I used to do dressmaking and tailoring many years ago. I made all the samples for a fabric shop and took orders. I also did alterations. After awhile the fun went out of the orders and alterations. I then started making place mats, table cloths, runners, wall hangings and small quilt and other home dec. items selling them at craft fairs. I also did Decorative painting and folk art painting selling that at the shows too. I enjoyed the shows as I did what I wanted and it all eventually sold.
The more I got into quilting the more I wanted it as my own hobby, not a business. I still paint some and will sell it when I have an outlet, but my quilting is now my hobby for me...