I've been sewing, crafting, quilting, applique, and embroidery since 5 when my Grandmother put a needle, thread and fabric in my hands. I was absolutely hooked. Now at 63 I've seen a lot and I have been in situations where people want what I have made myself, BUT don't want to pay what it is worth! Too often they don't value your time and have no idea what the artist has put into that idea. I sew for relaxation and dealing with my anxiety. I find it prayerful and soulful, doing it as special orders is super stressful, especially with my bad arthritis and other physical challenges. You have always seemed cheerful and joyful doing your creations 🙂 We appreciate your time in all you do for the UA-cam audience, instagram, etc.
Excellent video. One comment, I found myself feeling stressed and feeling guilty for having so much stuff in the way of supplies. There is no way I can use it all. I see other people get freaked out at all the over spending, buying and wanting more stuff. I realized I am one person and with that I can only control myself in these areas. You teach in everything you’re doing. You are a teacher/influencer in that arena. That means you are doing more than one person’s work. I’ve learned a lot watching your videos. I’m old enough to be your grandmother, but I’m a lifelong student of life. I first learned about ecology and the environment in the sixties and seventies. No one seemed to be listening back then. Our environment suffers from not having a stewardship mindset when it comes to our planet and its resources. Keep teaching, keep talking about up-cycling and reusing fabric and resources. There is very little recycling here in Texas. It makes me sad, but I’m one person who is also a shut in. I’m feeling the push to start talking about it all on social media platforms. Those who listen can be changed, those who don’t won’t. It’s that simple. Keep doing what you do. Thanks for sharing your point of view and life. You are making a difference. I’m very hesitant to buy new these days. Occasionally I do, but I think about it hard and long before I do.
I want you to start a UA-cam channel ~ I’m a granny and I agree with you. Our era has been about buying cheap clothes now we need to go back to our skills. I made all my kids clothes. Up cycling is our superpower. I love this channel it’s so motivating 😊
Thank you for this comment, you won’t believe how much it made me smile!🥹🌸💜 i love that you thought about the environment back in the 60s, I feel like that would have been rare around that time!! Thank you!🦋
I too am in Texas. I have my own little upcycling business to feed my need to create in my retirement years. I completely agree with all the excellent points Scarlet makes in this video. I do craft shows from October thru December but always set aside January to just have fun with my sewing and create new things to wear during the “selling season.” Then the rest of the year I sell on Etsy. I love watching this channel and am inspired by Scarlets hard work as well as her creativity.
Everyone who thinks you are a treasure, already loves your style...dealing with clients is trial and error...just remember you are not making readymade clothes.. you are a one of a kind creator..a fashion designer like no other...and that Is what you keep in mind when you have doubts
That is very true, i think self doubt kind of links to the education point - people might view it as a mash of fabrics with little thought, but it couldn’t be further from the truth 😂
Scraps are perfect for filling for pouffes or ottomans. I don't sew enough but I'm always just adding my scraps into a crochet pouffe I made a while back.
Thank you for this well thought out and presented insight video. You are so very talented and likeable. Keep doing what you're doing. You're acing it ❤
Im 62 and been sewing for 50years 😮 and my mom sewed all all all cloths for us when were young, my brother and I. You are such inspiration for me, Thank you dear ❤
Yes. I'm 49 and my older sisters sewed and knitted our clothes in the family especially women's clothing. That's how I got interested in various crafts but my favorite is sewing then knitting.
100 years ago when Etsy really was just handmade items I had a shop plus a full-time job. I have never been so sick of sewing lace leggings in my lifetime.😂 I tried so hard to find someone that could sew the leggings for me. The quality just wasn't there although the customer probably would never have known the difference. However, I am insisted on quality products. Something I would love to see you do is a video on how you do your UA-cam videos and how you edit. Oh, and the bangs are looking good they're getting longer.❤
Yesssss! It’s difficult to seperate the sewing for business and sewing for myself!😅 I do find that UA-cam is becoming one of my favourite creative outlets - I can make whatever I want without having to worry about reproducing it!🙌 i edit on Powerdirector for UA-cam but looking for a new software because the one I’m using keeps crashing 😭
@ I love watching your videos so keep on producing those please. Ha ha I usually just turn them on and let them run even though I've seen them many times. I usually catch something new. I have thought about doing UA-cam videos back-and-forth for years. Between the job and selling on eBay I don't know where I would actually find the time.😝 so I guess I'll just enjoy watching everybody else's. The new wrap jacket you made, and the pants are fabulous!
Hey kiddo, nice to see you, hope your holiday was good! Excellent video and info...it is a lot of work for sure but you are an amazing lady and creative person! Leesa from across the pond, BC, Canada, no snow yet! Hugsnta!
Love this post so much! Thx for sharing your challenges and solutions! You are amazing at creating unique beautiful designs! I appreciate your honesty, sincerity and inspiration!!🎉 😊
Scarlet this is a great tutorial to help others. Fortunately I don’t need to sell my items, but when I did it was hard. I make quilts but cannot sell those but with 3 daughters and a couple close fri3nds I gift them all. I just love making things. Good luck with your business for 2025.
I really enjoyed this video. I recently retired from a small custom dressing making and alterations business which worked really well with my lifestyle when I had two small children. I faced all the same issues as you and you find a way through them all. I learnt so much through the years. All your advice was spot on and I didn't realise there was so much extra work involved with an upcycling business. I would work out what you see as being successful and work towards that. Good luck and I love watching all your content.
I actually have wrote down ‘work out what you see being successful and work towards that’…I feel like this is going to really help me action a few things, thank you!!💜
My mum was a sewer, a knitter and she also crochet. Out a necessity because she did not have a lot of money, she could almost turn here hand to anything. Im ever so greatful to her for teaching me the skills. Its just came naturally. How lucky am I 😊.
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed listening. ❤ I cannot relate about the business part because I upcycle as my hobby and give what I make as gifts (for the things that turn out okay). For scraps I sew a patchwork pillow and keep it on my sewing table, then as I have scraps I just stuff them in there until it's full, and end up with a cute, but heavy, throw pillow. 😂
I love your mug. Challenge 8...scraps. Solution: lay out a base fabric-place scraps on base-place fine sheer fabric over top-sew in erratic style and enclose scraps between base and top cover-make several-sew all together to make quilt. cushion cover or whatever you like; Teach someone to sew strips together lengthwise or side by side; Have someone deliver to other recyclers for you. Challenge 9...scaling. Solution: you may be able to get some help with certain areas of your business; When sourcing: have a friend with you, have cuppa with friend, make it a fun day out for yourself. I enjoy these little 'Up Close and Personal' videos with you. I hope you don't mind my comments. It really comes from my heart and maybe one day you'll see something that will spark an idea for you that works well. I like to help where I can. Thanks, Di
I feel you on the scraps, lol. I've been trying to incorporate scraps into upcycled artwork now. I do not have a textile recycling facility near me anymore :(
This particular video speaks so many truths about being in Upcycle or in today’s environment, and how yes, while we do maximal, mental and physical preparation to source and obtain and correct and edit these text tiles and clean them and prepare them for construction I don’t believe that a lot of people understand that when they think oh you want me to pay a certain price but that is used material. Yes it is used material. Yes we did a lot to get it to the point of a design that you actually like so while we’re one woman businesses, small businesses, we do so much just to get the garment to completion for selling
Thank you for being so fabulous and bringing awareness to the art of upcycling. I find that showing people pictures of the clothing piles in the atacama dessert gets the message about the destructive nature of fast fashion across really effectively. Second point... PLEASE come to France for an epic level thrift. The charity shops are rammed with high quality fabrics at tiny prices. It is a less exploitative society here, so people are not so much on the take.... Tea towels on vinted are selling around 4 to 8 euros max. I am planning to bring a small pile of stuff to post to you when I visit my mum in the UK xxx Keep up the great work
Love it! Thank you for sharing!!! Just an idea for your scrap bin with the ribbon-like fabric, make hair bows or other bow accessories like brooches and sell them individually or in a pack. Lots of love!!! Stay blessed!! Friend from Texas!
Excellent video. Ty for your candid observations. I completely agree with you on so most points except one, how to scale up. You are the "creative" which also means research & development of new designs have to come from you. You can teach someone how to do the mechanics of construction, & how you select fabrics, which you already do some of that in your videos, but you should have the final say on what they select as that is part of the design process. The designs have to be yours, or it will turn into another avenue of "fast fashion" which was created by Designers looking for a short cut to earn "faster money," unless you decide that's what you need. Anyway, I have faith in you. You can do this! You can scale up with a couple more machines & someone willing to learn & earn. Keep it all in house under watchful eye. I look forward to seeing what you do next.
@afrayed_upcycling u are so welcome. Did u ever see the movie "The Devil Wears Prada"? It was a prime example of how to run a creative fashion design business. Prada, of course, was a much larger business, but she approved of everything before it hit the runway/market. And yes, she was a nasty individual on one hand, but she busted her butt to get where she was. I dont know how much was true, but it did follow typical standards of practices for a creative business. Things I learned in college & in practice as a retired self employed sales person. Best wishes!
Love the format of this video Scarlett! You didn’t just talk about challenges but also shared your solutions which is so helpful! I LOVE what you do and SO enjoy watching your videos. I related to everything you shared as I have run a handmade business as well and faced these challenges.
A thought on sourcing: I'm in the U.S. and we have places called raghouses where you pay by the pound. These can also be called textile recyclers. It's where all the textiles that didn't sell in thrift stores go before being shipped abroad. I imagine you have something similar in the UK. I agree it's challenging to find textiles sometimes. I've also had luck at estate and yard sales. I stick to sales in more established neighborhoods.
Love your videos! 😊 3rd one I watched. New subscriber. I am a denim upcylcler. ✂️ 👖 It's just a hobby for me. Although, I can totally relate to most things that you stated. People have no clue how much love and labor that goes into a final product. I have sold some pieces. It has been for many years now., that I've been sewing. . At 60 , n ow I'm ready to get really serious and make it a business. 🤦🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️ 80% of my wardrobe in denim . As I am sure ,a large % of your wardrobe are the textiles that you use as well. I get so many compliments on my designs. There's rarely a day that I'm not wearing something I designed. I don't even feel right walking out the door without my own stuff on. 😊 Anyways , b3st wishes to you . Keep up the good work sweetie! 👏🏾👏🏾💐
Hi Scarlet. How nice of you to share solutions as well as problems. I agree that lots of this advice is helpful to so many people - not just small upcycling business owners! Although our styles are different, there are still many similarities too. Your template idea is great advice - I've used something similar in the past and, yes, it's invaluable. I'm sorry if I'm teaching Grandma to sucks eggs - you've probably considered these things already but - perhaps ways of scaling up (although I realise it's time consuming!!) could be selling templates/patterns for others to upcycle their own clothes as this could be a way of tapping into a slightly different audience for you, because this would be a create-once-sell-over-and-over type thing! Also creating and selling tutorials on how you experiment and your thinking behind the way you combine your fabrics. An maybe live sew-alongs or something...? I know all these things take lots of time, but I think you have a great attitude and wish you lots of luck - you've got this! Personally, I love to sew with old fabrics but I'm not a big fan of social media as a whole and it's the tech-y side of UA-cam that slows me down...! Good luck with everything. Dawn x
I totally agree with the time it takes for construction of an upcycled item. Ive only recently started upcycling from sewing with brand new fabric ..ive literally taken about 1and half hours to create a pair of joggers with brand new fabric ( including purchasing the fabric) ,...now I make them from upcycled hoodies, t shirts etc and sourcing the fabric, washing it, taking it apart, designing the joggers cutting the materials, placing the fabric, sewing it together, cutting the pieces, sewing them together takes up to 10-12 hours but the knowledge that no one else will have such an item makes it all worth while....but exhausting and thats without taking photos, adding to the websites etc
Firstly, well done for making the initial switch to upcycling!! But yes, it involves absolutely everything you’ve just said and more doesn’t it 🙈😅 ahh don’t get me started on the website stuff 😂
I honestly think I could add a bunch more points like finances and being glued to my phone, but it doesn’t sound very positive! 😂 it’s interesting that it can be related to other professions!✨
it's so helpful to know that I'm not alone in these things. I recently started upcycling tea towels and other linens because of you and other makers I follow. I developed my own pattern based off of a vintage smock pattern and then basically developed a way to patchwork and the tunic tops were a hit with my ren faire base. there's a lot of work in these and I priced them accordingly. But it's hard to balance all of these things, show fees and sourcing and trying to not waste fabric and being the accountant, marketer and sometimes you tube person. I had some advice, especially that I no longer work another job, to maybe start some kind of online or in person local get together with others but who has the time? Ren faire season is over but I'm gearing up for 3 weeks of Yuletide and then I'm having surgery and the holidays. I did take some time to experiment over the summer (recovering from my last surgery) to try out some new things and I really loved it and I just really love sewing. It's really all I want to do. I also made myself some new things which was really lovely. I appreciate all you do! Thanks!
Hello WDesigns, do you have a Facebook or Instagram? Those might be a good way for you to enter into the selling market. I would love to see/shop your items.
start a basic money in/money out spreadsheet as soon as possible, thats helped me a lot to not only keep track for tax purposes but also having perspective on pricing and expenses
A thought on your scraps have you tried using machine needle felting to “make new fabric” using your scraps? I bought a special needle felting kit for my Husqvarna topaz single needle embroidery machine and embellished the denim pockets on some of my upcycled tunics. It was a fun learning process. I also did a project where I felted fabric scraps together and created “new fabric” for a few small projects.
The one thing that would help you labour wise without affecting your brand or products at all is outsourcing someone to prepare the fabric for you. I personally love the process of washing and de-constructing items to sort through them to upcycle, but it is very time consuming, and can be quite punishing on your body, so a little relief may help you 🥰
@@afrayed_upcycling That would be a good way to go as there is only so much you can make as a one person show. Don't forget about a hybrid or what they call in the arts as a portfolio career where your income is made up of various endeavors. Best advice, do the bits you love and farm out the rest. Good Luck.
Being self-employed is really hard and particularly when you have transformed your hobby into a business. You need so many new business-type skills. Burnout is an ever-present risk because you never really switch off. My advice is to be strict with yourself and make sure you switch off and do something different every so often. And get out and talk to other business owners because just having a moan and swapping stories is really helpful to your mental health!
This is perfect advice, it can be really hard to seperate the buisness and personal sewing at times! The upcycling community is amazing and I’m so thankful for my small business friends 🥹💜
@@afrayed_upcycling I had the same problem with my family history research business and when I retired it was 9 months before I could face doing research again. Now it is back to being a hobby again and I can enjoy it without all the client and marketing pressure.
For the tea towels, you can look into sublimation printers and make your own. The initial investment might be a lot but the end result may be better cost wise in the long run. Jyst a thought. I sew, and no one understands what it takes to make something.
Do you sell the pattern for your scrap bags? I saw the video where you layered fabrics with the sheer fabric on top. do you only sell the bags or do you have a pattern you use? Thanks
The people who refuse to shop in charity shops, or wear 2nd hand textiles are also the same people who would get massively offended if you refused to take a second hand item off them because it is used. In their minds their own stuff is perfectly clean, but every other human is unable to match their level of cleanliness.
Haha ironic right?! I used to work eith someone who told me she would never shop secondhand, but everyday she asked where my charity shop outfit was from 😂🙌
@ I worked with someone who asked me in disgust 'Didn't you wear that coat last year' Yep, I did, and it still fits, is still warm, and not damaged so I will probably wear it the following year + as well 😁 (It was my big winter rain coat that I only wear like 2-4 weeks out of the year when it gets properly cold) I am surprised she even knew what coat I wore the year before 🤷♀️
I have film reels on my phone for social media, but use an Sony camera for youtube! Filming and editing is relatively easy once you get the hang of the kit!☺️
@ I’m trying to launch an upcycled business too. I’m a bridal and formalwear seamstress and I have bins and tubs of scraps that I do t want to go to the landfills. I do purchase vintage and secondhand leather and lace and cottons. Definitely want a UA-cam channel and would like to link to other UA-camrs like yourself. A little scared of technology and troubleshooting
I've been sewing, crafting, quilting, applique, and embroidery since 5 when my Grandmother put a needle, thread and fabric in my hands. I was absolutely hooked. Now at 63 I've seen a lot and I have been in situations where people want what I have made myself, BUT don't want to pay what it is worth! Too often they don't value your time and have no idea what the artist has put into that idea. I sew for relaxation and dealing with my anxiety. I find it prayerful and soulful, doing it as special orders is super stressful, especially with my bad arthritis and other physical challenges. You have always seemed cheerful and joyful doing your creations 🙂 We appreciate your time in all you do for the UA-cam audience, instagram, etc.
Totally understand! I’ve been ghosted a few times after I announce the price of a custom item 😂 thank you! I do enjoy making!
@@afrayed_upcycling Sad isn't it. I am an artist and I support artists...just the way my grandmother said things should be done.
Excellent video. One comment, I found myself feeling stressed and feeling guilty for having so much stuff in the way of supplies. There is no way I can use it all. I see other people get freaked out at all the over spending, buying and wanting more stuff. I realized I am one person and with that I can only control myself in these areas. You teach in everything you’re doing. You are a teacher/influencer in that arena. That means you are doing more than one person’s work. I’ve learned a lot watching your videos. I’m old enough to be your grandmother, but I’m a lifelong student of life. I first learned about ecology and the environment in the sixties and seventies. No one seemed to be listening back then. Our environment suffers from not having a stewardship mindset when it comes to our planet and its resources. Keep teaching, keep talking about up-cycling and reusing fabric and resources. There is very little recycling here in Texas. It makes me sad, but I’m one person who is also a shut in. I’m feeling the push to start talking about it all on social media platforms. Those who listen can be changed, those who don’t won’t. It’s that simple.
Keep doing what you do. Thanks for sharing your point of view and life. You are making a difference. I’m very hesitant to buy new these days. Occasionally I do, but I think about it hard and long before I do.
I love this comment.
I want you to start a UA-cam channel ~ I’m a granny and I agree with you. Our era has been about buying cheap clothes now we need to go back to our skills. I made all my kids clothes. Up cycling is our superpower. I love this channel it’s so motivating 😊
Thank you for this comment, you won’t believe how much it made me smile!🥹🌸💜 i love that you thought about the environment back in the 60s, I feel like that would have been rare around that time!! Thank you!🦋
I agree 🥹
I too am in Texas. I have my own little upcycling business to feed my need to create in my retirement years. I completely agree with all the excellent points Scarlet makes in this video. I do craft shows from October thru December but always set aside January to just have fun with my sewing and create new things to wear during the “selling season.” Then the rest of the year I sell on Etsy. I love watching this channel and am inspired by Scarlets hard work as well as her creativity.
Love your content, please only do what's sustainable for you. You are as important as the planet!
What a lovely comment, thank you 💜🥹
Everyone who thinks you are a treasure, already loves your style...dealing with clients is trial and error...just remember you are not making readymade clothes.. you are a one of a kind creator..a fashion designer like no other...and that Is what you keep in mind when you have doubts
That is very true, i think self doubt kind of links to the education point - people might view it as a mash of fabrics with little thought, but it couldn’t be further from the truth 😂
Scraps are perfect for filling for pouffes or ottomans. I don't sew enough but I'm always just adding my scraps into a crochet pouffe I made a while back.
I’ve got a monster scrap pouffes downstairs…maybe I need to do another 😂
Thank you for this well thought out and presented insight video. You are so very talented and likeable. Keep doing what you're doing. You're acing it ❤
Awww thank you! 🥹 felt like it was a much needed video!
Thank u for this. As an up cycler myself I resonate with all points. Very helpful!
No worries! Glad fellow upcyclists feel seen!
Im 62 and been sewing for 50years 😮 and my mom sewed all all all cloths for us when were young, my brother and I. You are such inspiration for me, Thank you dear ❤
Yes. I'm 49 and my older sisters sewed and knitted our clothes in the family especially women's clothing. That's how I got interested in various crafts but my favorite is sewing then knitting.
Thank you so much!🥹
100 years ago when Etsy really was just handmade items I had a shop plus a full-time job. I have never been so sick of sewing lace leggings in my lifetime.😂 I tried so hard to find someone that could sew the leggings for me. The quality just wasn't there although the customer probably would never have known the difference. However, I am insisted on quality products. Something I would love to see you do is a video on how you do your UA-cam videos and how you edit. Oh, and the bangs are looking good they're getting longer.❤
Yesssss! It’s difficult to seperate the sewing for business and sewing for myself!😅 I do find that UA-cam is becoming one of my favourite creative outlets - I can make whatever I want without having to worry about reproducing it!🙌 i edit on Powerdirector for UA-cam but looking for a new software because the one I’m using keeps crashing 😭
@ I love watching your videos so keep on producing those please. Ha ha I usually just turn them on and let them run even though I've seen them many times. I usually catch something new. I have thought about doing UA-cam videos back-and-forth for years. Between the job and selling on eBay I don't know where I would actually find the time.😝 so I guess I'll just enjoy watching everybody else's. The new wrap jacket you made, and the pants are fabulous!
Hey kiddo, nice to see you, hope your holiday was good! Excellent video and info...it is a lot of work for sure but you are an amazing lady and creative person! Leesa from across the pond, BC, Canada, no snow yet! Hugsnta!
Thank you so much!!🥹
Love this post so much! Thx for sharing your challenges and solutions! You are amazing at creating unique beautiful designs! I appreciate your honesty, sincerity and inspiration!!🎉 😊
Thank you so much!!
Scarlet this is a great tutorial to help others. Fortunately I don’t need to sell my items, but when I did it was hard. I make quilts but cannot sell those but with 3 daughters and a couple close fri3nds I gift them all. I just love making things. Good luck with your business for 2025.
Thank you! Aww lucky daughters and friends!🙌
I really enjoyed this video. I recently retired from a small custom dressing making and alterations business which worked really well with my lifestyle when I had two small children. I faced all the same issues as you and you find a way through them all. I learnt so much through the years. All your advice was spot on and I didn't realise there was so much extra work involved with an upcycling business. I would work out what you see as being successful and work towards that. Good luck and I love watching all your content.
I actually have wrote down ‘work out what you see being successful and work towards that’…I feel like this is going to really help me action a few things, thank you!!💜
You are spot on Scarlett. I was sat here unpicking a hem from the scrap bin and just nodding away at every point. Love your solutions too xxx
Haha! I honestly think I could have added a load more 😅 glad to make people aware of the extra labour involved with upcycling!
My mum was a sewer, a knitter and she also crochet. Out a necessity because she did not have a lot of money, she could almost turn here hand to anything. Im ever so greatful to her for teaching me the skills. Its just came naturally. How lucky am I 😊.
So lucky!!
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed listening. ❤ I cannot relate about the business part because I upcycle as my hobby and give what I make as gifts (for the things that turn out okay). For scraps I sew a patchwork pillow and keep it on my sewing table, then as I have scraps I just stuff them in there until it's full, and end up with a cute, but heavy, throw pillow. 😂
My house is full of scrap pillows and they’re so heavy 😂😂
@afrayed_upcycling yes they are and I do too.... Going to move to making them into outdoor furniture cushions... Have a few bare benches in the yard 🤣
I love your mug.
Challenge 8...scraps. Solution: lay out a base fabric-place scraps on base-place fine sheer fabric over top-sew in erratic style and enclose scraps between base and top cover-make several-sew all together to make quilt. cushion cover or whatever you like; Teach someone to sew strips together lengthwise or side by side; Have someone deliver to other recyclers for you.
Challenge 9...scaling. Solution: you may be able to get some help with certain areas of your business;
When sourcing: have a friend with you, have cuppa with friend, make it a fun day out for yourself.
I enjoy these little 'Up Close and Personal' videos with you. I hope you don't mind my comments. It really comes from my heart and maybe one day you'll see something that will spark an idea for you that works well. I like to help where I can. Thanks, Di
Love this solutions, thank you!! It’s given me something to think about!🥹🌸
I feel you on the scraps, lol. I've been trying to incorporate scraps into upcycled artwork now. I do not have a textile recycling facility near me anymore :(
Like I love working with scraps, but because of the amount I generate for each tea towel garment, I get overwhelmed so quickly 😅
You are so adorable. I’m almost 70 years old, an artist and love being colorful . Your clothing you design is beautiful.
Thank you so much!
This particular video speaks so many truths about being in Upcycle or in today’s environment, and how yes, while we do maximal, mental and physical preparation to source and obtain and correct and edit these text tiles and clean them and prepare them for construction I don’t believe that a lot of people understand that when they think oh you want me to pay a certain price but that is used material. Yes it is used material. Yes we did a lot to get it to the point of a design that you actually like so while we’re one woman businesses, small businesses, we do so much just to get the garment to completion for selling
10000%! Some people just see the price and don’t understand! Hopefully this mindset will change!
Thank you for being so fabulous and bringing awareness to the art of upcycling.
I find that showing people pictures of the clothing piles in the atacama dessert gets the message about the destructive nature of fast fashion across really effectively.
Second point... PLEASE come to France for an epic level thrift. The charity shops are rammed with high quality fabrics at tiny prices. It is a less exploitative society here, so people are not so much on the take.... Tea towels on vinted are selling around 4 to 8 euros max. I am planning to bring a small pile of stuff to post to you when I visit my mum in the UK xxx
Keep up the great work
Please email me so we can book this is! I’m desperate to get to France for shopping!!🥹🌸
Will do!
@@afrayed_upcycling I have mailed you via your contact form on your website
For your scraps which are long strips, you could do a weave pattern and make patch squares. So it looks like a checker board pattern.
Oooo love this!!
@ I would love to see that
Love it! Thank you for sharing!!! Just an idea for your scrap bin with the ribbon-like fabric, make hair bows or other bow accessories like brooches and sell them individually or in a pack. Lots of love!!! Stay blessed!! Friend from Texas!
Excellent video. Ty for your candid observations. I completely agree with you on so most points except one, how to scale up. You are the "creative" which also means research & development of new designs have to come from you. You can teach someone how to do the mechanics of construction, & how you select fabrics, which you already do some of that in your videos, but you should have the final say on what they select as that is part of the design process. The designs have to be yours, or it will turn into another avenue of "fast fashion" which was created by Designers looking for a short cut to earn "faster money," unless you decide that's what you need. Anyway, I have faith in you. You can do this! You can scale up with a couple more machines & someone willing to learn & earn. Keep it all in house under watchful eye. I look forward to seeing what you do next.
Great advice
@nataliechim5227 thank you
This is fab advice! I always struggle with the scaling up part, but you’ve put it in a clear way for me!🥹 lots to think about I think!
@afrayed_upcycling u are so welcome. Did u ever see the movie "The Devil Wears Prada"? It was a prime example of how to run a creative fashion design business. Prada, of course, was a much larger business, but she approved of everything before it hit the runway/market. And yes, she was a nasty individual on one hand, but she busted her butt to get where she was. I dont know how much was true, but it did follow typical standards of practices for a creative business. Things I learned in college & in practice as a retired self employed sales person. Best wishes!
This was super interesting!!!
Thank you!🙌✂️🪡
Love the format of this video Scarlett! You didn’t just talk about challenges but also shared your solutions which is so helpful! I LOVE what you do and SO enjoy watching your videos. I related to everything you shared as I have run a handmade business as well and faced these challenges.
Awww thank you! Really glad it resonated!☺️🌸
A thought on sourcing: I'm in the U.S. and we have places called raghouses where you pay by the pound. These can also be called textile recyclers. It's where all the textiles that didn't sell in thrift stores go before being shipped abroad. I imagine you have something similar in the UK. I agree it's challenging to find textiles sometimes. I've also had luck at estate and yard sales. I stick to sales in more established neighborhoods.
Love your videos! 😊 3rd one I watched. New subscriber. I am a denim upcylcler. ✂️ 👖 It's just a hobby for me. Although, I can totally relate to most things that you stated. People have no clue how much love and labor that goes into a final product. I have sold some pieces. It has been for many years now., that I've been sewing. . At 60 , n ow I'm ready to get really serious and make it a business. 🤦🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️ 80% of my wardrobe in denim . As I am sure ,a large % of your wardrobe are the textiles that you use as well. I get so many compliments on my designs. There's rarely a day that I'm not wearing something I designed. I don't even feel right walking out the door without my own stuff on. 😊 Anyways , b3st wishes to you . Keep up the good work sweetie! 👏🏾👏🏾💐
Hi Scarlet. How nice of you to share solutions as well as problems. I agree that lots of this advice is helpful to so many people - not just small upcycling business owners! Although our styles are different, there are still many similarities too. Your template idea is great advice - I've used something similar in the past and, yes, it's invaluable. I'm sorry if I'm teaching Grandma to sucks eggs - you've probably considered these things already but - perhaps ways of scaling up (although I realise it's time consuming!!) could be selling templates/patterns for others to upcycle their own clothes as this could be a way of tapping into a slightly different audience for you, because this would be a create-once-sell-over-and-over type thing! Also creating and selling tutorials on how you experiment and your thinking behind the way you combine your fabrics. An maybe live sew-alongs or something...? I know all these things take lots of time, but I think you have a great attitude and wish you lots of luck - you've got this! Personally, I love to sew with old fabrics but I'm not a big fan of social media as a whole and it's the tech-y side of UA-cam that slows me down...! Good luck with everything. Dawn x
You may do these things already - sorry - first time I've seen your videos.
I love all of this!! I actually am leaning towards the more DIY aspect of the buisness over the making - i feel it’s more fulfilling for me!
LOVE this video. For scraps, I recently found a pattern for a little sewn doorstop stuffed with scraps that I'll be trying soon! 💖
I neeeddd to make more doorsteps! They’re the best solution for scraps for me!!
I totally agree with the time it takes for construction of an upcycled item. Ive only recently started upcycling from sewing with brand new fabric ..ive literally taken about 1and half hours to create a pair of joggers with brand new fabric ( including purchasing the fabric) ,...now I make them from upcycled hoodies, t shirts etc and sourcing the fabric, washing it, taking it apart, designing the joggers cutting the materials, placing the fabric, sewing it together, cutting the pieces, sewing them together takes up to 10-12 hours but the knowledge that no one else will have such an item makes it all worth while....but exhausting and thats without taking photos, adding to the websites etc
Firstly, well done for making the initial switch to upcycling!! But yes, it involves absolutely everything you’ve just said and more doesn’t it 🙈😅 ahh don’t get me started on the website stuff 😂
💚 nicely done
All resonates with me -solo florist!
I honestly think I could add a bunch more points like finances and being glued to my phone, but it doesn’t sound very positive! 😂 it’s interesting that it can be related to other professions!✨
it's so helpful to know that I'm not alone in these things. I recently started upcycling tea towels and other linens because of you and other makers I follow. I developed my own pattern based off of a vintage smock pattern and then basically developed a way to patchwork and the tunic tops were a hit with my ren faire base. there's a lot of work in these and I priced them accordingly. But it's hard to balance all of these things, show fees and sourcing and trying to not waste fabric and being the accountant, marketer and sometimes you tube person. I had some advice, especially that I no longer work another job, to maybe start some kind of online or in person local get together with others but who has the time? Ren faire season is over but I'm gearing up for 3 weeks of Yuletide and then I'm having surgery and the holidays. I did take some time to experiment over the summer (recovering from my last surgery) to try out some new things and I really loved it and I just really love sewing. It's really all I want to do. I also made myself some new things which was really lovely. I appreciate all you do! Thanks!
Hello WDesigns, do you have a Facebook or Instagram? Those might be a good way for you to enter into the selling market. I would love to see/shop your items.
@thecat5620 I have wdesignsbydianne on Instagram and Facebook. I'm working on posting more.
Absolutely! We wear so many hats as small business owners 😅 best of luck to you and your sewing journey!!
Very informative video.
start a basic money in/money out spreadsheet as soon as possible, thats helped me a lot to not only keep track for tax purposes but also having perspective on pricing and expenses
I’ve tried that so many times 😂 I kind if set a loose budget and go from there 🦋
I’ve tried that so many times 😂 I kind if set a loose budget and go from there 🦋
I’ve tried that so many times 😂 I kind if set a loose budget and go from there 🦋
A thought on your scraps have you tried using machine needle felting to “make new fabric” using your scraps? I bought a special needle felting kit for my Husqvarna topaz single needle embroidery machine and embellished the denim pockets on some of my upcycled tunics. It was a fun learning process. I also did a project where I felted fabric scraps together and created “new fabric” for a few small projects.
Oooo thanks for the tip! Will have a look i to that!
Wow thanks a lot
The one thing that would help you labour wise without affecting your brand or products at all is outsourcing someone to prepare the fabric for you. I personally love the process of washing and de-constructing items to sort through them to upcycle, but it is very time consuming, and can be quite punishing on your body, so a little relief may help you 🥰
A great idea
Yes that’s definitely an option! I’ll be honest, I think i’m looking to lean into the DIY aspect moreso than making for the future…😅
@@afrayed_upcycling That would be a good way to go as there is only so much you can make as a one person show. Don't forget about a hybrid or what they call in the arts as a portfolio career where your income is made up of various endeavors. Best advice, do the bits you love and farm out the rest. Good Luck.
Being self-employed is really hard and particularly when you have transformed your hobby into a business. You need so many new business-type skills. Burnout is an ever-present risk because you never really switch off. My advice is to be strict with yourself and make sure you switch off and do something different every so often. And get out and talk to other business owners because just having a moan and swapping stories is really helpful to your mental health!
This is perfect advice, it can be really hard to seperate the buisness and personal sewing at times! The upcycling community is amazing and I’m so thankful for my small business friends 🥹💜
@@afrayed_upcycling I had the same problem with my family history research business and when I retired it was 9 months before I could face doing research again. Now it is back to being a hobby again and I can enjoy it without all the client and marketing pressure.
For the tea towels, you can look into sublimation printers and make your own. The initial investment might be a lot but the end result may be better cost wise in the long run. Jyst a thought. I sew, and no one understands what it takes to make something.
I think i’m moving the buisness into the DIY aspect rather than making…but that could be an option if I change my mind!
Thanks
The three things I have seen done with scrap pieces are hats, rugs, and stuffed animals/dolls. Maybe someone else wants your scraps!
I do sells scraps! But I have soooo many 😂
Do you sell the pattern for your scrap bags? I saw the video where you layered fabrics with the sheer fabric on top. do you only sell the bags or do you have a pattern you use? Thanks
I haven’t got a pattern currently, mainly because they can be a real pain to make so not too sure how to transfer it into a pattern 😂
For scaling, perhaps start by designing and have someone else sew?
A lot of women boutique owners in India, follow this business model.
❤
What about pillows or pet beds to use scraps as stuffing?
I used to do that! Maybe i’ll bring it back!
❤❤❤❤❤
What do you mean by a template? Do you create it in Adobe to post online so customers can visualize it?
Yes exactly that! So it’s usually the outline of a garment, then the fabrics can be changed to give a better idea of what the final will look like!
Hi what Juki do you use, thanks?
It’s DDL-8700 ☺️
Do you make scrappy dog beds?
I did once!
I make Patches with upcycling Fabric (bedsheets) But in germany Nobody likes upcycling stuff. It seems.
Whhaatt?! Any real reasons as to why that might be?
The people who refuse to shop in charity shops, or wear 2nd hand textiles are also the same people who would get massively offended if you refused to take a second hand item off them because it is used. In their minds their own stuff is perfectly clean, but every other human is unable to match their level of cleanliness.
Haha ironic right?! I used to work eith someone who told me she would never shop secondhand, but everyday she asked where my charity shop outfit was from 😂🙌
@ I worked with someone who asked me in disgust 'Didn't you wear that coat last year' Yep, I did, and it still fits, is still warm, and not damaged so I will probably wear it the following year + as well 😁 (It was my big winter rain coat that I only wear like 2-4 weeks out of the year when it gets properly cold)
I am surprised she even knew what coat I wore the year before 🤷♀️
I see you use your phone. Is filing a d editing really hard?
I have film reels on my phone for social media, but use an Sony camera for youtube! Filming and editing is relatively easy once you get the hang of the kit!☺️
@ I’m trying to launch an upcycled business too. I’m a bridal and formalwear seamstress and I have bins and tubs of scraps that I do t want to go to the landfills. I do purchase vintage and secondhand leather and lace and cottons. Definitely want a UA-cam channel and would like to link to other UA-camrs like yourself. A little scared of technology and troubleshooting
@@afrayed_upcycling hey Scarlett, what program do you use to edit?😊
❤