I’ve been running a group of some sort for several years. Way before wovenFuse came into my life, I ran an all-craft group. It was difficult to maintain all crafts and stay on top. Since sewing is my main craft, I did cater to sewing. Periodically I ran sew-a-longs. I just think it’s inspiring, encouraging, motivating and most of all fun to sew as a group.
I’m currently getting ready for Christi Lee to start our Sew-A-Long featuring maggy55 Classic Zip Around Wallet. These CZW were done by Marlys Fry-Sellmeyer. Aren’t they gorgeous?! I’ll take the middle one!!
This SAL starts July 3 with cutting and prepping, and runs live (or follow on youTube) once a week. What I found when promoting the SALs was there were some who would ask about costs, state they couldn’t afford supplies, or I’d pick these clues up in everyday posting. We had so many on retired, fixed incomes, or disabled (me for one) which made gathering supplies difficult for them. I created a Secret Sister Team.
Not the usual exchange type of Secret Sister, but a team willing to share with those less fortunate in order that they too could participate in our sew-a-longs! I’ve always seemed to have ample sewing supplies so I was participating also. But I found, when it came to sharing my sf101, I couldn’t. It was only 20” wide so it took double the yardage of your pattern fabric. It was just too expensive to part with and I cheated. I subbed a lightweight non woven interfacing! Shame on me! At that time I didn’t realize the importance of woven interfacing! And my finances were very limited. I did feel bad about doing that, so I went on the hunt for a comparable substitute! I did a lot of searching, buying samples from lots of international companies to find a good product.
I finally came across a product I felt was close to what I wanted. I put together a test team and we went to work comparing the two. The biggest difference right off the bat was the width of my new find, which was 45”! That was a big advantage! Out of all of my testers, only one came back with a negative comment. It stopped me in my tracks, but no one else agreed. I did a lot of soul searching and continued to get more samples because I wanted the best product for my members. But I kept going back to the one we put to the test. There was a minimum amount I would be required to buy, but I decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. But because I’d have to buy so much, and with the encouragement of Vickie from So You Need Hardware, I decided to sell it!
I posted a pre-sale before it arrived, and the orders started coming in! My big error…I estimated the wrong amount that would fit in a flat rate padded envelope! I sold 10 yard packages but only 8 max would fit! So my first sales cost me (I ate the difference) quite a bit in shipping! But…being new to selling, new to business matters, I was learning as I went! I’ve always said God gave me this business. He knew my needs would change when just a few months after the birth of my company, I lost my husband. Had it not been for my little business, founded due to needs of others, would become my source of social security supplemented income, and my own need! I would not have survived on my own without it. It amazes me still the handy work of God.
I’ve had lots of hills and valleys during my 2 years of business,
but God has sustained me!
Another interfacing I had tried years before because I’d heard it was a super quality, professional finish bag-making product, was Decovil. It’s expensive, but the results pay for itself in the long run. You won’t get a more professional finish with any other products. There are times, places for other products, but on the whole, these two products give best results. And I soon was able to add that to my inventory. I only sell the 2 products because they are the products I believe are absolutely the best for quality, professional results in bag making. See Our Store
I posted a contest to have my group name my product. Mary Jo Bertolino chose WovenFuse…and won the prize for naming! So this is how wovenFuse came to life. Little did I know when I started that my product would outshine the competitors! But that’s the reviews that have been coming back ever since inception. I thank God for my little business He gave me, for always protecting and sustaining me!
Happy sewing everyone! Ill be back with sewing tips and ideas soon. Until then, don’t forget your wovenFuse!
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And join my Facebook group: Barb’s Bags…got Interfacing?
