Today I spent some quality time with Ms. Singer. She and I, being on friendly thread tension terms right now were able to complete (all save for slip-stitching the lining closed and attaching a vintage button for closure) the latest Evelyn done in vintage and new patchwork. Picking up where I left off last week, I backed both the front and back faces with muslin, I stitched these on following the patchwork patterns so as to make my topstitches not so visible, then I cut them to the pattern. Next up was the lining, I did a one-slot piece pocket and a two-compartment patch pocket. I did an alternate interior color on the patch pocket. Then the straps, again I did these in patchwork style. Shown below is the exterior together only. The rest of the images are up on flickr >>.
All told, the entire project took more than double the time it takes to make an “regular” Evelyn bag, which is a little crazy – I mean, I sell these – so should I DOUBLE the cost? I dunno. I really think I’m going to have to.
pricing is My Least Favorite Subject!
today my hub said : you should sell that for 150.00 for what you put into it.
I said: it would live here with us forever. Is that what you want? Then let me mind my business. You go sell bikes.
If you can get double. then get it. The bag is lovely and exceptional.
thanks BB…
basically I price items according to what the market will pay…all that figuring in your overhead + time + everything else would make each item cost prohibitive – I’ve started at moderate pricing for each item and have slowly raised prices over time and then I work at trimming my costs and make time… mostly I try not to think about it too much, otherwise I wouldn’t make items to sell at all. I think we’re all in the same boat – handcrafted items are WAY UNDERPRICED – but lots of buyers have the attitude “…hey, I could make that” and if they feel that way they’re not willing to pay much at all.