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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: MonicaMcElroy
Date: 12-28-2003, 08:43 PM (1 of 4)
| Hi. I'm new to this site and enjoying reading all the posts. I'm wondering if any of you have your own 'sewing business' and if so, how did you get started? Where/how did you advertise? I've been sewing for myself for about 16 yrs. and now that i've become a stay-at-home mom, I was wanting to capitalize on my talent. So, can you help? Thanks, MM |
User: MonicaMcElroy
Member since: 12-28-2003 Total posts: 13 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 12-28-2003, 09:06 PM (2 of 4)
|
I got started by doing patching and mending. Both My husband and son work in the oil patch and I use to do alot of mending and patching on their jeans, coveralls, ect and thought likely other guys likely need it done as well. Put up some adds around town and in the laundromat and added shortening of pants and it just kind of took off from there. Was kind of worried about strangers coming to the house,but so far so good. Even picked up an ironing job (not that I really wanted one ) but being as it was a one time shot I did it and she is one of my oldest customers now. Things just progressed and ladies started being me alterations. If I feel I can't do it justice I will turn it down. Some stores need to have names of people that do alterations as well. . |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-29-2003, 09:16 AM (3 of 4)
Hi Monica, welcome to Sew Whats New.  You will find lots of people in the business in Sewing/Quilting As Your Business forum. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: MartySews
Date: 12-31-2003, 07:09 PM (4 of 4)
Hi! After retiring 2 1/2 years ago, I had the courage to start my own business and it took off with most people wanting bridal or formal wear. I closed it this year because of health and now focus my talents on community service and sewing for myself and family. I still have 3 customers that I keep in career clothing. I recommend that you decide what type of sewing you want to do; check out what is being offered in your community; read a few books like Kathleen Spike's "Sew to Success" or Barbara Wright Sykes' books "The Business of Sewing" and "Pricing Without Fear". There are others too that can probably be found at your local library. Advertising was easy as I just posted an index card at Hancock Fabrics (they have a board for this) and one at my church. Within 1 week, I had more business than I could handle. The beauty of working for yourself is that one can pick and choose projects. I always met in the customer's home so my family's routine was not interrupted. Be sure that your family treats it as a business and you have adequate storage space. Use an answering machine to answer the phone for you. A plus for me was that I would finish one project before taking on another. That worked for me and my schedule plus space. Go for it and have a lot of fun. Belonging to a professional group like PACC or the ASG helped because I could network with others who had similar concerns and it helped to have back-up in case of illness or family emergency. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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