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: Libby
Date: 09-07-2005, 02:44 AM (1 of 30)
I had a very busy alterations business for 2 1/2 yrs. The building owners of the shop space that I rented made me move out . They were remodeling the building and going to use the space for themselves. That was 4 yrs ago. This spring I had an opportunity to re-open my business and I did so in May. However, this time I am not getting any customers! I never dreamed that would happen. I was always swamped with work before. There are no other alterations businesses in the area, which is a small rural community. I have had ads in the paper, posters up around town, the current landloard is a hairstylist and she has been spreading the word too. Last month I had 2 customers. I am into month #5 now and cannot continue to pay rent and such with no money coming in. I am looking at closing at the end of the month. Does anyone have any ideas or comments to share? I hate to give up but I can't keep throwing money away either. 
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User: Libby
Member since: 09-07-2005 Total posts: 6 
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From: Catalina
Date: 09-07-2005, 06:58 AM (2 of 30)
| Libby sorry to hear about your lack of customers. I know its been 4 years but have you sent out letters to your old customers letting them know your back in business? Could it be your location? I can see where spending money for rent is hard when your not making money. Is this something you can do from home. You must be good at what you do since you did well before at it. I wish I had some suggestions for you, I do know it takes time to get the word of mouth going again. Its a hard decision you have to make. |
User: Catalina
Member since: 01-06-2005 Total posts: 119 |
From: TupJane
Date: 09-07-2005, 07:36 AM (3 of 30)
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Libby I am just starting my business. Actually I started in earnest back in January. I couldn't pay any bills with what I've been making. Because my thoughts are dividied trying to keep the money coming in working with my husband my business is slow. But, a couple of things that I've realized.... an incredible number of people say..."I have this skirt" or "I have this pair of pants" but they don't follow through. Yesterday, I went to them. I've decided to contact anyone that I can recall saying that to me and pick up, fit, whatever in their home. One nice thing that came from it....I was in control of my time, I could leave their home when I was ready instead of trying to shoo folks out of mine (I work from my home). As for the gas, I'll just add a dollar to each order (not each item). I made up postcards offering 3 for the price of 2 - sent them to former customers of a different business. The results were interesting. It sparked business...but I don't think anyone took advantage of the special that I cooked up! I went to local businesses that have a need for my type of services and introduced myself. The local embroidery shop recommended me to a screenprinting company and I did some fast good paying work. I haven't had time to approach the local drycleaners but have heard that they are always looking for talented folks. Maybe you could work out a business deal with a company in your area. I participated in a local bazaar...handed out flyers and business cards. Results from that have been sporatic. In the future I will offer a sign-up sheet for special offers. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. But I think the best thing I do is talk my business everywhere. I made a bridal gown for a friend. When she invited me to a candle party at her home I went because I knew she'd be showing pictures of the wedding and the dress that I made. I agree with the idea of moving your business to your home if you have the space. You can always move out later if you need to. The current landlord will undoubtedly refer folks to you when they start looking for that little shop that they remembered. Good luck. Jane
See Jane Sew |
User: TupJane
Member since: 02-04-2005 Total posts: 55 
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-07-2005, 08:03 AM (4 of 30)
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You should contact all your old customers, tell them where you are and that if they bring in another paying customer for you that you will give them a discount on their next job. If that doesn't appeal to you, approach other local businesses for work. Pull out all the stops, it's time for action! MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-07-2005, 08:05 AM (5 of 30)
How rude of me. Hi Libby and welcome to Sew Whats New. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: paroper
Date: 09-07-2005, 02:04 PM (6 of 30)
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When I had my sewing business I sent out letters to all the schools at the beginning of the school year. I addressed pom teachers, pep squad leaders, band directors, choir directors. To each person I sent a personal letter of introduction along with cards, and two or three one-page posters with tear offs with my name, phone number and business. In addion, I posted cards in all the fabric stores that would allow it. It is AMAZING how many non-sewing people go to fabric stores. I went to ALL dry cleaners (many do their own work) and I went to laundrymats all over the area. I would come back and refresh my posters every 2 weeks and add cards to the display. I got TONS AND TONS of steady and repeat alterations business from the laundrymats!!!! They were by far the best and steadiest supplier of all my regular business. Everytime a customer brought something to me, I always asked how they found out about my business. I did get a little bit of sewing from the laundrymat but it paled in comparison to alterations. I live out in the country and I took all of my business at my home. I was amazed that I had customers who would drive 75-80 miles for fittings! I was fortunate that I was allowed to post a small discrete sign in front of my home. Operating from my home took care of much of my overhead. I have a friend who lives in a very large metropolitan area and she operates sucessfully out of her home also. I was very careful to schedule my appointments so that there was family present when people came for fittings and appointments and I also kept them isolated from the rest of the house. I thought the house felt more secure that way...I didn't want someone "checking the place out" although I never felt threatened by my customers (male or female.) 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: Libby
Date: 09-07-2005, 09:52 PM (7 of 30)
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How rude of me. Hi Libby and welcome to Sew Whats New. Hi Mary and thanks! Your note made me giggle. I didn't think you were rude at all. Libby |
User: Libby
Member since: 09-07-2005 Total posts: 6
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From: Libby
Date: 09-07-2005, 10:16 PM (8 of 30)
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I haven't sent letters to my old customers. My bad, I know. I honestly didn't think that I would need to. I thought that word would have gotten out by the end of summer. I have run into a couple of my former best customers. One is elderly and has a new seamstress down the street from her that "isn't as good as I was" but is handy. My former best customer knows I am back but has not said one word about bringing in any clothes. The location is not as handy this time. Last time I had been just around the corner on main street. Now I am approx 12 blocks north and inside of a hair salon. It is easy to find but not as handy. I did have 2 people looking for me in someone's house across the street! Grrr! My sign is right there in red in the window. Doing alterations at home really isn't an option. I live out in the country and nobody wants to drive on gravel roads. I have a very small sewing room at home and nowhere to put the business - all of the clothes and such. Plus, I would be alone at home and have no control over when people decide to just show up....and they would. I have had several inquiries about a job and then the person never brings it in. Also I have had people specifically tell me that they were bringing in something the next day and they never showed up. There are no fabric shops in the area and no dry cleaner either. Closest is 75 miles away. So, I'm thinking that I should send out postcards to former customers. I did that one other time when I had to move and had to be closed for 2 months. I printed them on card stock on the computer - 4 to a page and then cut them apart and mailed them. Also, the local laundrymat had posters taped to the wall and I did put one up there. I like the idea of adding business cards taped beside it. That could work nicely. Hmmm......I may have to keep trying a little longer. Thanks for all of the ideas girls! Libby |
User: Libby
Member since: 09-07-2005 Total posts: 6
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From: paroper
Date: 09-07-2005, 11:38 PM (9 of 30)
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Location location location. I had a good friend and his wife do some pretty heavy research on putting in a restaurant in a small town that had a big factory. They did not locate on the main road but about two blocks off the main road across from the factory. After they went in, another lady put in a similar restaurant, buried it in a small shopping mall but it was at the intersection of the two main 4 lane roads. Her hours weren't as long, her menu wasn't as varied and the food wasn't very good. Guess whose restaurant went under. A lot of small towns have business that will let you post a business card, restaurants and gas stations are good places to look for that. If you happen to have a small town newspaper, you could do a promo...something like bring in 3 pair of pants for hemming, get a fourth pair hemmed free (limited time only or with coupon.) I know it hurts to give away the business, but it is a good way to get started again and you'd still have more business than you have now. It is probably late but you might see what the local school choir director is doing for uniforms. If she is ordering the uniforms you might give them a good deal on hemming. You might check around and see if there is a Eastern Star or similar organization. Often their evening gowns need to be hemmed or altered, esp. if they have state gowns. You might pick up something there or you might try to dream up a bridal special...you never know. If there is anyone in town who sells clothing, boutique, men's store, anything like that (even in small towns sometimes you can find them), you might check into getting referrals from them. A lot of small town boutiques don't normally have the resources to have someone for alterations. One of the bridal shops in the "city" here has a lady who is near the shop who is not employed by the shop but gets all their referrals. She gets more than she can handle. You might also want to see if there are other seamstresses in the area. Offer to take their cards for referrals and ask if they would mind using you when they have spill over business. I've also worked with another seamstress on big jobs...she would do the pricing but I would get paid straight up for what I did. When I was busy I would send my alterations (first) to other people. I've always found that if it gets really bad it usually starts looking up pretty quick. I think that sewing businesses are really hard to get started but if you keep working on it, I know it will get going for you!!! Good luck!!! 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: Libby
Date: 09-08-2005, 03:29 AM (10 of 30)
Unfortunately, I have no choice in the location. I did like the last place that I had much better. I had 10x the space that I do now. There just aren't any small/cheap places to rent in the area. My current space is very tiny.  I did put up posters in the local businesses. The school band wears black pants or skirt and white tops. The choir wears whatever. No uniforms there. There is only 1 clothing shop in the area. I will not be doing any bridal this time. There just isn't any room. My workroom is 6'x9'. The ironing board and wardrobe for clothes is in the hall outside my workroom. Fittings are in a tanning-bed room. However, there are no other alterations businesses in the area, in-home or otherwise. So I should be getting some business! I should try the promo that you mentioned: 3 hems and the 4th is free. That could help. Thanks |
User: Libby
Member since: 09-07-2005 Total posts: 6
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From: Sewspecial
Date: 09-08-2005, 07:04 AM (11 of 30)
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Libby, I agree with Mary W., Contacting all your old customers and offering any special promotions is the best bet. Also, In my area some of the local dry cleaners offer or would like to offer alteration services. I work with several in my area, I pick up and drop off the alterations twice a week. It's a good way for me to keep work coming in. I also find that the local fabric stores are a good place to drop off cards. Joanne Fabrics in my area keeps a book of cards at the register for thier customers. It always amazed me that people who don't sew, go to a fabric store in the first place, however, I do get a lot of business from them. Keep the faith and leave no stone unturned, it will happen.....good luck SewSpecial |
User: Sewspecial
Member since: 09-24-2004 Total posts: 30 |
From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 09-08-2005, 11:17 AM (12 of 30)
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Okay, gotta add my "2 cents worth" here. Since you live in the country, maybe you could go to your clients' homes, You could make appointments on certain days of the week. It would be very convenient for them and they would be in their comfort zone. Or maybe you could find a place in town that you could use for fittings only and do the sewing at home. Every place you go, be ready to hand out your business card and tell people what you do. Repeat this information as many times as it takes. People hear only about 1/3 of what we tell them, so you have to repeat, and at some point they hear all of it! I have to agree with what some of the others have said such as sending out postcards with a "special of the month" or something similar. Always reward referrals with a bonus -- mine is a dollar amount toward future services for each new person they send to me. The bonuses can be spent one at a time, or saved and spent all at once. Please keep us posted on what you decide. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-08-2005, 11:26 AM (13 of 30)
Hey Linda. Where the heck have you been? 
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: 09-08-2005, 12:26 PM (14 of 30)
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Oh, I've been around -- BUT our computer failed a few weeks ago and it took son (computer guru) a while to figure out what was wrong. Even gurus can have troubles figuring out computer troubles! But I'm back now! GRIN Thanks for asking! I really missed everyone while I was gone. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: esrun3
Date: 09-08-2005, 06:54 PM (15 of 30)
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LIbby, welcome to the swn boards! Sorry to hear about your business. I know you've said you put up signs, ads, etc but have you asked if you could put up a sign at your old place with the new information? I agree, sending out the cards could help too. Hope things work out for you!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Libby
Date: 09-08-2005, 10:41 PM (16 of 30)
esrun3: The "old place" is now a Labor Union meeting hall for the past 4 yrs that I have been out of business. So posting a sign there really doesn't apply. Anything else? 
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User: Libby
Member since: 09-07-2005 Total posts: 6
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From: SandyGirl
Date: 09-17-2005, 07:27 AM (17 of 30)
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Suits are coming back so I assume the ladies will follow suit (no pun intended). Get in touch with "mall shops" that cater to the "professional". Ask for the department manager (they don't bite!) and ask them about alterations...who do they use, etc. I really doubt that many actually have someone on site to do their alteration. Casual Corner, Chicos, Talbots, department stores, hey, maybe Kohls. This can be handled over the phone or plan a trip to visit 5-6 stores if you are "out in the country". Take some of your handiwork and references....Postcard mailing with your info. Many people would love an alteration source. Also ideas to prospect for business: Any office building, hospitals, nursing homes, day care, (busy parents dropping off kids) children's homes, prisons, healthcare institutions, people with "special needs" . (I used to take the buttons and zippers off of clothing and replace w/velcro closures for a child who had limit use of her hands) Laundromats and cleaners as mentioned above. Bridal shops, boutiques. I even used to alter for a body-builder....they have special "fit" needs. Try a gym! Guys and gals galore! Organizations, churches, public bulletin boards, the sources are endless. Good luck! Keep us posted. Remember, everyone you approach will want to help you even if they can't use you at the time. Leave info anyway. Most will not bite! (I am in sales, can't you tell? hah!) Sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-18-2005, 04:13 PM (18 of 30)
Thanks for all the good tips and welcome to Sew Whats New. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: LoveSewin
Date: 02-04-2006, 09:00 PM (19 of 30)
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Hi Everyone. I know this post is a bit old, but I am new here and am browsing through the archives! I am thinking of starting a small alterations business. I am in the process of selling my business that is an hour away in the city, and we are in a small town of about 10,000. I think there are a lot of people looking for these services, I am just going to work on a way to get my name out. I did put up a poster with tear away numbers at the library a week ago. No calls yet, but I noticed today that about 4 or 5 numbers have been taken. My question is about whether people find it better to pick up the alterations, or to have customers at their house. I don't have a big place, and my sewing area is in the basement. I am also concerned how much the insurance will be to cover liability.... Do you find that most people want you to pin up a hem, or do they bring it already pinned up? Any input would be valuable! TIA Kim Kim
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User: LoveSewin
Member since: 01-31-2006 Total posts: 103 
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From: paroper
Date: 02-04-2006, 09:37 PM (20 of 30)
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Men know their inseams and so do most women. (Be sure that you always measure both legs of he pants...I've had the legs be as much as 1 1/2 inches different in first qualtiy major brand jeans.) The pants are not usually the problem for length. However, for width changes you'll almost have to have them try the clothing on. Also, women want to try on their skirts for you for length and width alterations. They'll also want to try on jackets or dresses. I lived waaaaaaay out in the country and off the beaten path. I rarely went anywhere but had everyone come to me. My house was small and it was old but it was much easier that way and I felt more protected. You need to furnish them a private place to change. It needs to be away from personal papers and valuables (you don't know these people). It needs to be pleasant and well-lit. As it worked for me, I had a nice little hall which allowed for mirrors on all 4 walls. I had a wooden rack on the wall for their clothing. The room had a large window whose shade could be drawn. I also had a chair, end table and lamp. It worked very well for fitting and changing. Since it was an entry hall, I also kept my dress forms there. When people would come for final fittings, I would have the dresses on the forms. It helped them to see the dress on a 3 dimensional form (also, the dress looked smaller on a form). First impressions are important. Because I did custom sewing of all kinds, I posted in fabric stores all over town (some of my best places for picking up sewing business believe it or not). I also posted with drycleaners (many of which do their own work), many restaurants, convience stores, and grocery story have "card" walls, but much of my aterations business could be traced back directly to the local laundrymats. In the laundrymats I not only posted tear offs which I changed every week, but I also posted personal cards. I got TONS of alterations through them, esp. pants. Many schools have uniforms provided or ordered for band, choir, drama and other activities. I set a radius of 15 miles around my home. I sent personal letters of introduction explaining experience and background to every extra cirricular activity sponsor at the schools. Along with the letters I sent 3 pages of tear offs and several professionally printed business cars for them to hand out. I received hemming business from several schools, including all the hemming business, show and jazz choir business from one major high school in the area and spotted results from several others. I was careful not to be in the home alone with strangers. I had children who, although not where I was fitting, were able to call 911. If I were going to be alone with people in my home, I would make sure that I had documentation in the way of an appointment book including phone numbers, names and appt times so that if something odd should happen....also, I would say that if you were going to do fittings alone in the home I would set up cameras where everything but the fitting room could be monitored and recorded, including their coming and going. I would keep those snipits of footage rather than loop it. You never know what people might accuse you of doing and your defense would be little. I kept an active personal insurance policy and I also had business insurance. You also want to make sure that you are at least registered as a limited liability company. That will help protect your personal assets in case you should happen to have some problems. I only once ran into a problem that I almost couldn't handle it...and I fell into it. It should never happen to you, but you need to be careful. Be sure that you make a written records of promised times of pickup and whether they get a copy or not, make sure they initial. When you make policies, don't make exceptions...they can get you in trouble. 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: LoveSewin
Date: 02-05-2006, 11:29 AM (21 of 30)
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Thanks for all the info pam. That gives me more to work with.
Kim
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User: LoveSewin
Member since: 01-31-2006 Total posts: 103
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From: Sancin
Date: 02-05-2006, 07:56 PM (22 of 30)
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I don't do sewing for others as I am always busy with my own. I have, on occasion, needed a dressmaker, not an alterations person. It was because I could not find what I wanted in RTW and didn't have time to make what I needed or wanted. Especially around vacation times. I worked with several VERY classy dressed women who were high spenders and who put the rest of us to shame with their sense of style. These ladies all always needed alterations and all went to the same dressmaker, who apparently complained that she did more alterations than dressmaking. Her original business came from the high priced shops in town. Word of mouth apparently worked for her. It always surprises me that people don't know what a dressmaker (or alterations sewer) can do. This includes my daughter who couldn't find a wedding dress she wanted. Sooo I think some effort should be put into describing what you do in advertising and with clients who may not realize the extend of your skills. How about the professionals in your community, look to see who has well fitting clothes and address your advertising in that direction? I have noticed that real estate people are very well dressed yet body types indicate the need for alterations. My shoe repair man pointed this out to me - another source of advertising. My community has several 'This week in ..." free newspapers. I imagine advertisers have to pay, but the rewards may be worth it. I always read these and pay particular attention to services and businesses in town that I may be interested in. Some times they have a full article on a new or different business. The publishers are often looking for articles and an article would outline what you can do. I have gone to check out any number of business on the basis of reading about them. One last observation. People tell their troubles and hear troubles at hair dressers. But, I never liked hearing business owner's troubles and if business is poor, I tend to wonder why. So be upbeat with your clients. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: sloppyseams
Date: 02-07-2006, 11:44 AM (23 of 30)
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Nancy, Your last comment is so on the mark. The place where I used to get my childrens hair cuts was taken over by someone new. The last two times I was there she confided in me all about her business troubles while cutting my childrens hair. Since I am not without compassion, I listened but must admit to taking my children elsewhere the next time they needed cuts. I certainly felt for the poor woman but really thought it innappropriate that I should be leaving her salon worrying about her. Your advice is sage, be upbeat. |
User: sloppyseams
Member since: 10-31-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: MaryW
Date: 02-07-2006, 11:58 AM (24 of 30)
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I agree. We have a lady just down the street who runs a florist shop. She tells everything from what a twit her landlord is to how hubby can irritate her with his snoring, etc. I really don't want to that stuff. A positive outlook and attitude go far.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: purselady
Date: 02-08-2006, 09:07 AM (25 of 30)
| I really think the offering of at home service is a great idea for your country living. You still have totake it back to the store and work on it... And you can charge more for pick up if they live further out... |
User: purselady
Member since: 02-03-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-08-2006, 09:49 AM (26 of 30)
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The thing is that it takes a lot of home-sewing and alterations to make very much money. If you use your gasoline and time running around to other people's houses for a few dollars, your level of income will be greatly reduced and the wear and tear on your car and cost of gasoline will be incredible. When I was sewing, I would do at least one and sometimes as many as 2-3 weddings a week. In between the bridesmaids and flowergirls, mothers of the bride/groom, bow ties and cumberbuns or vests, I would also do some private sewing and alterations. Every moment away from my house was money. I lived 15 miles from ANY major town (in the country), but near the interstate. I've had "local" customers drive 60 miles for my business (one way). Additionaly, there were times when people would bring blue jeans for hemming and I would just do them on the spot. I didn't charge much for blue jeans but it was always a good introduction to me and my skills. Hemming pants brought me a lot of additional business. I would have never made anything had I been running around to people's houses to get the business. I also liked the idea that when they were in my home, I was in charge of the situation, had everything I could need at hand for "additional quick changes" and I wasn't ever walking into a blind situation, like dogs, household problems (husbands), etc. The only time that I ever went to someone was when I was doing large scale business for school choirs. Then we would make arrangements for all the students to meet me at the school during a practice or something while I took measurments, measured hems or whatever. In those cases, for the most part, I was employed by the department to do the sewing. Of all the people that I know that sew for others, all of them either sell out of their home, their own store front, or they make arrangements with someone to occupy a corner of their business. If you want to link up with a local business, you could be in a laundry, dry cleaners, flower shop, dress shop, just about anywhere that could afford you the space you would need. 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: Melanie T
Date: 02-08-2006, 01:16 PM (27 of 30)
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Pam, What kind of equiptment do you have? Sewing machine, industrial sewing machine, blind hemmer, cover stitch, fancy iron, etc? I offer sewing lessons to children out of my home now, but we are currently planning on moving out to my in-laws farm in the near future and the house is large and there is a granny flat that would be perfect for the type of clientle that you are describing. I have been collecting machines, but need to be more serious about using them to at least pay for themselves. 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: paroper
Date: 02-08-2006, 02:30 PM (28 of 30)
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When I was sewing for people, I used my Bernina 1530 sewing machine and a 2000DE serger also Bernina. I had a Pfaff 1475 which I purchased at the same time thinking that I would use it as a back up and it would allow many fancy stitches. I loved the Pfaff for stitching but, in my personal opinion, it wasn't as heavy duty as the Bernina and I am a pretty "rough" user...sewing over pins and other things that would have really messed up the Pfaff. The Bernina had a lot more metal and hard parts in it and actually that particular machine was rated to sew 1/3 faster than the Pfaff. At the time I had not used a serger very long, so I bought the Bernina 2000 which was pretty much an automatic machine and easy to thread, compared to the sergers of the time. I also bought a heavy duty Bernina iron which lasted through being dropped on a cast iron stove and a brick hearth for almost 10 years....amazing iron...not made anymore. I purchased an L shaped Roberts table that held my machine and my serger. The Pfaff and a backup Bernina 335 which did chain and 5 thread serging (bought used) occupied a simple inexpensive student's desk next to my serger. I purchased the ironing board that hooked onto my sewing desk for quick pressing (although I prefer to iron standing up. Next to the Bernina machines, the best thing I purchased was a full size gate-legged cutting table with full-size mat. I don't know what brand it was but I've seen several that are similar. The only thing I didn't like about it was that it did not have a stack of drawers in the center. It is a full 42X74 inches long and the self-healing mat fully covers it. I purchased a quilt stand from Hobby Lobby to put my fabric on as I cut so that I could limit wrinkles. Because of limited space, I purchased a pole from Wal Mart that had 4 10-12 inch racks that came out like an "elbow" that I put near my machine to hold garments as I was sewing so that once they could be hung (without stretching) I could keep them hung in the sewing area. I had two matching barrel chairs that I kept on the front side of my machine (which was located in the living area) where people to sit to take to me while I was sewing or I could sit in comfortably to sew, having access both my lights and sewing supplies from my desk. I purchased 6 clamp on lamps, swing arm to use. One was in the center of the sewing desk, over my machine, one between the serger and sewing machine, one at the end of the sewing table for task lighting while I worked. Of the other 3, one was located on the Pfaff desk and one at each end of the cutting table. They were just simple 10 dollar drafting lights. I recently had to replace a couple and I had a hard time finding them. I finally found them at Hobby Lobby but they were 60 watt instead of 100 like the first ones. I also bought all kinds of feet for the serger and the machine. I used most of them, esp cording several sizes, blind hemming, ruffler (big), gathering, beading feet, rolled hemmers (all), teflon, walking, bladed zipper foot, just to mention a few. I never regretted having the 1530 for my sewing machine. It was an excellent choice and has never given me a second's problem. Even after all the sewing I was doing, I couldn't afford (time or money) to have it professionally cleaned for 13 years and it still sewed beautifully, same with the serger. If I were to try to purchase that machine now, I would probably buy the Bernina 430 0r 630 machines and they would probably be close to equivilent. I saw something the other day that might work very well if you are thinking classroom space. Sams' has a folding 4 foot table that struck me as something that "might" work well if you needed short multiple tables for cutting or holding machines. I think they were height adjustable and they folded in the center as well as just folding up so that they only occupied a space about 2X2. They were the new white tables that are being sold. More recently I have purchased a coverstitch/serger. Right now my plan is to keep it on coverstitch most of the time. I don't think I would have used that all that much in my business BUT I often wished that I had invested in a blind hemmer. At the time I didn't know where to get one (internet was still pretty new then) and I thought they would be outrageously expensive. I still think I would enjoy one. At least 95 percent of all my hems were put in by machine blind hem and that would have been wonderful! I put in about 2% as a "straight" sew down hem (except for jeans) and about 3% I hand picked. I did a lot of pants alterations so the blind hem machine would have been WONDERFUL. Now that I know you can get one for about 250, I would purchase one in a heartbeat if I were sewing professionally. Another consideration is that I could have made very good money had I had a home embroidery machine. Although the Pfaff would do some custom embroidery, it was a pretty new thing back then. If I were go do it now, I would add embroidery to the 630 machine and learn a little basic digitizing. I did purchase an Elna Press. I wish I had not. I never really needed it that much. I used it a little for pant pressing but I would have rather purchased a blind stitch machine for about 1/3 the money. The other thing I needed, but my ceiling was way to small. I needed a hat box to stand on. I would have had my husband make a 3 foot round box with a pull out step to elevate the customer when pinning a hem. It needs to be between 30-36 inches dia to give you enough space to get the hem marker or yardstick on the box with them. I would liked to have it about 18 inches tall. You also need 2-3 mirrors. They can be wall mounted or chevel. It would be helpful if your hat box would fit in the same area of the mirrors so that the client can see the hems as you pin them. When I moved in with mom, she had 3 doors that met in a hall. The forth doorway was a drop to a step. When I have done hems here, I put the customer in the hall and I sit on the step below to pin the hems. Problem is that THEY have to turn. Ideally, they should stand still and you should move. There are also some portable steps that more or less work for this but you have to be careful. The customer gets a little disoriented when standing on those as you pin. I purchased the bulk of my sewing room for the buisness on the same day. It was a red letter day for us...so much fun...had picked and chosen for weeks until we were ready. I didn't know anyone that sold commercial equipment (machines or sergers) at the time that I purchased. I don't know that all machines would hold up to the kind of abuse I gave mine. I once sewed 3 days straight (27 dresses with full sleeves, and gathered skirts) without sleeping. My machine never skipped a beat. I've really enjoyed my machine. I purchased the 200E two years ago from Bernina. It has a wider stitch plate and is a wonderful machine. It is solid but I don't trust it like I do the 1530. I think the 1530 has probably proven itself to me. I'm sure the 200 is as good. It does lovely embroidery and I'm thrilled with the software (Designer Plus V4.04v). If I were going to do professional embroidery though I would probably purchase the BMP6 BAbylock or the BR600 Brother (I think that is the new model number, was a PR600). 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: Melanie T
Date: 02-09-2006, 01:20 PM (29 of 30)
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Pam, Thanks for taking the time to reply to my question. So far my machine collection includes: a Pfaff 463 industrial straight stitch that was my DH's answer to having to fix my (plastic junk) Husqvarna 105 every time I fixed his coveralls or the man bucket covers on the utility trucks that we fix in our truck shop. the 105 just mentioned a Huskylock 905 serger a kenmore embroidery machine that I use to make freestanding lace headcoverings for ladies in our church (working on making a catalog and selling those as a sewing business as well, the machine can chew away at the designs while I work on other stuff). 3 small kenmores for sewing lessons (I can't have inexperienced 7-10 year olds pulling on my good machines, I bought them on ebay when they discoutinued the models for pennies on the dollar) The children love using them, especially the 3/4 size machine that sews very slowly when they first start a straight stitch singer 99k with all of the attachments and manual that I picked up at a thrift shop in pristine condition that sews a beautiful straight stitch and is gorgous (I have been drooling over the old machines for years and this one was $20). a cheap knock off cover stitch only machine that I just bought on ebay and haven't seen yet I want to aquire a good iron or steam press and a blind hemmer in the future as those are the things that seem to be the things that I am missing in my fleet as I do projects. 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: paroper
Date: 02-09-2006, 02:17 PM (30 of 30)
|
Check out Tom Land's suggestion on that blind hemmer. That looks like a honey!
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 |
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