Quilt labels and other first time questions

[Former_Member]

I decided after a few years of thinking I really want to do a craft fair this year and sell my quilts. I've been researching and reading about the basics. I haven't sold my quilts just given them as gifts so far. Does anyone have advice on weather or not to add a label? It seems like something for an art quilt or given to someone you know but at the same time they are handmade so I would like to "sign" them. Mostly baby quilts and throws. What do others do?
Also, I see others are booked for shows through next fall but it seems like I don't find out about them until it's too late to make enough inventory. Should I find a show first or start sewing to have enough when they start? Thanks.

[krjewelrydisplays]

I'm not sure about the labels question but for the fair question, start making product now for the year! If you have the inventory then you are always ready to do any kind of show that comes up in your area.

Also - fairs can be a "community" thing. You never here about them in time to sign up but once you get invovled then you know about pretty much every fair in your area far in advance!

[Former_Member]

My mother was a quilter and sold at fairs. She had labels made that she sewed into them, and even added them onto the quilts she gave to family. They're lovely! I love having an "authentic" quilt from her, signed and all!

It was a lot of work for her to build inventory for her first fair, so definitely start sewing now. She also had a photo album of quilts she had made previously so she could take custom orders. If you have any pictures around, an album like that would be a nice addition to your booth!

[Former_Member]

Thank you both! I will definitely keep sewing and building inventory. A fall show would probably work out perfect. I will look into getting labels made, too. Thanks!

[Former_Member]

I do not label quilts I sell unless it is custom made. Then, I add a label with whatever the customer wants and add my name as designer and quilter.

[Former_Member]

I'm thinking about using a label that would just say Dieseline. I don't think the date and location and everything need to be on it.

[OutOfTheWoodsUSA]

I would definitely put labels on the quilts.
Before I started selling at shows and on Etsy, I had lots of things in my inventory.
I don't know if you've seen this post of not...but maybe it can help.
https://www.etsy.com/teams/7718/questions/discuss/13750005/page/2

[GlassyGrace]

I sold big quilts for many years, now I just do small ones. But, when I did a large one, I always just hand embroidered my initials in a corner on the back, about 1/2 inch high letters. It gave it the homemade touch. For special order wedding quilts, I added the year. Now for my small quilts, I print out my logo on the iron on sheets made for printers and I iron it on and sew around the edge. It's about 1" x 1-1/2" (which I also use on my bags and jewelry cases in my shop). Years ago I bought large labels and they just seemed to ruin the design so I never used them.

[Former_Member]

i don't sell quilts, but i do have labels on my sewn items. even though i've had one complaint out of all the years that i sold with my label on it. i think it's worth it. even if it's small on the corner on your quilt or a little tag, it doesnt' have to be big or fancy. if you're interested in where i get my labels, feel free to contact me! I don't mind sharing! :)

[Former_Member]

I think that if an Etsy item is given as a gift, it might be a good idea for the new owner to find out where it was made. After all, they may want another one or maybe some other reason. I put labels in most of my items, especially the ones I've made. That way anyone can come back to me and buy another one. (Just wishing... just wishing!)

[Former_Member]

I agree with Margie, a sweet label with your embroidered name and date would be very lovely. I have seen well constructed labels made from muslin making the quilter name easy to read for years to come.

Good Luck with shows.
Off now to view your shop.