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From: MaryW
Date: 11-03-2004, 08:11 AM (1 of 7)
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I was reminded of this while talking with a good friend of mine the other day. She is a lovely seamstress, knowledgeable and experienced. We were exchanging views on the business of sewing, selling related products, etc. My friend has her own business, selling fabrics and notions. She expressed some doubts as to where she was going with it all and thought maybe it really wasn't her "thing" I shared what I found out when I was in her shoes. We all love to sew/quilt or craft. But, and this is a big but. Just because you love to sew and are knowledgeable about fabric doesn't mean you should be selling the related products. It might not be your love. Selling is an art all onto itself. It takes a certain sort of personality to do it well and be successful. My cohort teaches the odd time as well. That is her true love, inspiring and teaching. That is what she should really be doing. Not selling sewing related products. I have another friend who is a natural at sewing large home dec. projects and upholstery. She wouldn't think of making something for herself. She knows she can cover a couch in less time than most of us would take to decide on the fabric. She knows where her talent lies and sticks to that area. It simply makes her happy. Others may be teaching when really what they are a natural at is talking to the public and telling about the benefits of a certain product. I envy their outgoing personality and willingness to share information with everyone. It is definitely a knack. They get their satisfaction from conveying an idea and convincing others to learn a new technique. I guess my point is, in your gut you know what you do best. This is what gives you the most satisfaction. That is what you should be investing your time and energy into. Life is too short to be spent doing something you really don't relate too and can't be successful at. We have all gone down life's path and tried different things. When you find something you love, indulge yourself, you will be happier and your family will be too. Just a life lesson I learned and thought worth sharing. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: sew here I am
Date: 11-05-2004, 05:01 PM (2 of 7)
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I love alterations, I own a tiny alteration studio where I bask in the task of making things fit. I have learned over the years I prefer alteration over complete garment construction. I have finally stopped making complete garments after my last disappointing experience. A lady came to me to make a wedding dress, something whispered in my ear (don't do this). BUT I did. The dress was to be finished by February. Called the girl for a fitting. Never returned my calls. I am getting frantic because here date is ......A WEEK AWAY....... Finally I call her Mother in a tizzy. "Oh, her Mother says, She changed her date to August. Oh thank you I thought to myself. Need I say in August I had to called again since I had not heard from her. Her Mother says She got married already. What do I do with her half made wedding dress?????????? I informed her she would have to pay for the labor I put in her dress before I would give it to her. It is now November and I still have a half made wedding dress in my studio taking up precious space. Did I mention "tiny" studio???? Where are peoples values She spent a lot of money on all that material. |
User: sew here I am
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 1 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-05-2004, 05:10 PM (3 of 7)
Sew here I am, welcome to Sew Whats New.  She (the bride) doesn't or didn't have any values. Plain and simple. If she did, she never would have forgotten the fabric and you. What did YOU learn from the experience? This is the important question. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: blanken6
Date: 12-08-2004, 03:03 AM (4 of 7)
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Sew here I am - do a basic finish job on the dress, in a standard size and sell it on ebay. That is what I do with jobs that don't pick up. They have to pay half up front and then if they don't pick up after 3 months (it's in my contract with them) I sell it on ebay. I at least get something out of it!
Proverbs 31:10-31
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User: blanken6
Member since: 08-11-2004 Total posts: 41 
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From: paroper
Date: 12-08-2004, 08:09 AM (5 of 7)
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Now THAT's a GOOD idea!!!!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blanken6
Date: 12-10-2004, 03:41 AM (6 of 7)
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Maryw - I had to actually sit on what you said for a while. Besides raising my kids, sewing is the only other thing I really enjoy doing and do well. Doing it for a business just ment I got to do it more and the jobs got to be different (I get paid for this?) My boys and I watch kids at our church a couple times a week for extra cash and to get them out of the house. I am really good at watching kids...I don't enjoy it though. It does make good sense to make sure you enjoy it. Just because you are good at something doesn't mean you should do it. You burn out real quickly ( it's good to have summer's off ). I am glad I have found sewing for something I am good at and actually enjoy doing. I hope most people can find that for themselves. Thanks for saying that, it made me stop and think about how much I really enjoy this.
Proverbs 31:10-31
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User: blanken6
Member since: 08-11-2004 Total posts: 41
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From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 12-10-2004, 08:15 PM (7 of 7)
I can't believe the Bride just left you hanging with all the fabric and a half finished dress.... Makes you wonder what caused the change in dates?? Was it a shot-gun wedding??  I bet it is really frustrating that you spent the time you did on the dress only to be left with it. Did her Mom say anything about the dress? or the money she owed you?? And we wonder what is happening to society!?!  mgf 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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