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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 09-21-2004, 06:50 AM (1 of 8)
| Has anyone out there in cyberspace taught sewing classes from your home? What are the pro and cons of it? How do you set your prices,what you start out teaching, time allowed, class size and how many classes? Did you really see any kind of profit from doing it, or was it more for the fun of teaching it? |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-21-2004, 03:07 PM (2 of 8)
|
The biggest concern I have heard people talk about is insurance. In case someone slips on your walkway in the winter or other type of accident.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: Sewhappie
Date: 09-21-2004, 07:50 PM (3 of 8)
| good point Mary. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Melanie T
Date: 09-22-2004, 05:28 PM (4 of 8)
|
I teach at home and have really enjoyed it. It is more to support my sewing habit than for profit. Last year I spent $1200 on sewing stuff, machines material etc. and took in $900 on lessons. I also have one student who lives on an organic vegetable farm. She pays me with a huge box of organic vegetables each week. The lessons cut down on my grocery bill and really help pay for my fabric addiction. It would be much more profitable if I had more students, more time and was able to charge more. I have three small boys and charge according to the fact that I may have to change a dirty diaper during a lesson. The lessons keep me sane and I enjoy my students. I make up my own program - geared to the students intrest and abilities loosely based on the "Learn to Sew" book that Nancy Zeiman wrote with and for the 4-H program. There are some programs out there that are prepackaged and pricy, but I found this served my needs just as well or better. Melanie
4 little sewing machine mechanics (6, 4, 2, Born June 14) Ontario Canada |
User: Melanie T
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 155 |
From: MartySews
Date: 09-22-2004, 05:32 PM (5 of 8)
|
I would suggest that you discuss this with your family attorney so that unforeseen problems can be addressed. With our society being quick to sue someone over the most mundane things, having a contract with the students would be in your best interest. Also, be sure that your family understands that this is employment and not a hobby for you. It wouldn't do for one of your children to interrupt you in the middle of a lesson for their crisis of the moment. I would recommend finding a neutral spot to give lessons (like a church or public building). Your local library may have a meeting room and would allow you to use it for lessons. Just some things to think about. Happy Stitching~ Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
|
User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
|
From: MaryW
Date: 09-28-2004, 10:15 AM (6 of 8)
|
Lots to think about. If it were me, I would take it very slowly, step by step and always be prepared for the unforseen. Yeah, I know. That is no help at all. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: MaryW
Date: 09-29-2004, 08:38 AM (7 of 8)
|
I've also heard some teachers prefer to supply the machines the students learn on. That way, if something goes wrong they can easily solve the problem. The student owned machines would be a whole new learning experience that takes valuable time away from the lesson.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: Debzy
Date: 09-29-2004, 08:54 AM (8 of 8)
|
I've also heard some teachers prefer to supply the machines the students learn on. That way, if something goes wrong they can easily solve the problem. The student owned machines would be a whole new learning experience that takes valuable time away from the lesson. that's an interesting point, mary. however, if the students were beginners, maybe it would be better for them to learn on their own machines? it would help them to get familiar with threading, tensions, controlling speed etc etc or maybe it could be an option - for example, charge extra if the student wishes to 'hire' a machine from the tutor (to cover servicing/repairs) |
User: Debzy
Member since: 06-02-2003 Total posts: 71 |
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