OKay, so at least typing will keep my fingers warmed up, right? I thought that I might as well post about something that I have been meaning to post since before Christmas....
I LOVE it when customers see something in my shop and ask if I can change it up a little bit. I mean, that's how the canvas book sacks for teachers came to be.
Well, now, that is how my newest addition has come about too. I had a sweet customer convo me about making a tepee for her nieces. Only she wanted to know if I could add a window in it. We went back and forth in conversation on Etsy trying to make sure that the theme was correct and I agreed to try to make a window.
Here is what I came up with! I have to say that I was happy with it when I sent it off. Unfortunately, the customer wasn't 100% satisfied with my product. The window was great, but the sides were still falling down after a while. She had one for her kids that was older and worked great. I know where the problem lies, in the pipes that I have to use.
They are thin so that the tepee can have the most room for the least cost. And that means that they are a bit flimsy, so to say. I know that my kids don't mind them, but some kids do. Or parents maybe. Anyway, I think the biggest problem lies in how far down I folded the top to make the pole casings. The next one I made, wasn't so low. But, I have yet to hear from that client, so I don't know.
Maybe I need to just bite the bullet and make another, huh? At any rate, she wasn't totally unhappy, just had the expectations of the one she owns. I can understand that!
But this whole encounter got me to thinking.... When you buy something in a big, or even a not so big, box store, and the item doesn't meet your total approval, do you write a letter or email to the creator and expect compensation? Now, this client did nothing of the sort, but I have heard of clients that have. I have heard of people that have bought a handmade outfit and because a seam comes undone (or a hair bow) because it was over used or even abused, they expect their money back. Even months AFTER the sale.
Well, a ham for the cam at least! I decided to make a new style of outfit this morning and as usual, the first one is a sample and made for my little Pixie.... Imagine my surprise this evening when we went out in the front yard to snap a few pictures and she starts to pose!!!!
Not sure how much to charge for the total outfit. But to be honest, it took nearly all 6 yards of the fabric I had on-hand to make this size 4! I don't seem to be really great at pricing. Then add in that I am not all too sure what sizes to make to have on-hand and for craft shows and stuff. Most of the fabric that I have can only make one outfit. It'll be nice when things start to sell and I can buy bolts of fabric to offer true customs!
It has loads of twirl factor for the little pixie that LOVES to spend time twirling and whirling about. I will be able to make this type of set for size 2 to 6 only. The twirl pants have an elastic waist and three tiers of ruffles. I am already thinking of taking off the bottom two tiers and making the next set a shorts set.
The ruffle neck peasant top is nothing if not cute, cute, cute! Huge ruffle on the bottom so even if the top is worn with another pair of pants or shorts and she will still be able to twirl in style.
