Fall-Fair...

[Klasien]

I learned there is a fair in September in my town.
So I might join.......if I'm brave enough......
My question is: Does any of you know what will sell well and where I can find patterns?
It's a couple of months away, but with the summer comming up (travel, swap etc) I want to start on time.
I'm looking into it right now, how I can sign up for the fair, but it seems like a lot of fun!!!

So I can use all the help/tips there are to get the right stuff ready......

[Bubby]

Kalsien....I does sound like alot of fun! I may not be the besst person to advise you in the area, but here goes....

When I think of items at a fair I think of things that aren't too expensive that almost everyone can afford to buy...things like potholders, placemats, table runners, coasters, mug rugs, tote bags, bookmarks, small purses for little girls, quick baby quilts, tummy time mats, tissue covers for the purse, covers for electronic gadgets (Kindle. etc). A lot of these items can be made from scraps or small amounts of fabric. There are some great tutorials on how to make fabric flowers...make some and put pins on the back so they can be used on purses and jackets. I'm sure you will get many more ideas here.....Good Luck! Barb

[sunnyQLDmum]

Barb has given you some really great ideas. Yes, small things sell better, and in my experience anything baby sells very well. Baby change mats, burp cloths, pouches to hold diapers and wipes. The fabric flowers are a great idea. Add them to hair clips etc. to make hair accessories for little girls. Bright and modern colours and prints work best.
Here is a website that will give you heaps of ideas, patterns and tutorials. The pattern or tutorial will tell you if you can use it for fair and market items (some will only let you use their patterns for personal use).
http://tipnut.com/category/crafts/sewing/
Have fun sewing!

[Jean Sewing Machine]

How about the colorful pillowcases with the contrasting borders? They are so easy to make and the kids love them! So do I! So I have them on my bed at all times!

[Divine Daisy]

A september fair suggests to me stocking fillers for christmas, table runners and placemat sets, some autumn items and at least one quilt to show what you can do. In my experiance even if it doesnt sell (and it often does especially if it is a wedding quilt or a silver or golden anniversary quilt) to showcase what you can do often results in orders.

[sunnyQLDmum]

A september fair suggests to me stocking fillers for christmas, table runners and placemat sets, some autumn items and at least one quilt to show what you can do. In my experiance even if it doesnt sell (and it often does especially if it is a wedding quilt or a silver or golden anniversary quilt) to showcase what you can do often results in orders.

Daisy's right, those big items showcase what you can do. Make sure you have lots of cards to hand out with your contact details and people will find you when they want a quilt made.

[Cathy F]

You've gotten some great suggestions so there's not a whole lot for me to add. I also agree alot of smaller items not too expensively priced, and a few larger more expensive things, and maybe some of the items in holiday fabrics. I love shopping for holiday gifts at craft fairs and start early so I can have some unique hand made gift items to give. I like the idea of showing a quilt it will be an "eye catcher" and draw people to your booth.

[mamaquilt]

Barb has given you some really great ideas. Yes, small things sell better, and in my experience anything baby sells very well. Baby change mats, burp cloths, pouches to hold diapers and wipes. The fabric flowers are a great idea. Add them to hair clips etc. to make hair accessories for little girls. Bright and modern colours and prints work best.
Here is a website that will give you heaps of ideas, patterns and tutorials. The pattern or tutorial will tell you if you can use it for fair and market items (some will only let you use their patterns for personal use).
http://tipnut.com/category/crafts/sewing/
Have fun sewing!

that link is fantastic. Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!

[rebeccas-sewing]

So many folks are buying the I-pads. You might consider making some fun and funky padded covers for them. I wonder if those little quilts that I saw on Moda Bakeshop would sell well? Do you know the ones I mean? They are small and have ties to tie onto the carseats for babies. Others have given you some great ideas. You better get busy!!! LOL

[sunnyQLDmum]

When you book your site ask to see a map of the layout and choose a site that will have a lot of traffic. Try to hang a quilt or something big behind your table at eye level to pull people in