12:28 AM

Franken-scarf -- Rahr!

So I'm making a new thing now. Something OTHER than Shower Art -- I know, crazy! A few months ago I became obsessed with making Franken-scarves. They are scarves made out of upcycled t-shirts and jersey top sheets. I do free-hand machine embroidery all over them and they are reversible.
(keep reading to find out how you can win your own Franken-scarf!) Here's the first one I ever made:
And ....a close up....
Franken-scarf #2

#2 Close up

So....my question is: What would you pay for a Franken-scarf?


They take about three hours to make but the supplies are relatively inexpensive. The t-shirts are free or almost free so far. I have to buy embroidery stabilizer ($1 per scarf), sewing machine needles ($1 per scarf) and thread ($7 per scarf).

Post a comment on this blog with the amount you think I should charge for each Franken-scarf and I'll do a random drawing in two weeks to see who wins their very own Franken-scarf.

I had this idea months ago and dragged out my old sewing machine that I haven't used in about ten years. It kept eating the bobbin thread and sewing in big, crazy annoying stitches so after I took it apart to "fix" it -- I ended up throwing it away.

Which necessitated a trip to Michaels to buy a new sewing machine. I found one that has pre-programmed embroidery patters in it and lets you do free-hand embroidery as well. And it just so happened that I could buy the floor model at a huge discount.

So...

I did.

It's been true love ever since.

24 comments:

LoveMeKnot Creations said...

hmmm... without you telling me how much everything cost, my gut said $35/each.

final answer.

Beth Lisa Goss, Wire Tree said...

I agree- I was thinking between 30-40. If I don't win one I may have to add them to my wishlist for the holidays!

Dawn said...

$30-ish seems to be the popular price, and based on your expenses, seems to make some sense.

' said...

I think they could go for as much as $50. There is a lot of work in those!

Unknown said...

Yeah, I think their recycled nature will make them popular. I'm thinking at least $35 but you could probably price them at $55 and still do well, esp if you find some boutiques to carry them.

Lovely!

ThreadBeaur said...

I think you could price them at $37. The fact that they are recycled are going to draw people in. But give those buyers a great deal on your unique product. The more you sell the better. I think it is a great idea, and fun new twist on recycling!

Meghan Swails said...

My first though was $40 Rosalie. I've seen them in person too and they are franken-wonderful!

IMakeCuteStuff (aka Marlo M.) said...

I love love love your Franken-scarves!! So beautiful and SO soft! Super-awesomeness.

My vote for your pricing:

$35 wholesale
$70 retail

If you can make them faster somehow, then you might be able to get away with a lower price...but for what you listed, if you sell them for $35, you'd be making less than $10 an hour!

that's my .o2

Diana Dang said...

I am inexperience with these sort of thing, I would go around $15 personally.

Itaya Art said...

Awesome scarves! Even if you went with minimum wage at 3 hrs plus your expenses you're almost at $35. I agree with wholesaling at $35 and retailing around $50.

Great creations and wonderful concept. Such an artsy and Eco thing to do!! :)

AWJ said...

Yes, around $35 sounds good. They're such great scarves, they'd be snatched up!

Anonymous said...

My first thought was $45.00, so I'm stickin to it.

Sara said...

I got to agree with most folks here - they could totally go for $50 plus retail. Freakin gorgeous!

Karen said...

They're beautiful! I think you could easily get $40 for each scarf.

Carrie said...

I'd pay $80, looking up close at the detail of your "Craftsmanship", but I've been blacklisted, so maybe my opinion shouldn't count!

Unknown said...

Awwwwwwhhh McG - you're not blacklisted anymore.

Me... said...

Rosalie ~

These are awesome! I so need one!!!! I think maybe depending on size and detail....$40-65. Maybe $40 for etsyrain members and $65 for everyone else...lol

Anonymous said...

I agree- I want one for $35 but I'd buy one for $45 or 50!
:-)

Nora said...

I would say up to $35-40 in the present materials, and may be twice as much if they were made from thin sweaters (acrylic?cashmeres? might give you a price range too) rather than t-shirts and sweats.

This given that the scarfs are soft and comfortable on the neck.

I love the idea and love your designs, embroidery and colors. :)

Haute Goat Cashmere said...

I'm going to agree with the $35 wholesale price - don't sell yourself short. These scarves take a lot of time to create and each one will be unique! What you retail for above the $35 is up to you/the stores. Don't go lower though, otherwise you will be spending your life sewing for less than minimum wage because everyone will want one...

YogaGoat Pottery said...

I think $65.00-$75.00 seems like a fair retail price. They are beautiful, and one-of-a-kind. I'm taking into account the time and money it takes to photograph and list each one, and fees, too. Funny, now it seems like they should cost even more!

Anonymous said...

I love the Franken-scarves! I think you could easily sell them for $40. I'll be looking for them on Etsy!

Digital Misfit said...

They are absolutely gorgeous!
Art scarves have their own market. It isn't about how much money you spent on supplies, but about the creativity and time you put into each piece.
I would suggest a price of not less than $55 and up to $75 per scarf. If you charge too little, then you risk undervaluing them to the buyer, and also not giving yourself credit for your work.
Stick within a given range, and price the scarves differently with allowances for extra work, fancier materials, etc.
Don't be afraid to put a nice healthy pricetag on your work - you are an artist, and each piece you create is a one of a kind. Make sure your potential buyers realize that :)

Unknown said...

Where can I buy one of these in Portland?