My kids and I walk to school every day.
Unfortunately, we have to cross a very busy street each morning. We have had several crossing guards over the last 6 years.
There was the old guy that smelled like alcohol at 7:30am.
There was the old guy that was as slow as a snail. I worried more about him getting hit by a car, then the kids.
We had a little lady who barely spoke english for a few months.
Plus a lot of random fill in guards.
For some reason our street doesn't get consistent help unlike the other cross walks closer to the school.
Sometime last year we got another guy.
His name is Brandon. He is a big guy. He looks like he would take out a semi-truck for any one of the kids or parents who crosses that busy street each morning. He is always there on time with a smile on his face, a greeting, and a kind word. I can tell he is one of my people. I just like the dude, straight up. He is 41. He has an older boy, 17, I believe, but he just had a brand new baby girl. You have never seen a more proud papa bear. Bear should be his nickname, because that is what he reminds me of. A big old cuddly bear (that could probably rip your head off if you mess with his clan).
I wanted to do something special for him. A little handmade baby gift for his girl.
Here is what I came up with for her.
I used materials I had on hand. The bottom yellow and green floral fabric is vintage.
I was going for an irie/rasta vibe.
The dress is fully lined. I used a bright yellow lining for the skirt and plain red cotton for the top.
I added some lace to the straps and the hem.
Honestly, I think I would wear this if it were my size!
I just love how it came out!!
I keep thinking, "Man, I could sell these things!"
I know I could, but when I add up all the time it takes to make it, not even including the materials, it just doesn't add up to something that would be profitable.
It bums me out.
I want so bad to be able to use this talent to make a little extra money. This, from start to finish, took me probably at least 6 hours, if not more (probably more!!). If I want to make at least $10/hr, which is the minimum wage here in CA, I would have to sell this for $60. Plus, I haven't even figured in materials! Ugh!
It is such a shame that we have become so far removed from the process of making a garment from scratch. We go into department stores and buy clothes, some that take much more time to make than this dress, and we pay $30 or less. Somewhere, in another country, people are sewing these clothes. These people are working hard and being paid next to nothing. I know, because I have been one of those people. Basically every bag in my etsy shop I have made for $2/hour at best, since I had to pay for all of the materials I used.
It's unfortunate more value isn't placed on this craft and the idea of having something that is one of a kind.
I would love to be able to share my designs with the world.
For now, my kids and I, (and a few lucky friends and family) get to reap the benefits of having cool, unique, handmade clothes and bags.
Lucky us!!
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