Sew What’s Up Presents

The Sew What’s New Archive

This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”

Sew What's New Archive > SEWING/QUILTING BUSINESS > Home Based Sewing business

From: MaryW

Date: 08-19-2003, 08:51 AM (1 of 17)

How many of you have a home based sewing business? How did you start and if you can, share a tip on running your business from home while still caring for family.

MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New

User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542

From: weB2cats

Date: 08-19-2003, 02:50 PM (2 of 17)

I've started a business online that deals with Hawaiian clothing. I enjoy working with the fabrics a lot.

I am producing inventory now but hope to be selling to boutiques somewhere during the Christmas season. It's been so hot here that I have slowed down quite a bit on production. However, I am also developing the sloper pattern, so I just switch the work I'm doing. There are so many aspects to getting a business off
the ground-biz cards, P.O. boxes, forms, filings, etc., that I don't work on the sewing aspect only.

Things need to be approached as the funds become available, so this is a slower process. But, it gives me time to contemplate instead of rushing into things. So, I feel comfortable with this approach. I'm so excited by the possibilities!

User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002
Total posts: 232

From: Seams Sew Right

Date: 08-21-2003, 09:15 AM (3 of 17)

I started a home based business in February. I've not settled into anything in particular, I've been kind of taking in anything and everything to see where the market is before I specialize in anything. I have a couple of ideas and interests, but I'm not sure what the market is like. I like bridal, but fear I don't have the skill yet for it. I had thought I might like to design my own line and have a small store where I could also do alterations because this seems to be a strong market in our area. I was also thinking I would try to develop a line of reversible garments, especially for the nursing mother. But it seems that the most requests for custom work have been home dec, especially curtains. So stay tuned....!
Lisa

User: Seams Sew Right
Member since: 04-25-2003
Total posts: 18

From: Linda in Colorado

Date: 08-23-2003, 01:14 PM (4 of 17)

As many of you already know, I have been sewing professionally for almost 14 years now. Oh, my, how the time has flown!

I started an alterations and custom sewing business because I still had kids in school and needed something that would be flexible, so I could attend to my kids' needs. Now that they are grown and gone from home, I still sew for others, as well as for myself and family. Actually, upon reflection, I was moving toward a sewing business many years before I actually launched one. It just took me a few years to get smart enough to take the plunge.

There have been lean times and way-too-busy times. I work from home. At one time I thought of maybe moving to a storefront, but the overhead would probably kill my business. I try to stay competitive with others who sew in my area.

One of the smartest things I ever did was become a co-founder of a professional association in my area. Many of us who sew are afraid of competition. Phooey! When you get to meet others who sew for a living, you will find that the majority of them are friendly and willing to help you should you have a problem or dilemma in your business. And, let's face it, sewing is kind of a lonely occupation. It is so nice to have someone to talk with who understands your business and the things that go on within that business.

User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000
Total posts: 102

From: sewnfrenzy

Date: 08-26-2003, 09:41 AM (5 of 17)

I sold sewn and crafted items back in the early 90's. I sold in craft buotiques and localchurch craft shows. Sometimes I was rolling in $$, othertimes I was crying. I realive now I was very naive and could have done so much better then I actually.

I've actually been thinking really hard lately about whether I want to do this again. I have some many ideas for items I want to make and I"m feeling creative juices flow.

I'd love to give up my second job(about $300-$400 extra a month) and keep my day job and sell my items on the side. My finances are not that great right now so I'm really not sure what to do.

Trish

:coffee2:

So much Fabric, so little time.

User: sewnfrenzy
Member since: 11-06-2001
Total posts: 39

From: Aimee S

Date: 08-26-2003, 01:38 PM (6 of 17)

My homebased business started really by chance. Hubby was getting upset about me "Borrowing" money from the family budget for my fabric addiction. The next day our bug guy came by to spray for the critters while I was sewing. I came to the door with thread scraps on me he asked what I was doing replied asked if I could fix his dance costume. seamed it got ripped on a job. Okay he brought it over and it was a G string that a client cut off of him. I made a new one and he spread the word. On my children's costume company My kids won first in all three age catagories at school. some parents said my boys should be disqualified because I was a pro. WOW me a pro okay. then the drama teacher approched me to do the school costumes each year for the last 4 years. the parents of the children keep me in alterations and business. I love that I can take and decline jobs. My hubby on the other had has gotten ideas for me to make motorcycle covers and helmet bags. People are willing to pay more for those items then the custom costumes.

The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!

http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29

User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 488

From: Janine

Date: 08-26-2003, 05:49 PM (7 of 17)

I'm not sure if I have a business yet or not. What has happened is that some of my husband's friends have seen his shirts that I make him. They are African shirts, sorry I can't spell Disheekes (sound spell that please). Anyway, I've made 3 of them, sold each of them for $30 to his friends. At first I thought there was no way that they would pay that amount for them, but they have. I'm enjoying it. Now my husband wants to take some to different shops.

I'm new at this whole selling thing. Is there something that I have to really watch for, legally. I already know that I don't have to have a seller's permit unless I sell more than $500 of merchandise. I also know that once I start selling to shops I have to keep track of expenses/profits and pay sales tax. Is there anything else that someone may see that I will miss if this continues into a business?

Janine

Janine

User: Janine
Member since: 04-01-2003
Total posts: 3

From: Linda in Colorado

Date: 08-27-2003, 12:21 PM (8 of 17)

You can bypass the speculation sewing laws by doing only custom sewing. By doing custom sewing, the customer brings you the pattern, fabric(s) and notions and you make the garment for the customer.

Even doing custom sewing, you will have to check out the laws in your area of the world. Different places have vastly different "rules" for doing just about everything.

If you are making the dashikes (sp?) before selling them, that's where you could run into trouble.

So, check out what will work for you in your area, then go from there.

Please let us know what you decide.

User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000
Total posts: 102

From: Sherri

Date: 08-27-2003, 06:58 PM (9 of 17)

Hey I am sort of in the midst of falling into a home sewing business.

We have a local Fishermans market (think farmers market less veggies more fishies) every weekend in town and one of the ladies who had a booth cooking fish and chips asked if I would make her a couple of aprons. So I did. Then she wore them at the market and got a tonne of compliments on them. Then another lady who was selling fish chowder wanted aprons so I made her a couple. Now the first lady wants 2 more and the second wants 4 more and I am getting requests all over the place.

I don't think I will make a million but maybe the kids will have an extra special Christmas :cool:

Sherri

My website

User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001
Total posts: 357

From: maps

Date: 08-27-2003, 07:22 PM (10 of 17)

hey sherri, how much so you charge them for a apron? I've made a few and always have people asking me to make them a few, i asked what kind of fabric they wanted and make them but i only charge them what the fabric cost? thanks in advance

i've even made some camo ones :whacky:

Marge

User: maps
Member since: 06-18-2003
Total posts: 152

From: Sherri

Date: 08-27-2003, 07:36 PM (11 of 17)

Mine are just plain white Muslin with a little embroidery and I charge 15 an apron but everyone tells me I should charge more.

Sherri

My website

User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001
Total posts: 357

From: weB2cats

Date: 09-07-2003, 11:40 PM (12 of 17)

I remember making an apron in my first sewing class in 7th grade
that had a small hand towel attached into the waist band finishing. It came in very handy.

User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002
Total posts: 232

From: lou-dezynz

Date: 09-13-2003, 10:57 PM (13 of 17)

WeB2cats,
I HAD to respond to that one about the school aprons. When trying to encourage my daughters [now 22 & 25 y/o] to sew, I said "it'll help you in home-ec". I was shocked and disappointed to discover that there is NO MORE home ec in grammer/ junior high schools.
Anyway, I had to smile when reading your post, as I had this mental picture of the girls going into the home ec room and the boys into metal/ wood shop.
Some of the "old" things just should never have been interupted by equality. My kids still don't sew, yet guess who gets a phone call when they bought slacks that need altering or want a bridesmaid dress made or tailored??

take care,
Lou-

Take life as it comes; there's always someone in a worse situation!

**I have A GREAT DEAL OF sew-quilt-craft FABRIC, PATTERNS, BOOKS, TOOLS for sale, along w/ vintage machines. Must sell off much of the contents of my sewing room due to lost home in divorce, need to downsize re relocating..**

CHECK MY PHOTOS OF ITEMS FOR SALE at
<http://photos.yahoo.com/<email address removed for privacy>> PAYPAL PREFERRED

EMAIL
<<email address removed for privacy>>

User: lou-dezynz
Member since: 02-02-2002
Total posts: 61

From: lou-dezynz

Date: 09-13-2003, 11:12 PM (14 of 17)

For 4 years, I've operated Quiltz4Kidz, which I design, make and donate to kids awaiting bone marrow- organ transplants.

Having always sewn [33 years!], I've done shoppe samples, developed and written tech specs for some print and web sewing sites.
When my girls [22 & 25y/o now] were young, and prior- during my PG- I posted in shoppes and made baby layettes and maternity clothes. What I charged for those then was "equal fabric, pattern, supply expense plus a small fee. I then made my kids layettes, blankets, etc... and even a dress for myself at 8mos pg when unable to find something to wear to a summer wedding back in '78.
When they were young before I went back for my degrees, I then did crafts- mostly patterning fabric crafts/ holiday designs mostly- and sold them at summer fairs to cover my xmas shopping.

Currently, I'm working on my own garment pattern designs, and have a publication idea which could be quite marketable when done. To do this, as with all prior sewing businesses, I strongly rely on resources for learning and refernecing. Thus, here I sit at 45, preparing to enter a community college fashion illustration and design program with people 1/2 my age. But it's an exciting option, as other fellow- sewing enthusiasts can probably understand.
The most important factor [besides a driving compulsion for fabric and sewing toys, that we all have] is continuing creativity and a willingness to share our skills. So for me anyway, having been medically homebound for near-15years, my giving back is as important as the money- making aspect. I encourage and challenge all to teach someone a skill, a technique; help someone make something, give them advice, but not so much as to make them feel that there are limits to sewing. There are NONE!

Good luck to all and SEW forth!
Lou-

User: lou-dezynz
Member since: 02-02-2002
Total posts: 61

From: Bra Lady

Date: 11-28-2003, 04:14 AM (15 of 17)

I have finally started a sewing business after years of dreaming

I have been sewing every since I can remember and I always knew that someday I would build a business and actually be a sewing professional. I have an extensive background in period costumes and undergarments and I wanted to persue specifically modern undergarments for women. I became a Certified Bra maker/Instructor and created Free Spirit Bras and I offer to women custom made bra making services,educational seminars on how to fit a bra correctly, Bra making classes, supplies and much more.
My advice to anyone thinking of starting a business is to find something your passionate about and become an expert in your field

Cheers,
Christy

Free Spirit Bras
We offer women custom bra making services, educational seminars, Bra making classes and supplies.
www.freespiritbras.ca

User: Bra Lady
Member since: 11-28-2003
Total posts: 4