Posted by Marcie on 2007-10-10 00:03:37
Post Subject:
"now that the weather is changing".... HA! It was still in the 90's here in Dallas, Texas today.
That is a really great idea for kids clothing! I don't have children, but I plan on sending your idea to my friends! They will probably then send me a sack full of clothes since I actually have a sewing machine, haha.
Posted by fairgreenlady on 2005-06-24 18:35:02
Post Subject: do you market?
I'm participating in my first craft show next month. The organizers have really pumped me up, saying no one around here has sold goods like mine (baby-oriented stuff like slings, changing pads) and I ought to do well. I hope so. Still...I know how it is when you see something you like, you're not sure, you pass...then you wish you'd bought it.
So I want to have brochures done that people can take with them. I realize many will take one and then throw it away, but maybe it would make enough after-show sales to be worthwhile, especially since I am hoping to take custom orders on my kids' clothing.
I also set up a mailing list form that they can fill out and I can transfer into a mailing list program so that I can send out fliers for the next show I'm doing, any special offers for holidays or shipping, etc.
Does anyone here do this? Do you have advice? I don't want to spend a ton of money (I have graphic artist friends who will do the brochure design for me, but I will pay for printing) but I also don't want to be caught short if this turns out to be a good opportunity to get my name out there.
Posted by fairgreenlady on 2005-08-14 13:16:47
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Are they otherwise inspecting every item that carries an image of their characters for quality and appropriateness? I bet they have a tremendously huge legal department.
Good luck with obtaining the licensing agreement fairgreenlady! I'd love to hear how that works out!
I know in my case, I am to submit a description and photos (if possible, and it's possible so I guess I will) of what i plan to sell. It is to make sure that the integrity of the institution is not degraded or something like that. I'm not making pasties or fetish wear with the fabric, for Goodness' sake. It's kids' clothing. Actually, I guess if one has a particular fervor for their college team, then it could be considered fetish wear, no? LOL
I'll post back after I begin the licensing process. I'm going to get thru this next craft show this upcoming weekend first. And a visit from my parents (eek!)
Posted by Bashi Squashi on 2004-09-10 16:55:26
Post Subject:
I don't know if this is a trick or not.
When I make costumes for my kids I always base it on a shell so that they can wear it over their clothing to be warm- if possible.
I have paper on a roll for kids art (from ikea. Kraft paper works. You just need a big sheet). Tape enough paper together so that your child can lay down DeVinci style (arms and legs extended like a snow angel).
I have my child lay down on the paper and I loosely trace his/her body. Then I draw around those lines making the arms, torso and legs much fatter. Ankles and wrists get an extra couple of inches too. Think starfish shape.
Cut fabric based on pattern you just made. I still cut outside the line I drew for a seam allowance. (This is very free and loose- don't fret!)
Turn right sides together and sew neck to wrist, wrist to ankle, ankle to ankle, ankle to wrist, wrist to neck. Then I cut the slit for the back so that the costume could be put on. Finish edges. Add ties or some manner of closure. I generally sew a 1/2" seam. It really isn't important. Whatever you decide to do with your pattern in inches or centimeters, just try to be somewhat consistant. This pattern is very loose and easy fitting so it isn't crucial.
Next, I cut a slit down the back to about the child's lower back. Then finish the edges. Add ties or whatever closure you choose.
Use elastic to cinch the ends in on the wrists and ankles. the neck gets a typical finish.
This is a good starter for a baggy suit that will fit over a kids clothing and will be ready for any character application.
The fabric you choose makes a difference. Felts, suit lining is great for shine and economy, sheers and muslins all have certain applications. Most cartoony characters will call for felt or fleece. Clowns, Princesses and fantasy will call for shine and sheers.
For a clown or court jester (First, I used two contrasting fabrics. After cutting the body shapes, I cut the front and back in half and switched them and sewed the opposite fabrics together).
For dresses, I did the same thing except for making a very large "A" shape from the armpits down. Princess's, faeries, etc, etc... It's way easier than trying to work with a pattern from the store. It looks just as pretty with a few simple tucks and darts when needed- but that's rare.
ONe thing I learned with halloween costumes is that the simpler the basic design, the easier it is to finish. The rest comes togther with embellishment. I purchased so many costume patterns over the years only to abandon them and go my own way. They basicly do the same thing for you with a whole lot more work.
-Barbara
This year's Projects so far:
Blue's Clues, Sally (Nightmare Before Christmas), Pierrot, Donald Trump.
