Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 11-30-2004, 10:25 AM (1 of 24)
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Hey everyone. This past year has certainly been one of ups and downs for Sew Whats New. No matter, we will push on with new ideas for 2005. What do you have in mind for your business. Any changes or new avenues you want to explore. Any new courses you want to take? Let's exchange ideas and provoke some chatter about drumming up new 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: 11-30-2004, 11:28 AM (2 of 24)
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First off, I want to increase my business to make it more lucrative. Who doesn't? My local sewing association launched a "Sewing Referral Guide" a little over a year ago. Members of my association may be listed in the Guide under various categories (alterations, custom sewing, and so forth). We have sponsors to help defray the cost of printing the guide. Each person listed is charged a small fee to be included in the Guide. This has proven to be the BEST advertising we have done so far. All of us who are listed in the Guide have increased our business. We are now on our third updated version and will have another version coming out in March of 2005 (we update every six months). We intend to keep this going for a long time to come. If you would like to see a paper copy, I would be happy to share. Please email me at <email address removed for privacy> for details on how to obtain a copy. Can you tell that I am very proud of our Guide? On several lists and forums on the Internet, a lovely lady from the UK started a piece about "What to know before you choose a seamstress". I believe she intends for this to go on her website. Many people have given their ideas on how to improve the original draft and how to keep it short and to the point. I have hopes of taking those ideas that are pertinent to our local situation and giving them to members of my association to hand out to potential customers. We are also looking at doing more networking. We are adding people who work on weddings, but who do not necessarily sew -- such as florists, caterers, and so forth. We can refer people to them and they can refer people to us. I think this will help all of us realize more business. And, as always, members of my association (and me, too) are looking at ways to upgrade our sewing skills and business to increase our business. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-30-2004, 11:43 AM (3 of 24)
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I can attest to Linda's referral guide. She sent me one and it's a heck of an idea. The guide to a seamstress is good too. Networking is key in this world. Working for various charities can also get your name out there. We have a florist here that sponsors Kids for Breakfast in the local public school. If it weren't for her, a lot of kids would be starting their day hungry. In Halifax they have the big social events with an auction at the end of the evening. If someone donates a small wall quilt for instance, it is auctioned off to the highest bidder. Your business is recognized by important people and money is donated to a charity. 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: 11-30-2004, 12:00 PM (4 of 24)
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Mary, Donating an item for auction at a local charity is a SUPER idea! Now, why didn't I think of that?! I think my local group of sewing professionals will pursue this possibility. And thank you for your kind words about our Sewing Referral Guide. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-01-2004, 08:49 AM (5 of 24)
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Who else has any goals for 2005. I have lots but some are much more realistic than others. It's good to have lots of short term goals with a few long term goals to keep you pointed in the right direction. Sometimes we have to adjust our goals. That's fine. But have a goal, otherwise we are running around willy nilly accomplishing nothing. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: vmyrick
Date: 12-18-2004, 10:35 PM (6 of 24)
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I plan on sewing a new line of clothing with this pattern software I just recently purchased. I'm also anticipating joining a group to become more proficient in my sewing business. And last but not least I plan to finish my dressmaking & design class in the next couple of months. vmyrick |
User: vmyrick
Member since: 10-18-2004 Total posts: 6 |
From: AllThumz
Date: 01-15-2005, 07:57 AM (7 of 24)
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I was thinking of sewing "items" to sell instead of alterations/custom sewing; but, after reading posts on this site, I have learned that cannot be done unless express permission is obtained by pattern & fabric companies. Too big for little me! I have done alterations, (yuk) and am not that skilled in custom work; I am a home sewer who only dabbled in alterations at a store some years ago. I am seeking to sharpen skills. I have a sick Mom (not at home, but in a nursing home) and kids at home. I need to be available. Any advise for me? I sew basic clothes, curtains, dresses, etc., but, am afraid someone will bring me some major pattern I may not be able to do. I love sewing; and wonder how I might begin a little business while I try to learn more skills. Thanks! May God Bless you!
Adrienne Pray, sing, sew and drink only the most excellent coffee! |
User: AllThumz
Member since: 01-14-2005 Total posts: 22 
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From: Serenity
Date: 01-15-2005, 10:57 AM (8 of 24)
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Allthumz, You would be surprised at how many "small pattern makers" are more than willing to give you permission via a letter or word of mouth. Martha Pullen is a prime example. But there are others available too. I attended a week long seminar in Huntsville ( Martha Pullens School of Art Fashion) for a class about 2 years ago. I have kept in touch with them ever since. (Fantastic lady) She orally gave her permission (as she does at ever seminar ) for anyone who purchases her patterns, books etc, are welcome to make them for resale. She has a free catalog of sewing supplies, patterns and fabrics that she can send showing the many patterns that she carries from her own design as well as a few others she can put you in contact with. She sells retail as well as wholesale providing you have a resale # for your business. As some of you know Martha does a lot of heirloon sewing. But I have also used many of her patterns and adapted them for regular everday wear. Everything does not have to be lacy. Her book Jack and Jill big book comes with a pattern FILLED to the brim of assosrted outfits. Check it out wou will be very glad you did. Happy Sewing Serenity (threads_40) "The struggle is not greater than the goal". Be blessed. Stay encouraged.
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User: Serenity
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 85 
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From: Serenity
Date: 01-15-2005, 11:16 AM (9 of 24)
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I have made many changes in my sewing business in the last year. I still teach when I can, limited to usually twice a year at he academy here in St. Johnsbury). My business has gone more to small manufacturing. I have several labels that I manufacture for. Winter wear has been a huge hit. Everything from hats,mittens and scarves to baby bunting, embridered blankets, to ear warmers and all over face protectors. I added reverseable aprons, normally different themes, and now I can not make enough of them. I told my sister in North Dakota and now she makes them and sells them for even more than I do! They are one of a kind and people love them because of the full coverage. For 2005 I have been considering flannel loungewear/playwear for children. I have to be very careful, because they can not be named pajamas. They must be carefully labeled and they must "warn" the public they are not intended for childrens sleepwear. I sold quite a few over the holidays. The demand is very great here because I was told by several customers they did not carry sizes 4, 5,6 -10 in the large retail store.  So I am busy purchasing and designing, drafting a few pictures since I am not at home yet. Whatever I do I definetly learned you have to find a niche. So far winter wear and loungewear/playwear are a big hit. I did very well with them last year and the season is not over yet. I start in April for the new season and sew 5-6 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm (sometimes even later). I am really enjoying my manufacturing business. I learned a lot at the factory last year. Best decision I ever could of made. I wanted to learn the ins and outs of the manufacturing business and I did. I cut out everything in my studio's cutting room in 1 or 2 days. Cutting is definetly the longest part of the order. Sometimes 100 to 200 pieces. That is a lot of cutting. But once it is done I sew happily along for days. Happy Sewing in 2005 Serenity (threads_40) I have added many machines to my business last year for this year. I work with tons of fleece, wool, cotton and now flannel. "The struggle is not greater than the goal". Be blessed. Stay encouraged.
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User: Serenity
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 85
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From: MaryW
Date: 01-15-2005, 11:30 AM (10 of 24)
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Serenity, you must have people working for you I take it?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: AllThumz
Date: 01-16-2005, 11:19 AM (11 of 24)
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[QUOTE=Serenity]Allthumz, You would be surprised at how many "small pattern makers" are more than willing to give you permission via a letter or word of mouth. Martha Pullen is a prime example. But there are others available too. Dear Serenity, Wow! Thank you for the suggestion! Will try to locate her via internet; I am open to any other names anyone could "drop"! AllThumz May God Bless you!
Adrienne Pray, sing, sew and drink only the most excellent coffee! |
User: AllThumz
Member since: 01-14-2005 Total posts: 22
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From: shirleyp
Date: 01-16-2005, 02:32 PM (12 of 24)
| I have been designing some fabric the last 2 yrs, even got copyrights on them, but found out in order to secure my designs I need to do the same in the states since that is where the bulk of the manufactures are. My problem is I live far from any manufactures and I don't know how to get my designs out. If anyone can give me some suggestions I would be extremely grateful. |
User: shirleyp
Member since: 02-12-2002 Total posts: 352 
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From: Serenity
Date: 01-16-2005, 04:36 PM (13 of 24)
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Mary....Nope...not anymore. It was an experience to last a lifetime. After a local sewing manufacturing closed...I figured...this will be a great time for me to hire some help. Well no one would come in n time.(2-3 hours late) oh it is out of her home and it's just Arub and she is so easy going and she will understand if I sleep late today..  ..Welll ....I was upset and I did mind. I watched these people come to work evryday at the factory. But not for me. One girl would come on ...let's say Tuesday and show up again on Friday.  I started with 4 and ended up with 2.SOOOO......I cut my work load to what I could do and that is my advice to anyone who wants to start manufacturing. Always be able to do the work yourself. When and if you get to big for the home or for one person, rent a place or go to an employment service. Even then you really have to be careful. Your business is your business and with manufacturing if you do not get the work out YOU DON'T GET PAID! Ask Me HOW I KNOW??? DEADLINES MUST BE MET! Sometimes I work from 5 am to 10 pm. I start cutting on Monday. I sew Wednessday-Saturday. I draft on Sunday. Busy Busy am I. But I love it and the freedom of working for myself is what I really love. It also helps to have my husband in charge of all the vending. He gets laid off every year for the winter and works full time vending and making sales calls for me. So I just sew and sew...  Serenity(threads_40) "The struggle is not greater than the goal". Be blessed. Stay encouraged.
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User: Serenity
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 85
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From: MaryW
Date: 01-18-2005, 10:08 AM (14 of 24)
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Shirley, are your fabric designs for quilting?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: shirleyp
Date: 01-18-2005, 12:31 PM (15 of 24)
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Mary, Yes they are for quilting but also for home decorating craft. |
User: shirleyp
Member since: 02-12-2002 Total posts: 352
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From: MaryW
Date: 01-18-2005, 12:43 PM (16 of 24)
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Shirley, please check your private messages.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: kitty-boo
Date: 01-18-2005, 03:38 PM (17 of 24)
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Ive been wanting to start some kind of sewing buisness ever since I started sewing (a few years ago) Im not quite skilled enough in any one area to specialize yet, and I love so many different things. I love the old fashioned. I love costumes and also recently discovered the beauty of heirloom sewing. I want to learn dressmaking to alter any pattern I wish, or to design my own whimsical old-fashioned garment. Being Muslim, modest clothing is also a goal. I though I could start with making petticoats and pantaloons to wear under skirts and dresses and then perhaps move on to creating undergarments reminiscent of different eras as my sewing improves. Since I will be studying heirloom sewing, I could add some nice touches. A far away dream could involve sewing for old fashioned weddings. (I live on the outskirts of an affluent area, dont know if people are interested in that kind of thing though) But the thing that has landed in my lap most recently is teaching kids sewing. Being a certified teacher, it makes a heck of alot of sense, and I LOVE it. I thought as this grows(hopefully) I could offer other old-fashioned arts such as knitting, crochet, hand embroidery, and quilting. I could have something old-fashined-ish in the name of my school and I could wear costumes from different eras when I teach! Do I sound totally out there? I get excited at night and cant sleep from thinking about it! Im definitely interested in any comments anyone has. Thanks! Kitty-boo |
User: kitty-boo
Member since: 12-25-2004 Total posts: 4 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-18-2005, 06:04 PM (18 of 24)
Kitty-boo, hi and welcome to Sew Whats New.  The trick to it all is finding your niche if you want to sell lessons, product, you name it. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Serenity
Date: 01-18-2005, 11:53 PM (19 of 24)
ASA Kitty-Boo,  Glad to have you on the boards and a big welcome to you, Serenity "The struggle is not greater than the goal". Be blessed. Stay encouraged.
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User: Serenity
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 85
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From: momto7
Date: 01-22-2005, 03:34 AM (20 of 24)
| I have a sewing business and I am really glad to see there are a lot of us doing this. I have been sewing for a few years and I have also started doing alterations. I want to know if anyone has filed taxes on their home business I have filed this year and filed 2 years together. I just started doing craft shows in October and did 7 before Christmas.I hope to get more shows this year. |
User: momto7
Member since: 09-02-2004 Total posts: 16 |
From: AllThumz
Date: 01-27-2005, 08:01 AM (21 of 24)
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Serenity - I am intrigued by your manufacturing business! How long have you been doing this? Are you now working out of your home? I would like to learn more about it - could you give me any input or places/books to investigate? It sounds like something I really would like to do, as opposed to fitting people and cutom sewing for people. Any info you could share would be most appreciated! Thanks! May God Bless you!
Adrienne Pray, sing, sew and drink only the most excellent coffee! |
User: AllThumz
Member since: 01-14-2005 Total posts: 22
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From: ksnative
Date: 01-27-2005, 11:24 AM (22 of 24)
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I just got a new computer -- a brand new model with a lot of "bells and whistles" on it. So, my immediate goals are related to learning the new puter. First I want to spiff up my promotional materials (biz cards, letterhead, postcards, etc.) and my portfolio. Have a good start on that. Can't believe I was actually sending out the old stuff -- it looks pretty bad in comparison to what I can do now. I also want to experiment with photo transfer as well as come up with a better looking label for the back of my work. Other than that it's the same old, same old. Putting together packets to send out to gallery owners and looking for exibitions I might qualify for. Every year Bob and I say we're going to take our business class on the road but...so far that hasn't happened. |
User: ksnative
Member since: 01-24-2005 Total posts: 8 |
From: crazy4quilting
Date: 02-16-2005, 12:36 PM (23 of 24)
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Hi Serenity, If you don't mind me asking, what is the average range you receive per clothing item? I know it would probably also depend on size (children's vs adults) and the complexity of the pattern/item being sewn. After reading your posts, I was curious to see if it is indeed lucrative enough to look into. I love the idea of working from home, and recently started a weekend part-time business that I'm trying to nurture. I also do the 9-5 routine as well, which is my real bread & butter. Also, are there special fabrics you have to use, etc? If so, does the Company you sew for front the cost of the material or is that something you do up front and charge off in the end? Do you have any contacts for us other hopefuls that might be interested in pursuing this line of work at home? Sorry for the million-and-one questions, but was curious how one might get started with this kind of business? Thanks, Libby A Girl Can Never Have Too Much Fabric!
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User: crazy4quilting
Member since: 03-14-2002 Total posts: 51 
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From: Martha
Date: 02-21-2005, 08:48 PM (24 of 24)
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Mary - We just celebrated our 10th year (in this location) open house. We had door prizes, which included a few gift certificates, a silk pillow, plus a few other items. One of our customers that we have already done some rooms for won a GC, the other was won by a "newcomer", so that was well worth it. Also, contributing to school auctions, church bazaars, and other fund raisers are good ways to increase your business and sales. The one thing I am going to try to build up more is the photo pillows we do. Being in a tourist town, we "invented" one that says "Vacation Memories" and the date embroidered on, with a photo printed on fabric. I've been trying to get the website up for this that links from our main website, just looking for the time to do it! LOL For those that have websites for their business, it's also a good idea to list them through your local chamber or other type if you have that service. We have received so many orders through the website and once you do one, it just keeps mushrooming, and more will follow. Hope everyone has a great, productive year! Martha www.mar-csinteriors.com Martha
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User: Martha
Member since: 12-30-2000 Total posts: 44 |
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