Shop Growth Means … Shoulder Bags!!

I’ve got some exciting news to share this month! Now less than one month away, June 3rd will mark my little shop’s one year birthday!! It’s hard to believe that it has almost been a whole year already, how time flies! When I initially opened this shop, my vision was to sell handmade items that were made by myself. While searching for the best deals on fabric to keep my material costs low and in turn pass those savings along to my customers, I decided the best way to accomplish this was to open some wholesale accounts with big distributors. Buying fabric wholesale is a great savings, however, the quantity must be large with most manufacturers requiring a minimum amount each order and the minimum per print is one bolt which contains 15 yards. It became clear that I could not purchase wholesale with the intent of just being a manufacturer and using the fabric for my own production needs as it was way more yardage than I could ever use. That’s when I decided to sell the fabric and become a retailer.

It has been a whirwind and while my little shop is close to 1,000 sales in just under a year, I have found myself needing to make a big decision. While I have absolutely loved surrounding myself with beautiful designer fabric, it has required me to give up a large amount of my sewing time. I have been unable to get a decent inventory of handmade items created and listed because I simply have not had enough time to dedicate to it. It’s left me a little sad that my machines sit so lonely without being used as sewing is such a creative outlet for me. I miss that time as a maker so very much.

After much thought, I have decided to take my shop in the original direction that I wanted to take it one year ago. I am going to be switching gears and focusing on making and selling my handmade items. I still have A LOT of inventory in yardage left, and that is going to become a giant destash if you will. I need to move out the rest of that inventory and will be having some awesome sales on what’s left shortly. All fabric inventory will be listed in my Etsy shop ONLY…I’m going to be transferring it all to that shop within the next couple weeks so that it will all stay together and the yardage quantity left can be as accurate as possible. Head on over to https://www.etsy.com/shop/stitchedchic to see what is available and take advantage of these sales! I’m still going to be making quilts to sell as that is how my sewing life first began, but my primary focus is going to be on handbags.

I’ve got some super cute bag designs that I’m currently working on, and the best part is I’m creating for all ages! I’ve been making some sweet shoulder bags, adult style if you will, some even sweeter little girl messenger bags inspired by my daughter, Camrynn, and tote bags! I’m using the highest quality materials available to me consisting of waxed canvas, linen-cotton canvas, railroad denim, and cruelty-free vegan leather. Please stay tuned as I will be posting bags regularly as they are made.

Thank you to my customers for all for your support in fabric sales in the last year. I have learned so much, and I am truly grateful to have had such a great experience in the handmade market! I hope you will continue to follow me on my blog and my journey as I concentrate on what makes me the best I can be, that is sewing to my heart’s content and creating some super cute and stylish fashion accessories for you all!