heart, and your intent in donating your quilt.
I would be interested in a post on tips or your process for sewing Liberty lawn, as this winter I am going to make a quilt with this material.
Keep up the beautiful work, and don’t ever appologize for taking time to do the things that make YOU happy, it can be hard with babies, but we all deserve it.
I will definitely post about sewing with Liberty! Just next week I plan on starting a custom quilt for a client of mine that will primarily be made with Liberty. Its not at all difficult, but there are some things you can do to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible!
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement! :)
It is hard to swallow something like that. Sometimes people bid on items expecting a bargain. I have had the same thing happen, and I’ve Los had one go for a lot.
Bless you for giving,
Oh sweets! That is hard! I really feel for you! I made a cot quilt that sold for less than the cost to make it at the boys school fair last year, it was so demoralising – so I completely understand where you are coming from! This year I opted to make one to raffle. That didn’t do as well as I’d hoped either as we were challenged with a most awful day! However, I did meet the lady who won the quilt, and she told me she was so thrilled because she’s never won anything and when she bought the ticket she hoped it would be her lucky day! Her happiness made me feel so much brighter! I take comfort in knowing that it will be loved by someone who wanted it a lot!
You did a truly lovely thing! Don’t doubt yourself!!! Your handmade goodies are amazing! And I look forward to your post on sewing with Liberty! Xx
I stumbled upon your blog last week and have been peeking through it now and then…. Your sewing is so beautiful and inspiring! Keep it up!
keep the faith meredith!! what you do is amazing . . . and just think of it this way…it’s $250 that the girls didn’t have the day before. i’m sure that all of the love you put into what you do has not gone unnoticed :)
So sorry to hear about that ! I do understand how you are feeling though. I would never in a million years give a quilt away, even for a good cause because there is way too much work that goes into it and yes, people are trying to get things they normally wouldn’t buy because they usually can get it at a bargain (which is frustrating but understandable).
I sometimes sell handmade stuff I make (and I have an Etsy shop where I sell quilts and baby shoes) it is really important for me to price my items well. For example, my baby quilts are $250 (40″x50″). I timed myself while making one and at this price, I’m being paid $15/hours (which is a little bit above the minimum wage here in Québec), my material is being paid for and I’m also making 20% of profit on it. Profit is important when running a business because that’s the money you’re going to invest in your company.
Sometimes, I don’t feel comfortable with my price, but I do know that if someone asked me why it’s so expensive, I could give them an answer and they couldn’t argue with me.
People will come to understand the real value of handmade one day :)
Keep your head up and just keep doing what you do. It’s beautiful !
I had the same thing happen to me. Good new was the young man that bought it, truly loved the quilt. It meant something that a young person spent their hard earned money on something I made.
It was then and there that I had to decide that if I donated something, I would not worry about how much it went for. If I can’t do it, I keep that item for something else.
I don’t know if it helps for you to know that others have had the same thing happen.