Hey again. The world of T-shirt design is scattered with many pitfalls. The nice people at cafepress make things relatively easy to set up shop on-line, but really, when it comes time to branch out into the real world, things are a bit more murky. (hello, run on sentence!)

I have been working on creating a small fleet of my designs to sell at craft shows this holiday season. I have two craft shows coming up, as previoulsy mentioned. I want to bring 100 shirts, and I've been trying to get them made for two months now. My supplier said "No problem! IT'll only be a week. I'll bring you the samples!" A month later, he brought the samples, none of which would work with my preferred printing method (IRon on transfers. You cannot use these on ribbed shirts, even Baby-rib shirts. Remember that when making your shirts at home!). Soooo new examples had to be found (actually, they just had to cough up samples of the original shirts I ordered.) and brought in...Now Yesterday, I got a call and basically got told they could not honour the price they quoted me, my transfers do not work and they were bringing me a sample of a pressed on transfer to show me how much I suck and how it was my fault.

"Bring it on!" I cried, "I know what I'm doing. I'm wondering what YOU have done to screw this up, mister I've-been-doing-this-for-30 years."

Sure enough, again (AGAIN!) they had used a baby-Rib T-shirt to apply the transfer onto.

In light of this craziness, I have had to change shirts, Am quite stressed out and very close to my deadline, still with no shirts. I have been assured that I will have a beautiful sample tomorrow. WE'll see.

I wanted to put together a little reference for those of you who have found yourself in similar situations. So let's start off...

CUSTOM T-SHIRT CREATION GOLDEN RULES

Rule #1 - Always use a 50/50 (or as close to that as you can get) cotton/polyester JERSEY KNIT T-shirt to apply your designs to. This goes for Silkscreen, Iron on transfers, and even Stitching.

Rule #2 - Always remember, If your design includes type, you must REVERSE THE IMAGE for your iron-on Transfer.

Rule #2 - Don't be like me. Put in your orders well in advance if going to a supplier, and make sure they make you a sample before they run all your transfers.

Rule #3 - When buying your blank T-shirts from someone who will give you a deal..always make them write down, and sign a piece of paper with the price they quoted you, what their name is and the date. These people are used to haggling, and are not afraid to jerk you around if they think they can.

Those are the cardinal rules I have learned.

I have been travelling the web in search of some good suppliers of T-shirts. Not all are good. But, be aware that many many people who Silkscreen T-shirts, are also willing to sell you blank T-shirts at a better price than you might find at old navy or walmart. (Generally you have to order quite a few though. I am ordering a cool even 100, and this is still considered a very small order.)

Here are a few of what I have found thus far...

General T-shirt Suppliers

• American Apparel (USA)
• Gildan (International)
• ShirtSpace (USA..I just found this one. It looks very promising! Despite it being from the US..so I have to pay to get it into Canada)
• Hanes Printables (USA)
• Budget T-shirt Co (Canada)
• Custom Ink (USA)

Screen Printers

• Custom Ink (USA)
• Cafepress (USA..Direct Printing)
• Fishead (USA)
• Hardboiled Inc (Canada..toronto)
• Artik (Canada..Toronto..also the ppl doing my order. Not that I'm so impressed by them.)

There are tons more. Google it. That's what I have done. Find one whose style/Price/Process appeals to you. If you find some awesome ones, pass on the link. Also, I am looking for information on any clubs or blogs that deal with T-shirt design or the T-shirt community! There are many of us out there..Where are we?! WHO Are we?! I think we have a lot to learn from eachother! I have found one interesting blog I'd like to pass on..

• T-Shirt Casserole ...Just a blog that highlights random T-shirts from cafepress that they like, but I think it's a great Idea!

Pass me on more links as well. I am very interested in getting involved in the T-shirt industry. I'm only at the beginning of this journey! I will try and help out where possible. Let's grow this community together!

Peace, love, and jersey knit Shirts.

~Anne

CHRISTMAS CRAFT SALE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Kitsch Klothing will be at the Toronto Gift Show this year! We will be selling T-shirts, Journals, Chocolates, 2" and 1" buttons. Some of these designs are special edition, not available online! Don't miss out. We will be at the December 3rd &4th Weekend Location, as well as the 17th & 18th location. Even if you can't buy, come to say hi!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat! (And so is uncle Albert..)
With Christmas, comes Christmas cards, cookies, happiness and joy. It also brings the feeling of "What the heck do I get all these people?! What can I get for my special someone? And oh god..What about Mom? She's so hard to buy for!!"
Not to worry. Kitsch Klothing is here, to help you out. If Kitsch doesn't make something perfect for your special someone, check out the Trends and tips page, and the News Blog for alternate gift ideas, gift combo ideas and links to other cool shops and sites.

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UPCOMING SALES!

I have to draw special attention to this section, because there is a great sale going on right now, and there is a great sale coming up!
November 1st to 14th - $2 off Ornaments, Wall Calendars and Greeting Cards!
Punch in the code when checking out, to cash in on this deal. Hurry though, it's done on Monday!
Coupon Code: Holiday2

NOVEMBER 15th to DECEMBER 6th...FREE SHIPPING!
Anne is pretty excited about this one. This is when she too, will do her Kitsch Shopping. FREE SUPER SAVER SHIPPING on orders over $50.00
Coupon: FREESHIP

Because this Newsletter goes out once a month, you may want to keep a watch on the main page of the site, as that is where additional sales banners will appear to let you know about the rotating sales going on, on any given day! There are always good opportunities to be found. Check them out!

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NEW DESIGNS

In the last month, quite a few new designs have made an appearance - most importantly, a few extra cool Christmas designs!

Snowman Greetings- Let these merry snowmen help you wish your friends season's greetings and celebrate your winter wonderland! Funny Snowmen in hats and scarves are always at the height of Seasonal Style!

Mooey ChrisMoose - Mooey Christmas to you! Every holiday is instantly made more festive with cows. And Roosters. And Moose (mooses?) and Sheep. You can't lose with this winning combination! It's so A-MOO-Sing!

Flake - Let this wintry image get you and your friends in the holiday season spirit! Or, Send it to an especially Flakey Friend (or ex?) and have yourself a little private holiday giggle.

As well, in the originals Section, we have a new design as well..perfect for any funky soul who wants to let their hair down... BED HEAD!

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UPCOMING APPEARANCES

Designer Anne will be taking her Kitsch Klothing to a few Christmas Crafty shows in Toronto, Ontario this season. Check her out at the Toronto Gift Show, December 3&4 and December 17 & 18th. For additional details on location, times and admission(It's free!) click HERE

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JOKE OF THE MONTH

A New Twist on an Old Tradition

One particular Christmas season a long time ago, Santa was getting ready for his annual trip ... but there were problems everywhere. Four of his elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones so Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule. Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more. When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. More stress. Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys. Needless to say Santa wasn't in the best mood. Just then the doorbell rang and Santa went to the door expecting another problem. He opened the door and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree there just to cheer Santa up. The angel said, very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas Santa. Isn't it just a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Isn't it just a lovely tree? Where would you like me to stick it?" Thus began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.


HAHAHAAA!...Happy Holidays, no matter what you celebrate...
From Anne at KITSCH KLOTHING!!

Two New Designs!

So, this week I have added two new designs. One is called Flake. Let this wintry image get you and your friends in the holiday season spirit! Or, Send it to an especially Flakey Friend (or ex?) and have yourself a little private holiday giggle!

The other is called Mooey Christmas! Every holiday is instantly made more festive with cows. And Roosters. And Moose (mooses?) and Sheep. You can't lose with this winning combination! It's so A-MOO-Sing!

I hope to get a few more products up this week for Christmas, as well as get ready for the Toronto Gift Show. Huzzah! Changes, they are a happenin'.

Speaking of cows, (Which I love) here is a great gift idea...Animal accessories are hot this year, from purses to backpacks to hats! Check out this Cow Purse which is huggeably soft and awesome for Christmas for anyone. I guess I should get back to pimping my own wares, but I thought this was very cute!! ;) Couple this with one of my Greeting cards, or the Moo Dat?! T-shirt design, and you'll really knock 'em dead!

Hmph!

I am not happy with the Kitsch Klothing statistics counter...it keeps telling me that I have had no visitors, new or otherwise..for the past few weeks, despite the fact that I have made SALES. Since people bought stuff, it would suggest they were actually visiting the site!

If anyone has a better counter that they know of (Free, please) I'd be much obliged. ;)