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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: toadusew
Date: 05-03-2005, 06:15 PM (1 of 7)
I was just wondering if anybody has ever sewn sample garments for fabric stores--chain or independent--and if so, what was your experience?
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005
Total posts: 369
From: Mom of Six
Date: 05-03-2005, 07:37 PM (2 of 7)
I only did it when I was working there. It was great we got everything 1/2 price. If it was something specific ( they chose the pattern & fabric) we got it free. That was 20+ yrs. ago. Now I hear that most displays are sent to them ready made & every store has exactly the same. Sounds boring to me but when I worked at Jo Anns you had to know how to sew to get a job there. The other day I was there & the cashier said she would like to learn but has never sewn anything.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!!
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001
Total posts: 1115
From: SummersEchos
Date: 05-03-2005, 09:20 PM (3 of 7)
JoAnn's hires a company to do the models you see in the stores. But......most of the JoAnn's do not have displays anymore. If you have a superstore around you, many times they are looking for people to teach and they may help you out. You might want to write the pattern companies and see if they are hiring. They do the displays, pick out the pattern and the material.
Hope this helps somewhat.
Summer
Summer

FREE FALLIN
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004
Total posts: 884
From: smith972
Date: 05-03-2005, 10:00 PM (4 of 7)
The reason i stopped shopping at my local Joanns was because no one there knew how to sew...it was fustrating (sp?) when i tried to get help with something i was not familur with.

Jada
User: smith972
Member since: 09-10-2004
Total posts: 241
From: Chrysantha
Date: 05-03-2005, 11:17 PM (5 of 7)
The 'chain' stores here in FL don't have samples....our local quilt/sewing/embroidery shops DO have samples....they do their own, in house or I have been asked on occasion to let them hang mine, for awhile.
(no money changes hands, but I do get a discount on fabric)
Chrys
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002
Total posts: 2414
From: MaryW
Date: 05-04-2005, 08:12 AM (6 of 7)
I sewed for our local fabric store and made up kid outfits. Pants, shirts, hats, etc. The fabric was really cute and it sold out fast. But, I think it would have anyway, outfits on display or not.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: toadusew
Date: 05-04-2005, 09:54 AM (7 of 7)
Mary, did you get paid for sewing for the store?

Thanks for the suggestion about writing the pattern companies, Summer. I just might do that. :smile: I wondered if they ever hired pattern testers, but if might also hire one to sew sample garments for stores, that might be an option, too. My youngest daughter is going to college in the fall and even though I can stay busy sewing for family, I'd like to be able to make a little extra money doing something I love. :bg:

I used to teach beginning sewing out of my home and was sort of Hancock's unofficial official teacher, but that is no longer the case. Hobby Lobby is close to me and I'm getting to know their fabric section quite well :bluewink: so that might be an option also. However, in my area, I don't think there is a lot of interest in learning to sew.
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005
Total posts: 369
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