On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about the ins and outs of starting an indie sewing pattern business with my guest, Jenny Rushmore. We recorded this episode at Grey’s Fabrics in Boston’s South End.
If you don’t know Jenny she’s a body-positive sewing blogger, and she recently also become a sewing pattern designer when she launched her company Cashmerette Patterns which creates curve-friendly patterns in sizes 12 – 28 and cup sizes C – H. Originally from the UK but now living in Boston, Jenny learned to sew at 30 and it transformed her life, leading not only to a newfound body confidence but a change in career. Jenny is passionate about helping other curvy and plus size women feel fantastic by learning to sew clothes that fit well and look great.
Jenny takes us through the entire process of starting Cashmerette Patterns. Hear about getting to know your audience, building a platform, finding a pattern designer and grader, printing, marketing, and distribution.
In our conversation we reference:
- Palmer Printing
- McCalls printing
- Jen Beeman and Heather Lou
- Maker’s Row
- LegalZoom
- The E Myth
- #cakewithcashmerette
And of course, I ask Jenny to recommend some things she’s enjoying right now. Jenny recommends:
- the Craft Industry Alliance forums
- Haptic Lab quilts
Connect with Jenny on her blog and check her out on Instagram.
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Today’s episode is sponsored by Spoonflower. If you feel uninspired when shopping for fabric, wallpaper & gift wrap at big-box chain stores, then you need to check out Spoonflower. When you shop from thousands of designs in the Spoonflower marketplace, you’ll be supporting a talented and devoted artist community, all while maintaining a slim eco-footprint via Spoonflower’s digital, on-demand printing process. While She Naps podcast listeners can get 15% off your next Spoonflower order with code abby15. Learn more at try.spoonflower.com/abby.
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Listen to the show by clicking on the arrow below or subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher (perfect for Android or Kindle) and listen on the go. If you enjoy the show, tell a friend about it! Thank you so much.
This was very interesting. I have shared it already. I’m a Spoonflower designer.
I loved this episode!! Especially the “i messed up fund” that Jenny has in her head! I think I need to have one of these too!
Right! I get so mad at myself when I pay for something that I don’t use. It’s to be expected though and if you can just accept that it’s part of figuring this whole thing out you’re much better off!
This was the first time I’ve listened to your podcast…I love it! So much information. I love how open and willing Jenny was to share what she’s learned. I’ve wondered where indie pattern companies got their patterns printed … And now I know. I ‘ve told my sewing circle of friends to listen.
I’m so glad. Thank you so much, Megan!
Hi Abby. Loved this episode. Just to let you know, Pellon does make printable interfacing for embroidery, quilting and other stitching projects. They are tear-away and wash-away stabilizers that can go through any home printer, or you can draw your own designs by hand. #541 and #542 Pellon products in particular are sold in 8.5″ x 11″ sheets, or by the yard (19 inches wide).
Oh, how cool! So many creative possibilities.