Oilcloth shopper

On advice from a good blogger friend (you know who you are) I backed off from running straight back into making, photographing, making more etc, etc.  Instead there have been walks along the prom, cups of coffee, relaxing with feet up on the sofa.  The bags, of course, managed to get made in their own time anyway:

And because there was no pressure, it was so enjoyable.  The relaxation time helped me to think about the pricing mechanism too.  Or rather the lack of one.  While I was picking up fabric as and when, the ability to price correctly was poor to say the least.  There was too much averaging out done, not enough exactly happening.

With these bags I started from the selling price - a price that I would be happy to sell them for, then worked backwards.  How much all the costs would be, apart from the materials, leaving the amount I could spend on those materials.  It worked so well I surprised myself.  Because I knew the maximum I could spend on fabric, if I was going to spend more on the oilcloth, then savings had to be made on the lining.

There you go - another step forward in becoming organised.

P x 

Comments

[Mia]

That is so great, Pam! Both taking it slowly (but doing all the thinking at the same time) AND the bag. The calculation of the costs and how much I should be asking for certain item is really hard, so it's important just sit down and make the maths every now and then.

Happy Wednesday from (unfortunately) gray Finland!

Yours,
Mia

[Pam]

Hi Mia,
The resting up was a very good idea - as was the thinking time. I feel better about the pricing of these bags, too. And Im liking being more organised.
P x
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[maureen]

Fabulous bag Pam, and I am so glad you are have having a positive rest and recovery, it's so important to get the balance right isn't it. Carry on taking it easy as well as making your fab bags when in the mood. M x

[greenrabbitdesigns]

Well done on being so organised Pam. Your new bag looks great! :)
I hope with taking it easy you're feeling much better!
Vivienne x

[maureen]

Bit of a stutter there with the have having !!! must remember to read before posting !!!! M x

[Pam]

Thanks for that Maureen - its been good to make the bags without any pressure.
P x
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[Pam]

Im definitely continuing to take things easy just now Vivienne - it was a pleasure to make the bags whenever I felt like it and not to a timetable.
P x
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[melanie]

Hiya Pam, I am pleased you are taking things slowly, just have plenty of relaxation time, and enjoy yourself, dont put no pressure on yourself xxxx

[theresa/t does wool]

that is a great bag,Pam!

[Pam]

Thanks Theresa. I love it too - not just for the fabric, but also because I feel as though I controlled it from the outset. Good feeling.
P x
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[Helen]

Hi - have just found your blog and can so relate to your fabric/pricing issues. Sounds like you've got it just right now though - best of luck!

PS Love the scotties bag.

[Pam]

Thanks Helen - its a bit of an emotive issue. The worry is that thinking about such things in advance will curb creativity, but Ive the opposite is true.
So good to hear from someone new.
P x
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