thelondonzoo

Does anyone here make a living (or just supplemental income) from sewing? If so, what do you make? Thanks.

quilt1950

I don't, but my sister-in-law has for years. She does alterations, some for a dry cleaner, and some privately.

I go To The Sea To Breathe

I did alterations for awhile and made a couple of bridesmaids dre should have just given it all back to her and said no. but I learned my lesson I stayed up some nights until 4:30 am and then didn't get a cent from her..never again. I had made 6 brdesmaids and a flower girl dresses a few years ago and had to send muslim patterns all over the USA, but the dresses came out beautiful, because we had the right amt of fabrics. and the fabrics were velvet and satin and still came out beautiful. Wish I could make a living at sewing...sses. One didn't pay me, the alterations weren't too bad, but trying to get a really short fat bridesmaid into the pattern that was one someone had given the bride and purchased the fabric for and there was no way....I had to add insert side seams, it was terrible, I

mom-6

My friend's older sister does alterations and custom sewing of wedding and prom dresses. She also is a part time school bus monitor (apparently that means make sure everybody behaves on the bus so the driver can pay attention to driving).

auntpiggylpn

Fat seems to be a pretty harsh word. . . .

bluteddi

I only make wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses IF it is family and / or that is going to be their gift!!!

slk350

I do alterations, window treatments, make toss pillows, dust ruffle, even recovered huge patio chair cushions a few times. I've been doing it for 15+ years in Mass and FL. I've been a domestic goddess since my 1 st baby, so it gives me some spending $$$. I first started working for a small local cleaners in MA , then did it on my own and I also made dresses, petticoats, etc. for a lady who had a small business making American girl doll clothes and matching little girl clothes. I also made all the baptism robe/bibs for our church (for free). I have'nt gotten rich on any of it though, LOL

charismah

Well I long arm quilt as my full-time job now. I would say it is supplemental income. My DH supports our family ...I use this to buy the "extras".....I have 6 children...so I have no idea what a full-time or supplemental income would be... We all have different expenses??

crochetetc

Do you still sew American Girl Clothes?

Favorite Fabrics

I used to do about 30 days worth of craft shows a year. This was about 20 - 25 years ago (before hubby & kids), and while I still worked a full-time day job. I would guess that I was able to earn about half as much from the sewing as I did at my day job.

Downside: I was REALLY TIRED. During the busy pre-Christmas season, I'd work all day, then sew till 2 am, drink a full cup of coffee, then lie down and immediately fall asleep. My alarm clock was set for 5 am and some of the caffeine was still in my system, so I could get 2 1/2 hours of sewing in before leaving for work.

I don't think that craft shows are as good now as they were then. "Country clutter" was still in vogue, and there weren't as many Chinese imports as there are today. Meaning that I don't think I could be as profitable now as I was then.

At the time, I made braided wreaths, little stuffed animals, Christmas ornaments, baby bonnets, table linens, and appliance covers. I still make the last two items, but now I sell them online instead of at craft shows.