So in June and early July we collected orders for TPN/Tube Feed Backpacks, which isn't something entirely brand new for Gracie's Gowns, but this particular style of backpack is. Not only that, but how they are modified is different as well in comparison to the previous years.
While I had a few moments and am still working on getting all ninety-five, yes you read that correctly, ninety-five backpacks completed from the order. I wanted to show some better pictures of what they look like before and then the modifications we're making to them. Now, I do want to throw out there, any new orders will have a price increase compared to before, since this was our first time using these, first time ever ordering wholesale and so many other new adventures, Gracie's Gowns has absorbed all of the additional costs that were not charged to those who ordered, meaning, for lack of a better phrase, we lost money rather than breaking even, which was the plan. We never intended to make a profit, to break even was the goal, so with the price increase, this should happen on all additional orders placed (more information at the end on ordering).
In the set of photos below, are the more detailed pictures of what the backpacks look like when they come in from the manufacturer. We decided to use the Sugarbooger Kiddie Play Packs from Ore Originals for our backpacks this year because of their size, the prints available, and the ability to embroider them a whole lot easier than before. The specifications on the backpacks are as follows:
While I had a few moments and am still working on getting all ninety-five, yes you read that correctly, ninety-five backpacks completed from the order. I wanted to show some better pictures of what they look like before and then the modifications we're making to them. Now, I do want to throw out there, any new orders will have a price increase compared to before, since this was our first time using these, first time ever ordering wholesale and so many other new adventures, Gracie's Gowns has absorbed all of the additional costs that were not charged to those who ordered, meaning, for lack of a better phrase, we lost money rather than breaking even, which was the plan. We never intended to make a profit, to break even was the goal, so with the price increase, this should happen on all additional orders placed (more information at the end on ordering).
In the set of photos below, are the more detailed pictures of what the backpacks look like when they come in from the manufacturer. We decided to use the Sugarbooger Kiddie Play Packs from Ore Originals for our backpacks this year because of their size, the prints available, and the ability to embroider them a whole lot easier than before. The specifications on the backpacks are as follows:
- They are 8" x 4" x 11" in size
- Waterproof cotton canvas exterior and durable nylon canvas interior
- Nylon Straps
- Lead-Free and BPA-Free
- Non-toxic
- Machine Wash, Air Dry.
If you clicked on the link in the text above, I promise, we didn't pay $26 a piece for them, we were able to order them at wholesale for around half that cost, but there were restrictions to it. First our order had to be at least $150.00 in total, but what really made the concern was having to order in sets of three for each print. This left us picking up several extras in the various prints in order to make that minimum requirement...the extras are listed below with the ordering information too. This will be a standard as well for all additional orders we place, at it is their wholesale requirement.
Now here is how they are modified by us (well me) in between working on gown requests and getting our butterfly beads and bead pouches out in the mail...and everything else going on in life behind the scenes of Gracie's Gowns.
Now here is how they are modified by us (well me) in between working on gown requests and getting our butterfly beads and bead pouches out in the mail...and everything else going on in life behind the scenes of Gracie's Gowns.
First off, I install a 1" grommet through the back side of the backpack, I have been placing them on the right hand side of the backpack (as if you had it laying on a table, back side up, looking down at it). We cut the hole for the grommet to go through and then snap the two pieces together. Really...this is the hardest part and requires a bit more strength than I imagined it would. They are plastic grommets, in case anyone needs to know the material they are made from.
Next step is the chest strap, all of the modified backpacks automatically come with a chest strap. If you requested one without modifications, I did not include the chest strap, should you need one though, please let me know and we can get them to you. This step is really the easiest, originally the plan was to make them, but with the time constraints in place, myself being the person modifying all of them, and needing to get these backpacks into their new homes, I was able to find some already made. This is where some of the additional cost came in to play. These chest straps came from Timbuk2 and are adjustable. I had contacted their customer service department about donating some or allowing us to order via wholesale, but was not able to get a response in time based on when the backpacks were to ship. So we ordered them outright, the cost was $5.00/each not including the shipping costs, which on 105 of them (I ordered for the extras as well), was almost $60.00, but they are durable and can even be washed as well. The other area we had a larger than expected cost has been in the shipping expenses, especially those who have multiple backpacks coming to their homes.
After those two things are in place - then onto the personalizing. I think I've finally found the best system to keep them in place since they are a little too thick to hoop with my embroidery machines' hoops. We have spray adhesive, heavier stitch n' tear stabilizer and then removing the name card from the inside front flap is what happens before it is ready to go. The front flap is then placed on top of the stabilizer and I program the name into the embroidery machine.
Which looks something like this, and yes, that is only half the stack of the gowns that need names embroidered on them in the background, no worries, that is on my plans for after occupational therapy for my son today. This isn't the last step, but, they are on their way to being entirely modified and ready to ship once the names are embroidered. While the machine does all the work, this has really been the most difficult part of the backpacks because the color options I was given do not seem to always show up the best against the designs. I am working on getting the best colors chosen, but it really has been trial and error for some, as I cannot tell until after they're embroidered.
The very last step is adding the loop on the inside of the backpacks, this is so those who want to hang their TPN/Tube Feed inside may do so. It is comprised of white webbing, with heat sealed edges to help protect against fraying and then a kamsnap that is placed on the folded edge, but also through the back of the backpack on the inside of the back panel. Once this is done, the back packs are ready to be shipped out. Now onto the part everyone is waiting for, how to order and what extras we have on hand already.
The above are the designs the backpacks are currently available in, orders placed in September will have the option of a couple additional styles, but as for right now and the ones we have extras of, these are the prints available. Out of the prints above, we have the following amount of extras.
For those that are interested in ordering one of the above, this link (and you can click on the picture above too for the link) will open the order form, from there you will be sent a PayPal invoice. Once the invoice is paid, your order will be added into the mix of ones to be worked on. Anyone who missed out on this order, can place an order as well, once we reach the minimum required wholesale amounts (in gross total and in design sets) we can place another order. I will look at doing so late October more than likely, make sure to follow our Facebook page for the information on it. The new cost will be in effect for anyone ordering one of our extras in additional to all new orders as well, which is the pricing seen on the order form now.
While I was completely thrilled to offer them at the lower price in the beginning and helping ease the financial burden of making each child's medical journey nicer, we had to increase them so our sponsorship and shipping funds are not compromised. I pray everyone can understand the increase and I believe it is still considerably lower than other folks who make, modify or sell them, I know it is not as low as many would like.
As my usual, I will continue to update when more have been completed and mailed out. Patience, grace and understanding are always appreciated, as I am but one woman trying to save the world one stitch at a time.
Much love and many blessings,
Jessica
- Princess - 1
- Birds and Butterflies - 1
- Happy Camper - 1
- Matryoshka Doll - 1
- Retro Robot - 1
- Hedgehog - 2
- Cupcake - 2
- Skulls - 2
- Ocean - 1
- Lady Bug - 1
- It's a Jungle - 1
- Polar Pals - 1
For those that are interested in ordering one of the above, this link (and you can click on the picture above too for the link) will open the order form, from there you will be sent a PayPal invoice. Once the invoice is paid, your order will be added into the mix of ones to be worked on. Anyone who missed out on this order, can place an order as well, once we reach the minimum required wholesale amounts (in gross total and in design sets) we can place another order. I will look at doing so late October more than likely, make sure to follow our Facebook page for the information on it. The new cost will be in effect for anyone ordering one of our extras in additional to all new orders as well, which is the pricing seen on the order form now.
While I was completely thrilled to offer them at the lower price in the beginning and helping ease the financial burden of making each child's medical journey nicer, we had to increase them so our sponsorship and shipping funds are not compromised. I pray everyone can understand the increase and I believe it is still considerably lower than other folks who make, modify or sell them, I know it is not as low as many would like.
As my usual, I will continue to update when more have been completed and mailed out. Patience, grace and understanding are always appreciated, as I am but one woman trying to save the world one stitch at a time.
Much love and many blessings,
Jessica
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