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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: MaryW
Date: 12-22-2003, 11:41 AM (1 of 20)
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What do you think 2004 has in store for us all? What goals do you have for your business? You do have goals don't you? If not, you should. It keeps you moving forward instead of getting too comfy and sedate. How was this year for you, did you expand or build up your business at all? 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: 12-22-2003, 12:20 PM (2 of 20)
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My goal for 2004 is more along the lines of "getting the word out". Many people in our area need someone to sew for them, but have no idea who does this kind of work. In January of 2000 several local professional sewists founded a local professional sewing association. I was one of them! We meet once a month to share sewing and business tips and for friendship. We recommend clients to each other and call upon one another when a dilemma arises. We have also launched a local Sewing Referral Guide listing our members and their sewing categories. We update every six months. So my main goal is to make our professional sewing association more viable, and to keep copies of the Sewing Referral Guide updated and out in the community. So far the Referral Guide has brought in a "ton" of new business for all our members. No one seems to advertise locally, so this Guide really seems to fill a need. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-22-2003, 01:30 PM (3 of 20)
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Linda, if your assoc. does indeed bring loads of work for everyone, then that is a totally wonderful idea. Do you charge for a membership or advertising?
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: 12-23-2003, 10:39 AM (4 of 20)
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Yes, we do charge for membership -- but it's a very nominal fee: $7.50 to join and $7.50 for dues each year. These dues are to cover costs of mailing and record keeping. No one is making any kind of profit from the dues or fees. We are strictly non-profit in that respect. The first two years we were in existence, we didn't charge anyone anything. But I was paying for all mailing and record keeping costs out of my own pocket, and our members didn't think that was fair. We also charge to be listed in the Sewing Referral Guide and only current members of our association may be listed. These charges are simply to cover the costs of printing. We all volunteer to distribute the Guides to various stores in the community. We now charge $4.00 per listing, and a person can have as many listings as necessary to accommodate the various elements of his/her business. For instance, I am listed three times: for alterations, for custom dressmaking and for sewing instruction. I have already made back several times over the $12.00 I spent personally to be in the Guide. The amount for dues and the amount charged to be in the Guide will go up at some point in the future, but for the moment we are trying to keep everything very reasonable for everyone. Some of our members have VERY SMALL businesses and higher fees at this time just doesn't make sense for them. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-23-2003, 12:09 PM (5 of 20)
That is a wonderful service you are providing those people.
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: 12-24-2003, 10:31 AM (6 of 20)
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Thank you for your kind words! If anyone out there would like more detailed information on how to start a local professional sewing association or on how to start a Sewing Referral Guide in their community, I would be very pleased to help, give advice or otherwise be of service. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-24-2003, 02:53 PM (7 of 20)
Oh Linda,  I will be picking your brain next week. LOL.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: kylefty
Date: 12-26-2003, 09:04 PM (8 of 20)
| I have a goal for 2004 and that is to just get started. I've been doing some reading, thinking, taking notes, ect. It's scary but I finally got the nerve to mention to some co-workers what I wanted to do. Surprisingly I got positive encouragement. I don't really know where I will start but it will be somewhere. |
User: kylefty
Member since: 01-02-2003 Total posts: 33 |
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 12-27-2003, 11:59 AM (9 of 20)
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I think you have already started! Just getting your name out there is always a step in the right direction. You didn't mention what your specialty will be or if you will even have one. Sometimes you have to kind of feel your way along to develop a specialty. Some of us have one, others don't. Please keep us posted on what you decide. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: kylefty
Date: 12-29-2003, 07:49 AM (10 of 20)
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I don't really have a specialty that's why I don't know where to start. I was thinking along the lines of baby quilts and just learning new skills and such until I found my niche. I used to sew for the kids and still do for the grandkids but custom sewing terrifies me. I guess I'm more of a crafty sewing person, making make repairs or somthing. It will be an adventure, that's for sure. Linda, what is your specialty? What are other specialties of fellow sewers out there? |
User: kylefty
Member since: 01-02-2003 Total posts: 33 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-29-2003, 09:19 AM (11 of 20)
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When I was "in the business" I made custom kids wear and did some baby quilts. I put the quilts together with bibs and receiving blankets for a matching set. They were popular for baby showers and with grandmas who didn't sew and had grandkids on the way.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MonicaMcElroy
Date: 12-29-2003, 10:36 AM (12 of 20)
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Thank you Mary for directing me to this forum. My goal for 2004 is to get my portfolio in order and try to sell to the local clothing businesses here in town. I will be specializing in children's clothes (heirloom, etc.). Thank again, MM
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User: MonicaMcElroy
Member since: 12-28-2003 Total posts: 13 |
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 12-29-2003, 01:26 PM (13 of 20)
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Sounds to me as if your specialty, if you choose one, might be in custom baby quilts or home decor. You might do as Mary did, in adding the bibs, etc., to make a nice set for gift giving. My specialties are alterations. custom dressmaking and teaching (one-on-one instruction). I ended up with those specialties because they are best for me. I used to do some home decor, but simply don't have enough space for many of the larger projects. I also used to do bridal parties (but not weding gowns). I have pretty much given that up as well because it's too much of a hassle dealing with Bridezillas. I also don't do leather because I don't have the right equipment. Luckily, in our city there are others who specialize in areas that I don't so I always have someone to refer potential clients to. I started out doing anything anyone asked of me, some with good results and others with not so good results. I've setttled on these three specialties after fourteen years in the business. LOTS of trial and error there! |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-29-2003, 02:51 PM (14 of 20)
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Bridezillas! I love that. I did a wedding once, all black and white.  Custom garment sewing is ok, but I found everyone said they were a size 10. Well, maybe they were once but time put on quite a few pounds and it was a huge hassle. Not only that, but the customers were hard to contact sometimes once their invoice was due. Sound familiar? MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Helen Weiss
Date: 12-29-2003, 04:44 PM (15 of 20)
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I made the very large move this past year to work half time in my regular job, leaving me half a work week to run my sewing business. The previous 2 years were busy indeed, because I worked full time and sewed at night. My clientel is large enough now to support me half time. My specialties are alterations and repairs. This year I plan to do more "Real world marketing", meaning I will put my clients on a data base, do mailouts, and give incentive referral discounts. I have recently connected with a high end ladies wear retail outlet, and am doing their alterations. I hope to be able to showcase my work through this contact - so far it has worked!! My other goal is to keep abreast of postings to this site. I have to say, I have picked up some most useful tips, and generally love the commradery (SP?) of fellow sewers. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to post, and may all of your New Year wishes come true! Sincerely. Helen sewhappy
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User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 69 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 12-30-2003, 01:40 AM (16 of 20)
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Wow Mary, thanks for starting this thread and jumpstarting my brain.....I'm in need of goals, or finalizing goals, myself. I want to do something with embroidery, as I love my machine, but my main love is quilting and decorating baby rooms. I do NOT want to do custom work. There is probably more money in it, but I think maybe more headaches too? I also want to create and digitize my own patterns and artwork. I've been in such a rut, stuck in a bad marriage [that I just left, yahoo!!!!!!!] and now it's time to get the gears in my brain moving. I haven't worked in 12 years, and would love to be self-employed, but I know it'll have to be part-time at first! I have a wonderful friend that will handle all my taxes [she's a CPA] so won't have that hassle, at least. I really enjoy reading everyone's goals and about your businesses....you all inspire me! Blessings, Allie "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
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From: kylefty
Date: 12-30-2003, 08:43 AM (17 of 20)
| Thanks for all the great ideas and inspiration. I can't wait to get started. I too have just left a job (I hope). I was working with my father (he just broke his arm so I may not be finished just yet)and have worked with my mother in the past. It's hard to work for family sometimes. I am really looking forward to having "my work", something I enjoy and feel proud of. Thanks again everyone! I just love this site, meeting people of like mind and spirit. |
User: kylefty
Member since: 01-02-2003 Total posts: 33 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-30-2003, 11:38 AM (18 of 20)
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Don't be so eager to leave your job. I know it is not easy working for family. We have had family businesses for years. However, you need to build up your business. A few customers do not equal a business. Anything that is worth working for will not come quickly. Decide on your focus for the business and go from there. I have written a lot on this very subject for the site. Here is some of it. http://www.sew-whats-new.com/startingbiz.shtml Let me know your comments, it is very important to get off on the right foot. 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: 12-30-2003, 12:45 PM (19 of 20)
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Helen, you have the right idea. Giving out a referral bonus is a great idea, and one that I use in my business. I give each client a business card and a note that says something like, "thank you for choosing me to sew for you. Please feel free to pass my card along to friends and relatives." On the back of the busines card I hand write this: "When you return this card you will receive a 5% discount and (current client) will receive a referral bonus." When I do get that card back I honor the discount and also send the referring client a postcard/coupon worth $1.00 off future services. They can use these card/coupons one at a time or save them up and use them all at once. There is no expiration date on them. Mary, the way you get around everyone thinking they're a size 10, is to take mearurements and then label each garment "Size C", for Custom. I have even had to go to the store to get a pattern in the correct size, this when the difference was too great to grade the pattern up. And I never, repeat NEVER, let a finished project out of my studio without complete payment. Doesn't matter to me that they need the garment tonight and don't have the money to pay for it. It doesn't leave my house without payment, PERIOD. Ohhh, I'm a hard nose, aren't I? |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 01-04-2004, 04:08 AM (20 of 20)
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Mary, I LOVE your articles. I need to print them out - everytime I read them, I get something new out of it. Maybe cuz I'm getting old and just can't remember, lol. Allie 
"onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
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