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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-08-2005, 07:32 PM (1 of 24)
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I've had ideations of a sewing business of some kind for the future. I'd like to do custom work, not manufacturing, and possibly some sewing lessons... I'm trying my hand at a little fashion designing (it's hard, without a formal education in it!! I'll be sure and pick up some classes one day!) so I can have some things that are my signature. Well, then a dear friend had a baby. I made her a couple of things for her baby, and she and her family got excited. One of her relatives asked me to do a similar piece for pay, and I did, mostly as a favor. ("...and they told two friends, and they told two friends.." remember that commercial?) I got an email saying that my friend wants 5 pieces, and another one of her relative wants 3, adding up to about $200 of work. But these jobs are skating on the edge of manufacturing. I have the sense that this could really start a network of customers. You know how families int he baby phase always know more people in the baby phase. Although my one-day business idea was more of an eclectic (not yet gelled) plan. Well, should I choose to take these jobs, and do them from home, what do I need to establish? (if anything at this early phase) I have a notebook for tracking my expenses and commissions. I have a little pad of blank receipts. Now tell me about the icky stuff. Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-11-2005, 08:30 PM (2 of 24)
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bumping this one up. Somebody out there must have some insight to share!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: DragonLady
Date: 09-11-2005, 08:46 PM (3 of 24)
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Don't forget sales tax! You will need a state tax id number, so you can collect taxes on the stuff you sell. Whether you collect them seperatly, or include them in the sales price, Uncle Sam gets his share. Also, once you have your number, you can subtract taxes you pay on the raw materials that become part of the item you sell. Call the internal revenue service for your state, and they'll help you set it up. You may also need a business permit for your county or town. Town Hall or the Chamber of Commerce can help you figure out what you need, and how to apply for them. "No more twist! No more twist!"
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User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152 
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-12-2005, 09:36 AM (4 of 24)
Do you have a dedicated space for your sewing? Do you have an list of resources for fabrics and notions? If you are ready for the plunge, what about advertising or did you want to wait on that? 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-12-2005, 10:49 PM (5 of 24)
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sales tax! I hadn't even gotten that far. As you can see, I'm not even close to ready to taking the plunge! It sounds like there's a lot of start up cost, even though little of it meets the eye. Well, the good thing is that for now, I have plenty of exciting projects on my plate to continue to learn from. It is definitely not a time in my life that is right for dedicating my hours to a business. I'm getting about an hour or two a night, if I plan it right!!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-13-2005, 09:39 AM (6 of 24)
Maybe working along at it will present you with an opportunity, when the time is right for you. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-14-2005, 08:14 AM (7 of 24)
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Another idea to think about. Take photos of everything you make. Create an album of crafts, garments, home dec. accessories, whatever you produce. Your potential customers can get an excellent idea of your abilities and workmanship.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Teri
Date: 09-14-2005, 09:17 AM (8 of 24)
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That's a great tip, Mary. A good photograph album would work nicely as an idea book for other customers, similar to a home deco magazine, but without the ads and in real people's homes.
Teri
"Where are we going, and why am I in this basket?" |
User: Teri
Member since: 09-14-2005 Total posts: 66 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-14-2005, 06:07 PM (9 of 24)
Yes, Teri, our fearless leader uses her head for something besides a hat rack.. She's just full of good suggestions.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-14-2005, 06:38 PM (10 of 24)
Libby,  is there anyone who would like a chat about starting up a small business? We can go into our own chat room and discuss. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Liza44
Date: 09-15-2005, 10:47 AM (11 of 24)
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The first thing you should do is make some kind of business plan for yourself. Figure out start-up costs, permits and licenses you need, business insurance,etc. Are you going to work out of your home, rent space? If you are working out of you home, you can deduct this from your taxes, however the space cannot be used for anything else but your business. Machine wear and upkeep, materials to have on hand to get you started, threads, pins, needles , etc. Having a portfolio of your handiwork as well at references is a great idea. Advertising...can leave cards at dry cleaners, stores that do not have on site tailors/alteration people. Good luck, it is always great to have someone who can do alterations and custom sewing for those who can't. Let us know how you do. |
User: Liza44
Member since: 09-14-2005 Total posts: 2 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-15-2005, 12:44 PM (12 of 24)
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Hi Liza44 and welcome to Sew What's New. Do you have your own business? MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-17-2005, 12:06 AM (13 of 24)
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Thanks, all! I will be more diligent about the photography. I sometimes take the pictures, but rarely print and file them for future reference. An evening chat would be a great idea.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: Sewspecial
Date: 09-25-2005, 01:14 PM (14 of 24)
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Andrea, I'm in Massachusetts. The Small Business Administration, offers free assistance usually within local colleges for people starting thier own business. This is a service sponsored by the Federal gov., and you will get all the information you need on planning, budgeting, licenses, taxes etc. They have free classes and one on one conselors that are available to assist you or lead you in the right direction. They can also help you put together a business plan, whether you need one for banks or not. Every successfull person I have ever met has always had a plan, in writing! It's the best way to stay on track. Good luck, and much success to you! Marie SewSpecialco |
User: Sewspecial
Member since: 09-24-2004 Total posts: 30 |
From: tiedyejudy
Date: 09-25-2005, 04:50 PM (15 of 24)
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I'm not a professional seamstress, but this reminds me of when I started marketing various crafts about 15 years ago. I started out doing an embroidered wall hanging for someone, which led to an embroidered pillow, a baby bib, cross-stitched cat soft sculptures, soft sculpture cacti... well, you get the picture. At first, I did not track costs/revenue, didn't have a bus. license, etc. But at some point I began to take my business seriously, and decided I needed to find out how. I picked up a few basic books on how to start a home-based business, how to keep the books, how to market my crafts. Then I got my business license with the county where I resided and paid sales tax on my sales. I also got a re-sale license which allowed me to purchase raw materials without paying sales tax, so that I wasn't having to do copious record-keeping to remember what taxes I paid, etc. The sales tax is paid on the final merchandise sold to the end-user, so we become the middlemen. I keep a simple revenue/expense ledger, which I turn over to my accountant at the end of the year. I have a separate checking account for my business, and I have a Federal Tax Id number. I also keep track of my inventory on a spread-sheet, so that I know what sizes of what items I need to replace as they are sold. I have kept a portfolio of my work over the years, but recently upgraded my website to allow customers to pay via PayPal, so that has become my portfolio. I make my own business cards using my computer and printer, and they have my contact information as well as my web address. For the first few years, I had a great deal of business from regular customers, but I moved away 2 years ago, and now have no solid customer base, so I really rely on my business cards to remind new customers that I am here. My best suggestion is to start out slow (if you don't need a huge income at first) and concentrate on quality work for reasonable prices. Word of mouth will bring in new customers from those happy with your work. And remember to enjoy yourself, because your business will suffer if you don't! Best of luck, Judy Judy Sall Originals
www.angelfire.com/retro/tiedyejudy |
User: tiedyejudy
Member since: 08-10-2005 Total posts: 78 
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From: tiedyejudy
Date: 09-25-2005, 04:52 PM (16 of 24)
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Libby, is there anyone who would like a chat about starting up a small business? We can go into our own chat room and discuss. Wow, Mary! I didn't know there was a chat room too!! I would love to try and become involved if the opportunity presents itself. Always good to have input from others to grow our knowledge! Judy Judy Sall Originals
www.angelfire.com/retro/tiedyejudy |
User: tiedyejudy
Member since: 08-10-2005 Total posts: 78
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-26-2005, 07:18 PM (17 of 24)
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Judy, You talk to Mary about that.. I was just commenting on how knowledgeable she is .. I did not mean to infer that I was in business or a wannabe.. I am retired from the business world and want to stay that way.. All my sewing is for fun and relaxation nowadays..And, of course, the charities.. I'm too old and set in my ways to think about kowtowing to the public, now.. I'm having too much fun, being my own boss, AT LONG LAST ! ! LOL Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-27-2005, 07:54 AM (18 of 24)
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Judy, we can chat. When would be good for you. Mornings or afternoons?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-27-2005, 07:35 PM (19 of 24)
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Judy, thanks a lot for your perspective. Taking it slow, here. I've decided I'm not ready to jump in! Still, I'm interested in the chat idea. I'm free after 7 pm, Mary. Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: tiedyejudy
Date: 09-28-2005, 06:18 PM (20 of 24)
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Judy, we can chat. When would be good for you. Mornings or afternoons? Since you're out East and I'm out West, hard to say! I leave the house at 6:30am MST, and get back around 1:30-2:00pm M - Th. Home some Fri-Sun, though, so maybe we could come up with a time then... Judy Judy Sall Originals
www.angelfire.com/retro/tiedyejudy |
User: tiedyejudy
Member since: 08-10-2005 Total posts: 78
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-02-2005, 07:41 AM (21 of 24)
We will come up with something. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Jayde877
Date: 10-02-2005, 04:10 PM (22 of 24)
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I would be interested in attending a chat session about starting a business. I would love to be able to sell the things I create, but I have no 'business' training and a lot of the stuff I have heard about starting abusiness just doesn't make sense to me. I have a couple of friends who may be willing to help me out on the accounting part of it, but any ideas would be very helpful. I have had quite a few people comment to my husband that I should make a lot of scrubs and take them around to the hospitals and what not like the other scrubs sales people do. My main reason for not doing that is start-up cost. I don't have the money to invest in the fabric I would need to do something like that. My other reason is that I make 'custom' scrubs, sorta. I will make pants longer/shorter, add pockets, take away pockets, and my husband's personal favorite, add velcro to the pockets to keep them closed. I can't customize scrubs if they are mass produced. Anyway, I'm not trying to take over this thread, just please be sure to post when you will be having the chat discussion so I can try to make it. Thanks. Charity |
User: Jayde877
Member since: 07-27-2005 Total posts: 106 
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From: annasmama
Date: 10-17-2005, 11:41 PM (23 of 24)
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I was reading this thread about starting a sewing business. I have been sewing for about 12 years now. I have done sewing of all kinds, from crocheted items to formal attire. However, I have settled into making children's clothing, particularly infants' clothing. I really enjoy doing that and would like to get into doing this from home for profit. I want to be able to sell to a store that would sell the items for me, as I really don't have the capital to open my own store right now. (Maybe someday). But I have a few questions: 1) I don't make my own patterns. I only use store bought patterns such as Butterick and McCall's. I don't know how to draft a pattern, and I'm not really interested in learning. My main focus is on picking the right materials and accessories to make the outfit look good. However, I have noticed that there is a copyright on most of these patterns. If I decide to sell my items in a store, would I be able to do this using these patterns, or would I need to completely design my own patterns in order to do this legally? 2) Does anyone have any ideas on what kind of a store would buy my work and sell it for me? I have thought about maybe a boutique or consignment shop or something, but I don't know of many that would be interested in handmade children's clothing. Maybe it just depends on the area. I don't know. 3) Does anyone have any ideas on where I can get my materials from? It seems like fabric stores are too expensive to buy their fabric and buttons and such and then make my items to resell. But the wholesalers on the internet don't have much of a selection. It seems they mostly sell silk and such, and not much suitable for children's clothing. Any help in this area would be appreciated. |
User: annasmama
Member since: 10-17-2005 Total posts: 1 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-18-2005, 09:19 AM (24 of 24)
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Hi Annasmama and welcome to Sew Whats New. 1. Those patterns are copyright protected. You cannot sew them up to sell. End of story. Sorry.  You will have to come up with your own designs.2. You are correct in thinking a small boutique or consignment shop would be a good starting point. Be careful of consignment shops. Usually they take your product and showcase it for a pre-determined time. When that time is up, sometimes your things can look shopworn, dirty and faded if it is put in a sunny window. Also, some less than honest shop owners might not have everything you put in their shop when its time to reclaim your things. They will tell you they were stolen. Maybe they were, then again maybe not. Just a couple of things to think about. 3. Some fabric retailers do have wholesale accounts. You have to ask. There is one here in Canada. She ships to U.S. and offers by the bolt prices. www.wazoodle.com MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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