I'll be the first to admit it, I was not too confident about my sewing creations selling here in Korea. Not because of the quality so much, but rather because my style doesn't seem to jibe with those around me. So I made my pillow case tops and my bubble skirts fully accepting that my children were sticking out like sore thumbs and I was probably being mocked or ridiculed for sending them out in "home sewn" clothing instead of high-end labels. But then we went to the Flea Market and it was awesome. I had strangers coming up to me left and right complimenting me on what I'd made. I should have learned from that, but I was so nervous about this last flea market (Oct 27) because I knew my summer wear wouldn't sell well, and I wanted to branch out into more adult accessories in hopes of capturing more of the college crowd at the market. So I made the Infinity Scarves and Fabric Bead Necklaces (which I still think are awesome) but when looking for something more, I stumbled upon the idea of fabric flowers. I decided to create some fabric flower hair ties and pins.
While it's not something I'd wear personally, I honestly thought they'd be a hit. I see women, age 1-100 wearing large flower pins in their hair here in Korea. I figured it's got the Korea flower style meshed with the American fabric, which was so popular with my kids' clothes, so they'd be sure to be a success. In reality: FAIL. In fact, my entire display at this past flea market was a fail. I only sold a pair of baby shoes. Only 2-3 people even glanced at the flower ties.
Alas, I've learned my lesson: be true to myself. From now on, if I wouldn't wear it or dress my child in it, I won't make it. Not to mention the fact that these hair ties were waaaay too much work for the amount of money I could reasonably charge for them - and not satisfying, enjoyable work either because, while I do think they are cute, it's just not my thing. I may use a fabric flower elsewhere in my sewing but never again will I attempt to copy Korean fashion. (and I'm also taking a break from flea marketing until Spring when I can peddle my summer wears again!) But if you're in the market for large fabric flower hair ties, let me know! I suppose I could do a special order. ;)
It's here, too. The big flower became a huge style over here after Sex & the City. Carrie Bradshaw wore & started the trend w/ flower pins on her clothing and some in her hair. They are still pretty big over here, too...over the past two years, you could buy a lot of womens sweaters and tops with a satin-y flower on it. (I'm guilty - I have a black cardigan with a black flower pinned on it.) Now it's trickled down to little girl clothes here, too.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I know the tutorials for the flower were from American websites but I didn't think it was something that would be "in" in America. Here women are always dressing very frilly and girly so it seemed natural to me. I guess because (although I think they look nice) it's not my style I can't really discern the subtle differences that make a flower cool vs. tacky. But I do think these would look cute on a little girl's dress so maybe there'll be some refashioning involved!
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