Virginia Lindsay is the designer behind the PDF pattern shop Gingercake Patterns and the author of a popular sewing blog. She has authored two books and has several patterns published by Simplicity. She lives outside of Pittsburgh with her family. [...]

Introduction

Finding Your Sewing Style

Authenticity • Using Sewing Patterns to Get Started

Interview: Jessica Rider from A little Grey

Identifying Your Customers

Be Selective • Sewing for Kids and Babies • Sewing Fashion Accessories • Sewing for the Home • Sewing for Fundraising

Essential Equipment

Your Sewing Machine • Machine Accessories • Thread • Cutting Tools • Additional Tools • Serger • Computer • Camera

Interview: Vanessa Hewell from LBG Studio

Buying and Using Fabric

Have a Plan • Use What You Have • Building a Stash • Making Smart Fabric Buying Choices • Quality Counts • Coordinating Fabrics • Try Something different

Interview: Monica Donohue from Little Pigeon Crafts

Sewing

Change Your Favorite Patterns to Work Even Better For You • Keep Good Notes • Organize Your Pattern Pieces • Organize Your Workspace

Selling

Selecting a Name

Selling Online: Setting Up an Online Shop • Taking Good Photos for Online Sales

Selling at Craft Shows: Setting Up Your Booth • Making a Plan

Consignment Sales

Promoting Yourself: Business Cards / Postcards • Using Social Media • Keeping a Mailing List

Pricing and Packaging

Pricing: Materials • Time • Price • Show Pricing

Packaging: Packaging for Show Sales • Packaging for Online Sales

Interview: Candace Todd from Sparkle Power

PROJECTS

Projects That Are Useful

Boxy Pincushion

Craft Apron

Lunch Bag

Oven Mitt

Placemat and Napkin

Projects That Make Best Use of Materials

Drawstring Backpack

Grocery Tote

iPad Sleeve

Trimmed Messenger Bag

Half-square Triangle Quilt

Projects That Are Great Sellers

Baby Set

Handy Organizer

Great Big Tote

Professional Pillows

Slouchy Purse

Zippered Pouch

Appendix: Business Basics

You're In Charge • Keeping Your Look Fresh • Inventory

The Legal Aspects of Setting Up a Shop: Doing Business As (DBA) • Get a Tax ID • Set Up Bank Accounts • How to Pay Sales Tax • Income Tax

Making it Work For You

Resources

About the Author