They will be handmade, offered in small, medium and large sizes (measurements to come) and be about $150-$175 each. When you think about the well known "vintage inspired" brands, like Stop Staring, and the reproduction vintage brands, like Whirling Turban and Revamp, this is quite a bit cheaper.
Which ones, if any, do you like, (They won't be exactly these colours - there will me a mix of plain and plaids to choose from) and would you pay that much for a new, handmade, vintage dress? Are there any patterns you'd like instead? Ideas, opinions? What would you want to buy and wear?
Theyre all very cute! However i think i like the fourth from the left the most! But perhaps in another colour! Ruby x
ReplyDeleteFirst, let me introduce myself: I'm from Pennsylvania, USA and found your blog I forget how. I have a large vintage pattern collection and make most of my daughter's and my clothes. I really admire your sewing, photographs and pin curls!
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion any of these patterns would be a potential success. The fabric would be the rate limiting factor. I bet you would have the most luck with fabric that suggested the early 60's. I picture the straight skirted dresses in solid, more formal fabrics while the full skirts would look great in wilder patterns.
I, personally, love the collar on the dress on the far right. I'll be keeping my eye out for that pattern.
Rebecca
I wouldn't even compare your sewing to Stop Staring, in the least, as Stop Staring is CRAP.
ReplyDeleteIF I buy a new vintage dress, its usually the print that I'm going for and second, the details. You can buy new modern dresses that are plain and can look vintage, but details are what you can't get.
I would say the first and last pattern have the most potential for details/good prints.
I think you need at least one teen/rockabilly style dress though now I am thinking it might be a little hard to get the sizes right.
ReplyDeleteI am just thinking about what people expect from a vintage style label and there are certain styles that are expected by a lot of the public.
Other then that I like them all. I'm wondering what lengths you are planning to offer the dresses in?
Kate
Also talking about etsy selling I am concerned that you will be offering no small ticket items to get the sales started.
ReplyDeleteIt has struck me during my obsessive prowlings through etsy that big ticket items, such as a custom made dresses, are hard for new shops to sell because buyers do not have any previous feedback to go by.
I don't want to stifle your creative flow but have you thought about offering vintage tops or blouses at about $60-$75 as well so you will hopefully get more sales sooner.
Just an concern feel free to ignore it.
Kate
I personally like all the dresses you have in mind and would definitely consider purchasing one.
ReplyDeleteHave you given any thought to the fact that selling items made from commercial sewing patterns is a violation of copyright, even if you redraft to modern sizing from that pattern?
ReplyDeletePerhaps you would be better off using your obvious skills in developing your own originals to sell.
Thanks guys.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the point about prints and details and will look at printed fabrics.
Also, offering smaller items at first is a great idea.
Anonymous - Good Point. Some of the pics are from sewing pattern envelopes, some are from catalogues and some are simply fashion illustrations. I won't be sewing these from actual patterns - I'll be looking at each images and drafting my own pattern to best mimic the dress. Does that make a difference? How do other repro brands get around this issue?
Cheers,
Karlee
Oh, and the length would be decided by you at the checkout when you tell me your size. :)
ReplyDeleteI think they are lovely! I especially like the first and third dress and think your pricing sounds more than fair :)
ReplyDeleteI love these patterns... would you consider making any of them in plus sizes? It's so hard to find anything but rockabilly styled plus sized clothing. I would definitely buy any of these if they were in my size!
ReplyDeletePlus size would be fine - just give me your measurements at checkout - I'll include a "how to measure" type chart.
ReplyDeleteI would love a post for beginners. What one would need to start creating like u do :) supplies, steps... I love your work!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if your prices were in USD or not? Also I really love the first and last 2. I think the very last one is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteIf I wasn't a sewer I would definitely pay that, perfectly reasonable for something handmade.
ReplyDelete^ about the copyright, is it really? I guess the intent of patterns is that you buy them for personal use, but is selling them (specified as made from a particular pattern) any different to say, buying the pattern then getting a dressmaker to make it for you? Just a thought, it's an interesting topic.
I would definitely be more interested in the a-line type skirts. The 5s pencil skirts that have extra pleats right above the hips then slim down again below the hips look HORRIBLE on my pear shaped body! So it's good that you choose multiple skirt styles
ReplyDeleteSorry - prices are in Aussie dollars. I think it's about 90 cents to the US dollar at the moment...
ReplyDeleteHello :D
ReplyDeleteI would love to see some early 40s designs for sale!
Surely commercial patterns from the 30s/40s/50s are now out of copyright?!
V x
I love these patterns. I personally prefer the last dress.
ReplyDeleteI think anything with a peter pan collar or bow tie collar would create the vintage-inspired look very well and it can often be difficult to find clothing like this in stores.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the two on the right as the rather simple design can be made in a variety of fabrics to suit different seasons and occasions; light summery cotton, heavier wool for winter or work, silks for more formal occasions.
I agree with the idea of offering a few cheaper styles to get some initial sales and build up a customer base - some full 50s skirts are quick and easy to make and could be sold at a mid-range price.
Good luck! I look forward to seeing what you come up with!
Laura-Jane
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI like the one in the middle and the last one. Love peter pan collars and cute bows and pleats! I think your prices are just right. Agree with Kate - I think people expect those rockabilly or teen dresses of repro brands, but I, personally, would find it refreshing to see something like this offered for change. Good luck!