Stenciling

I tried something new today. I stenciled a pattern onto my fabric before I put the purse together. Let me know what you think. I could use the input. I am a day behind on my sewing. I picked my mother up from the hospital today and thus...less sew time. But all in all, my mother comes first. I love her and pray for her healing. In case I haven't said it lately...I hate cancer. Hate is a very strong emotion and I refuse to use the word lightly, but, in this case it is very appropriate and I will say it again...I hate cancer.

I LOVE MY SEWING MACHINE

I got my sewing machine back yesterday and fell in love all over again when I made my first purse. It actually runs like a sewing machine is suppose to run! The difference is incredible. The purse I made looks fabulous!!! Look forward to many new purses and new designs coming soon.

Blessings

Joyce

It's been awhile

Wow, It has been awhile. So much has changed. My purses are now available at the Lighthouse Bible Book store in Osage Beach, Missouri. You can also check them out on the Lighthouse Bible Book store's website. I designed an inspirational line just for the store, but I think I will be expanding on the idea.

The home parties idea went by the way side. What can I say...some ideas work, some don't. My purses have evolved and changed to the point I don't even recognize them.

My sewing machine just got back from its tuneup today and I will be hot and heavy on getting my demo line done as soon as possible.

I am praying to be able to go to the fabric district in Los Angles in January for the fabric trade show, but it will have to be a miracle from God before it can happen.

That is today's update. I will attempt to be more diligent on my post for the upcoming year.

Blessings
Joyce

Progress

So the home party idea is progressing. I am not ready to book my first party yet, but I need to get with the program because; ready or not; on March 9 at my next purse show I am going to advertise to start booking parties. I have my note books bought to start designing my catalogs, I have looked at business cards, and bought 5 out of 10 of my stock fabrics. They are all the patterned designs; now I need lining and contrasting fabrics. I am thinking solid colors? I know I want a solid hot pink and maybe a red, and something to match a burnt orange. I have stocked up on magnets and purchased a cutting board. I still need order forms, catalog photos, current photos of my new designs, and I need to sew as if my business depends on it... and it does. I believe I am going to raffle off a purse at the next purse show to get names and addresses of prospective clients. I have 9 days to get the raffle together. A little longer to work on the rest of it since the first show would more than likely be at least a week (hope springs eternal) possibly two weeks after I actually book it. So say a prayer for me and give me any words of encouragement or advice that you deem appropriate because... here I go!

Home Parties

I am thinking about doing home parties for my purses. I did my 2nd ladies night the other night and as previously stated sold one purse. However, I was asked twice if I would consider doing home parties for my purses. HMMMM...she says! What an interesting idea. I have started working on a brochure and putting together specific details as to how I would pull this off. On another note, I once again bombed this week on ebay. I am wondering if I need to scrap the whole e-bay idea or learn from my mistakes and repost later. The photos were taken professionally, so it wasn't that. The purses to the right is ones that did not sell. I have done comparison pricing and I feel my purses are in line with other similar bags. Maybe I need to look at the layout, or the insurance and shipping charges or maybe the wording? Don't know. I will have to ponder this and then make a decision.

sold one! double or nothing!

I had my second purse show last night at the same bar as last month. I actually sold a purse. I could be depressed about it, but I refuse to give in to that emotion. After all, I sold twice as much as I did last month! LOL! I have decided that this particular show is training for the bigger show I will be doing in June. I used last night to change up the way I am presenting my purses. Presentation is 95% of sales. So next month...who knows. Maybe I will double my sales again. I will go for a 1000% increase next month. So if anyone actually reads this thing...send a prayer up for me.

Ok...patience comes by trial and tribulation. My ebay store is on hold pending buying a good camera. The camera is on hold pending selling a few purses at vendor shows. The vendor show I want to do has a waiting list until June. ARGH! That which does not kill us will only make us stronger. I must be incredibly strong. I keep reminding myself. Do not get ahead of God, Do not get behind God, Walk in step with God. I can only assume that my purses are not perfected yet. So I keep sewing and trying new things. Someday, someday!