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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
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From: MaryW
Date: 08-17-2005, 11:34 AM (1 of 10)
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For those of you who sell your product or have a business, what are your goals for the fall/winter season of 2005/6. Anything is better than going around in circles.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: TupJane
Date: 08-17-2005, 04:46 PM (2 of 10)
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My goal for the fall is to develop my business clientele....to that end I plan to participate in several craft shows (whether I sell anything or not is unimportant - just want to get my name out). Last fall I handed out a flyer about my sewing business while I was representing a direct sales company. My initial customers came from that exposure. I plan to display my workmanship and to have saleable samples. I'm thinking of making up Mother/Daughter apron sets that can be given as Christmas gifts. Any other suggestions anyone? I plan to do a mail-out to past customers of the direct selling company that I used to represent. I'll be including a special offer such as one free hem with two paid. The last time I tried that I got a lot of business but only one person met the qualifications for the free hem! I have recently started sharing my business card with folks in related businesses such as screenprinting, embroidery, hairdressers, office workers, teachers.....anything that relates to women. Jane
See Jane Sew |
User: TupJane
Member since: 02-04-2005 Total posts: 55 
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From: MaryW
Date: 08-17-2005, 05:46 PM (3 of 10)
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Good for you Jane. You have an excellent handle on networking. I always thought the Welcome Wagon basket was a good vehicle for business cards, small gifts, etc. Charity events are yet another way to give your company exposure.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: jenny-o
Date: 09-03-2005, 02:16 AM (4 of 10)
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This is really hard! I know I want to earn money sewing from home and it can only be very very part time as I have two daughters (four and one year old) with me all day. I'd like to write up a business plan... this is where I always end up - doing loads and loads of research (sketches and ideas of items to make, longarm machine?, pricing/marketing/packaging, how to sell on ebay...). I don't know what is stopping me from getting going. I did some sewing for a children's store a few months ago where I made teddy bears, dresses, and pillows of all sorts. It started out great but the owner had some serious health problems and decided to close up and I haven't done anything since. I guess my goal will have to be to really do some sewing to sell and not just think about it. I drive my husband crazy because I tell him of my ideas and then never do them. My plans are too big, I need to make small concrete goals. Anyone else with this problem????? Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-04-2005, 10:12 AM (5 of 10)
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Everyone has problems, things that stop them in their tracks. You have your ultimate goals to work towards. That is good. Now write down every step you will have to take to achieve those goals. You have to have those big goals, and all the little goals to get you going. For instance, your goal for today could be to buy a journal and write down what you want to do business wise. Then, start a list of steps it will take to get there. This list will be revised time and time again. As you reach one goal, you will set yourself another one. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: jenny-o
Date: 09-04-2005, 01:07 PM (6 of 10)
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Ok you are right. I have a book right here just waiting for me to write in. I like to be able to cross things off "to do" lists, and if I can start off getting one thing off it every day that relates to my sewing business I'd be pretty happy. I'd like to know if there are moms who sew/work at home with small children how they manage it. I don't have family in town so free babysitting is out. I wouldn't expect to be able to do more than an hour a day. I thought I could do it in the evenings after my kids went to bed but I found that by the end of the day I just wanted to relax and have a minute to myself and have an adult conversation with my husband. (is there somewhere I can find out what all the "OMG" "DD" etc etc stand for? some are obvious but I am not up on the computer language at all!) thanks, Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-05-2005, 07:21 AM (7 of 10)
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Baby steps Jen, just baby steps. OMG is oh my gosh. DD is dear daughter. Small kids make it difficult to concentrate on something or sew. You are correct to spend time with your husband. He and you both need the contact. Look after yourself so that you can build your business. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 09-05-2005, 08:55 AM (8 of 10)
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Jen, I only sew for my enjoyment and mostly I like to make quilts. I do have the good fortune of having a separate room for my sewing room. I have found that when I am working on a project, if I have everything ready to sew, e.g. quilt blocks cut and stacked, machine threaded, ironing board and iron ready and I just have to turn the machine on and start to sew that I can get a lot done in 10-15 minutes. If I waited for a large block of time (1 hour) then it would take me forever to get something sewn. Don't know if you do this already or whether have the possibility of having things set-up and ready to go, but this is one way I have found to get things done. Good luck to you. TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: jenny-o
Date: 09-05-2005, 05:00 PM (9 of 10)
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HeyJudee, One of my problems is that I don't have a separate sewing room, I am doing it in the dining room. I have everything in a huge cabinet in my daughter's bedroom except my machines which I keep in the dining room. I can keep it set up somewhat during the day but we do use the table every meal (and drawing and painting and playdough...). Eventually, if I am making money from sewing, I could afford to take over our basement instead of renting it out. It would be nice to have the space right away and so so so much more convenient but I have to make sure I can really pull this off. Too much pressure otherwise! Anyway, I guess there is no reason not to try setting up in the morning and getting in four 15 minute sessions or whatever I can for now. I've been writing up my plan and getting very excited. thanks, Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-05-2005, 08:35 PM (10 of 10)
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Jen, it is so tough with the little ones. I remember my mother working for profit with me at her heels, and at times it was frustrating for both of us. I sew for pleasure, but have some ideas to share that have helped us. 1) A nearby friend with small kids could swap child care with you--even a 2 hour chunk without interruptions once a week is better than none at all yet. I find that even when it is my turn to take my friends' kids, it's easy as pie b/c the kids are entertaining each other, and I could lay out a pattern and cut some fabric to prep for my next concentrated time block of sewing. 2) Do you think you could keep your eyes open for a garage sale and pick up a small table that could fit into a corner in the room where the kids play most? You could contain the items you are working with currently in a bin underneath and the machine you're going to use for it on top. I find that I can supervise while I sew if I sew where they are amused. They play happily with their stuff, and I play happily with mine! That way at least one open project can rest undisturbed and ready to go at the drop of a hat. 3) I too tend to sew less in the evening, even though it's my best opportunity, b/c I really do want time w/ my husband. But there are some nights that we spend apart. (think poker night, or go workout with your best guy friend while I sew night....) Those are very productive nights. Maybe twice a month you can plan on one evening to spend seperately to help get things moving. It's no small feat, and you're likely to find this business take off when they get to school! I think with some creative tweaking, you'll be able to get a nice foundation started now. Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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