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Hmmm...that's a tough one. I primarily rely on festivals and boutiques to sell my products. I do have a limited number of items in my GoZabo online store. But...you can email me with specifics colors and styles that you'd like. I do make custom bags. So, although I can design a website and run a business, I'd rather be sewing. Believe me, websites are a lot of work, especially with products that are as individual as mine.
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- Do you design your own purses?
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Yes, I design all my merchandise - I don't use patterns developed by others. I start with an idea (inspired by friends, customers, and necessity), sketch it out in my design notebook, then get to work cutting and sewing. It may take a few samples to get it to look the way I want it. I then test it out and correct any design flaws.
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No. She's my alter-ego. I came up with name that using techniques that I learned and perfected while in college. All those marketing, advertising, and communication classes paid off!
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- Where do you get your fabric?
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That's a secret =)
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- Can I return or exchange a purse?
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You can exchange a purse, no problem . Just email me and we'll set that up. There may be a nominal shipping charge. You can return unused items within 14 days of purchase (with a receipt).
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- Do you make custom purses?
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Yes, within reason. I can change trims, handles, and closures. I can also make minor adjustments to the size of the bag. I typically charge a little more for custom bags.
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- Do you teach sewing lessons?
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I offer sewing lessons at my sewing studio in Corning - SewYouCan. The studio will be opening in May 2009.
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- What kind of sewing machine do you use?
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I have several sewing machines - a Janome, a Viking, and a Riccar. My main machine is the Janome; I embroider on the Viking; I sew in labels with the Riccar. BTW, my mother's hand-stitched sampler quilt won me the Riccar in quilt show!
I'm a big believer in quality machines. I bought my Janome at Mickey's Sew and Vac in Painted Post, NY and got free lessons. I bought the Viking at the Glass Thimble in Corning, NY and also got free lessons. The Glass Thimble closed in August 2008.
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- Those festivals look fun. Why don't you do more?
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I typically do about six shows a year, mostly May through September. Much of that is dictated by my paying job (college professor). And although the shows are fun, they are a lot of work. Last May, a storm blew through one festival and a 50 mph gust of wind almost blew away my tent (and all my merchandise). Also, shows can be expensive ($150 to $450), so I'm picky about where I go. This is a business and I need to make money!
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- Would you consider participating in "X" festival?
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If you would like me to participate in a festival that you are organizing, please send your request via email. I'm open to trying new shows if they meet my criteria. I aim for a particular market who wants a unique and well-made handbag.
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- Do you ever donate items to organizations?
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I get a lot of requests for donations (a lot), so I've gotten selective with who gets them. I currently honor a handful of requests each year.
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- Do you sell wholesale and/or by consignment?
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Yes. I've only done consignment up to this point - mainly because this is a small operation and can't handle the quantity a wholesale account would dictate. If you are interested in selling my purses, please call me (607-936-3656) or email me.
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