Fashion

Whovian | Outfit + Announcement

Whovian | www.eccentricowl.comWhovian | www.eccentricowl.com

Happy Wednesday!

I hinted a little bit on Instagram that I was making this skirt and that it was tied to an announcement I have. I have mentioned this before, but I really love making circle skirts. I think they’re super fun, and there just aren’t enough great prints out there in full, twirly skirts. So after posting in a Modcloth BST group I am a part of to get some ideas on what people would be willing to pay for something like this… I decided to open up shop and you can now order your very own handmade circle skirt with basically whatever print your  heart desires!

The skirts feature an outer pocket (shaped to match the pattern, if I can), lace or rickrack trim (if you want it), pop culture, novelty, or just pretty fabrics, a thick waistband, a two-button + zipper closure, and at least one pocket in the side seams. Plus, lining if you choose it, or no lining if you want to shave a little bit off your purchase or you just don’t like lining in general (but, who doesn’t like lining???)

Whovian | www.eccentricowl.comWhovian | www.eccentricowl.com

I should confess that this skirt is not actually finished yet; I still need to make button holes and add a pocket (and decide if I actually want a pocket), but I didn’t get around to finishing it after the kids went to bed last night, and I was too pressed for time this morning (wanting to photograph my outfit!) to finish it this morning.

Besides which, my own machine makes TERRIBLE button holes, so for the shop I am teaming up with my mom who has graciously agreed to do things like button holes and maybe zippers and those little things that her machine just does better.

Whovian | www.eccentricowl.com

I am willing to make a circle skirt in nearly any pattern you could find, with the stipulation that it needs to be cotton. Obviously, I will go through the process with you if we’re picking a unique fabric just for you, but I have been surprised before with people not knowing what kind of fabric works for what, so… look for 100% cotton, not fleece (because fleece is cotton, too, but… it doesn’t work so well), or a polyester-cotton blend.

Currently, skirts are between $65 and $90, and I wanted to chat a little bit about that. When I posted in Modcloth BST, the majority of the gals were quick to point out that I should be charging at least $80, and I’ll be honest: that initially sounds like a LOT of money to ask for, to me. But then I started doing calculations using several different fabric price points + all the notions (zippers, buttons, lining, thread, lace, rickrack etc) and then adding the cost of my time onto it, and these prices were the most fair. I will make minimum wage off making these skirts, and that’s fine with me. I find joy in creating pretty things!

Whovian | www.eccentricowl.comWhovian | www.eccentricowl.com

I think it’s important to consider why something is priced where it’s at, because many people (myself included before all this!) see anything over $50 and turn away. I used to assume that because it was handmade, it was cheaper to make. Now I see Etsy shops offering lined skirts at $60 and I wonder who they’re stealing from because the fabric alone for a circle skirt plus lining can cost around $50, and then you add a zipper, and thread, and buttons if you’re using them, and then add the hours it takes to make this skirt, plus taxes you have to pay even if it’s just a hobby, and… are they actually making any profit?

It’s been really eye-opening to go through this process and calculate and search for inexpensive fabrics that still run along the lines of what I want to offer. Eventually, I hope to find a way to create a few different Superhero and Disney themed lines that won’t cost close to $100 to produce, all told. I hope to add vintage or simply thrifted fabrics that will retail at lower prices because they cost me less to purchase the supplies. But for now, starting up, that’s how it is!

Whovian | www.eccentricowl.com

And I don’t mean any of this to say you have to buy an expensive skirt because if not, you’re shortchanging the maker; I just mean…  guys, how do they DO IT. I want to know! I like offering things that are affordable, because I know full well what it’s like to be on a budget and not able to buy all the pretty things I want to buy. But at the same time, I don’t want to devalue the time it takes me to create those pretty things.

These are all the thoughts I had while setting up the Etsy shop and calculating the most fair price for what I have listed.

Whovian | www.eccentricowl.comWhovian | www.eccentricowl.com

I went to the park to shoot these photos and I was so happy to see there were only two cars there when I arrived. The last time I attempted photos at the park, it was manic. There were kids running around having a water gun fight, kids climbing all the stumps, kids rolling around in the grass; literally, I couldn’t find a semi-secluded space out of the way to take photos, and I just gave up.

So today I went earlier, and it was so nice! I think I just have to hit the park at the right time; early enough that most moms probably won’t be out yet. I still felt awkward, since the two people at the park could see me through some foliage as I posed and twirled, but it was worth it.

Whovian | www.eccentricowl.comWhovian | www.eccentricowl.com

To be fair, I don’t know that the moms were even aware I was snapping photos; their kids stared, but the moms just kept on chatting. I had the brief thought that perhaps they assumed I was a highschool student photographing a project, but… who knows. Does the awkward feeling of shooting in public ever go away?

Whovian | www.eccentricowl.com Whovian | www.eccentricowl.comWhovian | www.eccentricowl.com

Top (old) c/o Oasap | skirt, handmade, Owl and the Boy Apparel | Whovian pin, gift | shoes and scarf thrifted

I hope you’re all having a fantastic week so far! I would love it if you spread the word that I’ve opened up the skirt shop; I know it can be a lot of money to some people, but I promise it’s worth it. I am willing to customize the heck out of these circle skirts, and there’s nothing better than having a garment that you know is unique!

Happy Wednesday!

ksig

Bloglovin|Facebook|Twitter|Pinterest|Instagram|Fiction Press|Etsy|Photography

10 Comments

  • Deborah

    I love that you’re selling these! I have thought so so so many times that I wish you could teach me how to do it because they are so cute.
    Also remember the days you hated sewing? 😉

  • Mona Shirdel

    Amazing! This skirt is just amazing – I love it! The whole outfit is beautiful, but the skirt! Truly amazing! I think it’s awesome that you’re selling these skirts, and I think you charge the right amount for the work you put into it and all the material. Circle skirts require a lot of fabric.
    And in answer to your question – no it never gets less awkward posing for photos when there’s people around.
    Best of luck with the shop. I hope you do great!
    Much love,
    Mona
    curlsncakes.blogspot.com

  • dani

    Congrats on opening up shop! How exciting!

    I know what you mean about people turning away from the cost of handmade goods… Same thing goes for knitting. “Oh, you knit, you could make a big chunky scarf like that”. Yea, I could, if I could buy 4 balls of yarn at $10/ball (or more!). And that’s why most people who LIKE to make handmade things end up buying them instead. I’m so happy you found the time and resources to go ahead and make these skirts!! And I hope I can be one of your customers soon!

    Dani
    Munchie Mummy

  • Emily

    This is so great! I appreciate that you are taking the time to explain what goes into the cost for making something like this — we are surrounded by so much “fast fashion” that it is kind of a shocker to realize how much it reasonably costs for one person (not a factory/assembly line paying starvation wages) to create something like this.

    http://blog.breadandrosesvintage.com

  • Cate Elliott

    I am going to buy so many skirts 🙂 this is fab and I adore your blog & style. Have a wonderful day… see you soon when I come shopping haha

  • SaraLily

    The more you snoot in “public” the less you care. I have gotten “caught” by my neighbor and her dog twice, the mail lady, and more. I usually just smile, laugh, and tell them I run a style blog. Typically, in the case where someone is close enough to chat – like my neighbor and mail lady, they just laugh or compliment what I am wearing and be on their merry way. As far as faraway people who may just see me – PFFT whatever. They can deal with it. I care less about passing cars and faraway peepers. Whatevs! People do weirder things in public than pose for their camera 😉

    saralilyphoto.blogspot.com

  • Justina Kenyon

    This is so exciting! I agree with what Emily said; it is so nice that you are explain why these skirts cost what they do.

  • Heather Gwinn

    I think it’s wonderful that you’ve decided to make skirts! I keep telling myself to do the same, I just haven’t had the time to sit down and try. I hope you have lots of success!

    I completely understand the costs that go into making anything homemade. My soap company wasn’t cheap and although it pained me to charge what I did, you have to make a profit. Although all too often people seem to think you should just come even and compete with Walmart prices. When I make my girls blankets, even with coupons, I still end up paying over $100. As for what to charge, I admit although I occasionally splurge on a pricey dress or skirt (like Pinup Girl Clothing), I usually buy on sale or try to keep it under $75, preferably under $65. I would love to buy one of your skirts someday when I’m less tied up with money. I love your gingham patterned skirts! Do you use zipper closures? Or buttons? Maybe I missed that.

    I take photos all the time too but I dunno, I still feel awkward when people are around. Sometimes it doesn’t bug me but most of the time I feel like I can’t be myself with others staring lol! So you aren’t alone.

    Can’t wait to see what else you create!

    Xoxo,
    Heather | The Arbitrary Fox