What is Scratch?

Scratch is a group of Clothing Designers who sell on ETSY. Each designer creates clothing, designing and handmaking it from scratch, which has many benefits when compared to the mass-produced clothing you may find at the mall or department store.

What does Scratch do?

We are an Etsy "Street Team", whose mission it is to promote buying handmade (through Etsy.com specifically), network with other sellers in the same field (clothing design), and use our collective forces for good all over the world!

What does that mean?

That means spreading the word about Scratch, Etsy, and buying handmade in creative ways on the web and on the street. This could mean posting fliers, getting an article in a newspaper, creating a web campaign, participating/hosting a trunk/craft show, word of mouth, billboards (we wish), etc etc - the possibilities are limitless!

Who can join?

Anyone who makes clothing (not accessories like hats and legwarmers) from scratch (you cut, construct, and sew ALL the seams, no matter if the fabric is new, cut from a pair of jeans, or made from corn husks) may join. You must either have at least one made from scratch clothing item currently in your Etsy shop or Have sold made from scratch clothing items in your Etsy shop and plan on listing more in the near future.

Is there a time commitment or any fees?

No. There is no mandatory commitment or fees of any kind. But because of the nature of promoting, the more you put in, the more you get out of it.

How do I join?

Simply go to either hyena.etsy.com or thimblescratch.etsy.com and use the CONTACT link. Send a message that says you would like to join. Then we'll add you to the list and BAM! You're a member. Then be sure to join our google group, since that's where all the communicating and happenings take place: http://groups.google.com/group/scratchfashion

Is there a tag to put in my Etsy listing?

"BFSC" is the tag for "built from scratch clothing". Put this tag in your listing if your clothing item is made from scratch. You may also want to put the tag "scratch" in your listing.

Where is Scratch on the web?

Website: http://www.scratchfashion.com (you are here)

Scratch blog: http://scratchfashion.blogspot.com/

Flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/scratchfashion/

Google Groups: http://groups.google.com/group/scratchfashion