Made To Order Princess Dresses

My amazing brother Chris once described what I do as "making memories."  It struck me at the time and has become a kind of mission statement for my hobby-business.  I have always loved doing made to order jobs.   I like the idea that one of my projects can make a moment for some family somewhere.

Made to order princess dresses always come with a story and hopefully result in a memory.


Presenting.....

 The Purple Mermaid Dress made especially for the birthday girl.  She is a size 2T, an itty-bitty princess.  The dress is short enough and full enough that a toddler should be able to run and play with the big kids.  This lovely little girl will stand out in her made to order princess dress.  No one will have another like it.  The dull satin is a heavier weight than the light drape costume satin and not even in the same ball park as the fabric quality on your typical store bought costume.

Pink Pleated Sleeve Dress.  This is a classic princess dress.  Made to order for the cousin of our birthday girl.    The fabric is a lovely shiny light satin, and while the dress is beautifully made some of the details were left simple.  This is a fun way to make a dress.  My girls love to decorate there dresses by gluing on rhinestones, or telling Mom where to sew on flowers or buttons.

I love this sleeve.  I am really very proud of it.  It looks great; is not hard to make; it screams princess to me.

If you are interested in working together to create your own memories send me and e-mail.  I would love to make something special with you.  Made to order projects are so much fun.  If you are interested click on e-mail and ask your first question.  I will get back to you with details and instructions.  

Mom to Entrepreneure; Executive Summary

Mission:                                                      

• Unique and special fabric creations.  Every item will have a story and a process. The end result will be more than just a product it will also provide a memorable moment.  

Date the Business Began:                        

• May 17, 2010

Founder and Sole Proprietor:                  

• Jennifer O'Malley

Home Based Business Located In:        

• McHenry, IL 60051

Current Product Offerings:                      

•  Princess Dresses
• Tiaras
• Tutus
• Applique
• Pajamas
• Ribbon Flower Headbands
• Wings
•  Informative Blog 

                                                                    

Banking:                                                    

• PNC StitchesByJeni is a self supporting hobby.  Profits from sales go toward making more stock and growing the business.  

Company Growth:                                      

• Stitches was founded with $0, a home serger, and about $4,000 in random fabrics.  In 8 months of business the company has Net just over $1,000.  
• There is a blog dedicated to promotion and information relevant to the company.  Etsy shop constantly stocked with available items.  Most beneficial to Stitches is the growing client list now over 200 households strong.    

The Future of StitchesByJeni:                  

• In the next year the product offerings will be growing.  Satin fabrics will be highlighted.  More Princess themed dresses will be available as stock.  Marketing efforts will be increased with professional photography, and catalogues.  Direct marketing to local businesses with an emphasis on high end children's boutiques will be made.  Craft Shows.  Princess Dress Rentals.  

                                                                   

Look What I Made - Knitting Needle Storage

In an effort to clean up my crafting space I decided to make a needle storage case.  I have been formulating my ideas for how to go about this for over a year.  It was finally time to pull the trigger.  This is version is a proof of concept.  I used scraps of fabrics I have left over from previous projects.  In an ideal world I would make this using different fabrics, and colors.  

 I have a lot of needles.  I looked at the needle storage they sell in craft stores.  They never had space for enough needles.  They also concentrated on one kind of needle.  You can see I have long needle, short double pointed needles, and circular needles.  I wanted to put them all away together, and in size order.

 The case is essentially one large square.  On one end all the long needles are slid into carefully sewn tunnels, on the opposite end the double pointed needles slide into there own channels.  The above photo shows the double pointed needles folded over the longer needles.  I designed it this way so I can carry the pack upside down and no needles are falling out of there tunnels.

 I made it huge, there is so much space.  I could actually buy a few more needles, like I need them.

I love the way this turned out.  I had to mess with the stitching a little bit to get it looking smooth and professional.  Next needle pouch I make the main body will be made from one large piece of material.  None of this piecing stuff.  It left this one looking a little lumpy and bumpy.  

 
After you fold over the double pointed needles, the whole roll just rolls up.  My husband inspired me when he suggested I try my hand at making a knife roll like chefs use.  I thought it was a great idea.  I am thinking of making one of these for my scissors, rotary cutters, and other cutting utensils.  Might as well do one for actual knives as well.  I haven't put a tie on it yet.  I am not sure what would be best.   Some Velcro with plenty of slack so the size can get bigger or smaller?  Maybe I should just make a tie and tie it with a bow, it would be easily adjustable.  I would kind of like to make a strap, so it can go over my shoulder like a purse?  I will have to ask some friends what they think would be most useful.

 This is the whole thing all rolled out and looking beautiful.  I am so happy to finally have this.  My home is so small storage is often on my mind.  I have tried a lot of crazy things in the name of organization.  They don't all work, this one I am happy to say is a success!

This photo highlights the imperfections in this proof of concept.  I will be making another version of this with the professional quality it deserves.  It was fun to make.  What do you all think, should I make a tutorial?

Mom to Entrepreneure; Starting A Business Plan For Your Crafts

Ok, so we crafters are not known for our amazing minds for business.  Not that we can't do it, lets just say my art and theatre majors didn't concentrate heavily on money making.  Thank goodness my art major did include one business for artists class or I would never have made a penny from my creations.

I have found that the business plan is not only an excellent way to think business rather than craft but it keeps me focused.  I would jump from a cocktail dress to a slip cover and all the way around to a quilt just because something inspired me to do so.  Somehow I have to say, "no," to myself without limiting my creativity.

Writing The Plan

There are four major sections to a business plan.  I am not a Business giro I am just a Mom crafter trying to do my best at making my art into my livelyhood.  Please check out the link at the bottom of the post for the professional resources that helped me get the understanding I have today.

1) Description of the business
2) Marketing
3) Finances
4) Management

The four major sections have lots of sub-sections, I will delve into details at a later time.  This post is to get us thinking, so we can take more direct action.  In order to find that direction I first start with a brain-storming, session with my Hubby.  He is after all an unwitting partner in this business.

He and I do not agree on business.  I am cautious and like to test the water before I jump into anything.  Dear Donn likes to jump in head first.  The result of our last discussion; a conclusion that my "business," is really better off as a hobby for now.  So as I make a business plan I will be keeping in mind that I have other primary(Mom and Wife) responsibilities.

As my kids grow up I have plans to grow the hobby into a business.  I will be laying the foundations for growth with this business plan.  Gathering data, testing products, and markets so I am ready to make an informed decision when the time comes.

I will be sharing my business plan on my blog.  SBA suggests the best way to learn about writing a business plan is to look at other people's plans, similar to your business.  Do you have a business plan?  Link it up in the comments.  I would love to check it out.  If I think the plan was helpfull I will put your link in my post!  

Link to StitchesByJeni's Outline for Business Plan

SBA
Careful planning is fundamental to success. The Small Business Planner includes information and resources that will help you at any stage of the business life cycle.