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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: MaryW
Date: 11-24-2003, 07:39 AM (1 of 7)
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Lots of crafters I know say their sales this time of year prepares them for next year. Poor sales can be a real deterrent. How is the economy in your area? Does it look like you will be building your business again next year, do you have plans for expanding your line or branching out into a related business? MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 11-24-2003, 01:05 PM (2 of 7)
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In my business, which is alterations and custom dressmaking, I get crazy busy just before Christmas, then business drops off between Christmas and New Year's. Gives me a welcome breather! In January I start in again. Some years my January is in the pits, and other years I have a great January. I used to think it reflected the economy, but these days, I'm not so sure. My business doesn't always seem to coincide with fluctuations in the economy. I have no current plans to change my business thrust, but on the other hand, I'm always on the lookout for something to add to my current repertoire. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-25-2003, 07:58 AM (3 of 7)
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Maybe I worded that wrong. I am not so sure that the economy has a lot to do with how a business thrives. I do know that when my business was slow, I always panicked and tried to figure out what I had done wrong. Come to find out, it is usually a trend that decides how your business does. I know the fabric stores around here (both of them) are very quiet and slow. One is mainly low to medium grade garment fabrics and the other is mostly for quilting and crafts. I think garment sewing is really becoming a lost art. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 11-25-2003, 11:46 AM (4 of 7)
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Mary, you hit that nail directly on the head! You said that garment sewing is becoming a lost art. How right you are. These days, too many people want instant gratification at a cheap price. Unfortunately, they go for the cheap garment, that I, or someone like me, then have to alter, repair or otherwise reconstruct the garment so it is in wearable condition. How much simpler it would be to have a garment made to your fitting needs in the first place. But then, I would probably not be doing so many alterations, which are the backbone of my business. On the other hand, it would increase my business in the custom sewing area! Maybe part of what we need to do is educate our customers on the value of a custom garment. Okay, off my soapbox now. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-25-2003, 12:12 PM (5 of 7)
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Linda, that is so true! How many of us have had a hem come down from that godawful plastic thread they use in the factories. I hate that stuff. Good workmanship has gone by the wayside so that poor fit and low quality fabrics can be center stage. Ok, I'm done too. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Magot
Date: 11-26-2003, 01:17 AM (6 of 7)
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We were all taught garment sewing at school, no place for it now so it's up to us to pass it on! I am so grateful to the dragon lady who taught me so many good habits..
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: MaryW
Date: 11-26-2003, 10:12 AM (7 of 7)
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Well, as someone said on another list, it is easy to go out and buy RTW. You are correct when you say people should be educated to the value of a well made garment. I point out the differences all the time to my daughters. They get mad when I go into a store and examine the hems or seam finishes. But, at the same time they will tell me there is nothing in the stores that resembles what I make them. I think we will start a new topic on General Sewing for this. Not really a business topic. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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