Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Ken's Summer Shirt & Interview with a Successful Etsy Shop Owner -Barbie Clothes

Ken's lovin' his new camp shirt for the summer! Collared and dressy enough for a BBQ with the boss, yet fun enough to work the concession stand at the kids baseball game. I'd like to thank Nancy, the owner of Etsy shop Only Doll Things, for turning the cute fabric I found last year into an adorable top. I love the detail and specifically asked her to leave it open and casual, normally she adds a velcro closure to the front. It fits Ken well and will be a summer staple in his wardrobe I'm sure:@) 

But, as tickled as I am with the shirt, I'm even happier she agreed to do a little question and answer session for the blog! I've wanted to do this for a long time, so, thank you Nancy. Let's get to it...
Mattel picture -Barbie News Reporter/Anchor Doll

1. How did you start making doll clothes?
 In 1980 I started making Barbie clothes for an outdoor craft show near our home town.

2. Does sewing intricate doll clothes truly get easier the more you do it? 
I don't think sewing small items ever gets easier, I think you find ways to make it easier. I never sew just one of something. For instance I sew all the sleeve hems without cutting between each piece. It always looks like a long line running from my sewing machine.

3. Do you have any tips for organizing your work area or storage space?
Organizing? What's that?

4. Do you set dedicated time aside each day for sewing, do you consider it more a job or a hobby?
This is a job for me and has been for over forty years.

5. How do you store your inventory to easily find what folks purchase?
I have those plastic drawer carts and put all the like items in a drawer together.

6. Any interest in sharing a picture or two of your craft room, craft stash, or storage room?
Believe me, no one wants to see my mess!

7. Do you have any sewing tips for novices like me?
From looking at your blog it looks like you are doing it right... Do what you love, take a class if you want to learn more, but keep trying!

8. Do you have any business tips for folks that might be thinking about opening their own Etsy shop?
I read everything I could on the "starting a store guide" on Etsy, but I had had a store on Ebay for years so it was not too hard to go from there.

9. How exciting was it to get your first sale? Is it still a thrill today?
I'm sure I was very excited to make my first sale. I know the first craft show I went to I sold out! I was very proud of myself. lol

10. Anything (at all) you'd like to talk about that I didn't ask?
Keep sewing, keep creating, do what you love to do and what holds your interest, and it will be fun.... Even after 40 years!

And Barbie says, 
she thinks Ken is the best dressed guy at the BBQ😉


Ken's shirt is fantastic Nancy, and I do truly appreciate your time!
✂Make something just for fun and have a happy day😊

PS-If you have an Etsy, or other 1:6 scale shop, and would like to be featured,
please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

I'm Joining:

2 comments:

  1. Great interview. Love seeing shops featured.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That really is a great print, Lynne. And totally loving the doll clothes, what a nice post supporting AMERICAN MADE! YAY!

    ReplyDelete

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