Making a living from sewing
07-29-2011, 06:54 AM
#81
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Utah
Posts: 1,197
I used to try to sew for a part time income. Where I live no one wants to pay for home sewing. I finally decided that if I was going to sew it would be the things I wanted to make and not sew for people who didn't appreciate my talents or abilities. I don't sew for money anymore, if I sew for others it is friends or family members and I don't charge.
07-29-2011, 07:28 AM
#82
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 98
I used to do crafts - crochet etc. - but no more. My neighbor and I did the craft show circuit for a couple of years and didn't even make minimum wage so we gave it up. I ony make quilts for family. As ssomeone replied, people just aren't willing to pay when they can go to Wal-Mart and get a cheap Chinese knockoff.
I think the situation is even worse now given the price of fabric and yarn.
I think the situation is even worse now given the price of fabric and yarn.
07-29-2011, 07:31 AM
#83
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,392
Originally Posted by madamekelly
Originally Posted by auntpiggylpn
Originally Posted by 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
And to make this fit into the thread -
Any one that has measurements that aren't "average" - has trouble finding clothing that fits well - I would be willing to pay someone to make a decent fitting pattern for me.
07-29-2011, 07:39 AM
#84
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Frederick, OK
Posts: 2,031
We do alterations and mending in our rural fabric shop, and we have our own small line of sewn items that we make and retail exclusively in our business, but it’s only about 25% of our living. It’s a good use of our idle time while at the shop, but I doubt that we could make a living by just sewing.
CD in Oklahoma
CD in Oklahoma
07-29-2011, 10:25 AM
#85
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
Originally Posted by meemersmom
Originally Posted by lfw045
Hmmmmmmmmm ......don't like the word "fat".......would you prefer fluffy? LOL! I'm pleasingly plump, definitely fluffy, and yep FAT.....truth is truth. Political correctness is crap....JMO.
07-30-2011, 07:30 AM
#88
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Ocean Springs, MS
Posts: 9,287
Originally Posted by thelondonzoo
Originally Posted by Sewfine
I have four children and 12 grandchildren. When I make things for us, I get compliments on them and requests; have not problem. I do alterations and with that money I buy fabric on sale or with coupons. I make stuff for family members, we buy fabric together to ensure they purchase the right kind, they give a generous donation or buy fabric for me to use later. This is a couple of projects I made for my dad, he pays for the fabric. Most of my crochet projects are made will doing personal home sitting. I like the weekend overnight shift. Can get a lot done while they are sleeping.
07-30-2011, 07:41 AM
#89
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Ocean Springs, MS
Posts: 9,287
Originally Posted by Ramona Byrd
SewFine, you do lovely work!! The color combinations are well thought out. And that handsome grandson with the crocheted afghan, that is a good color for a guy and well made. I do some crocheting and realize how many hours of work you put in on that.
It's good it will be loved for a lot of years.
And I LOVE that desk set, that is the neatest set I've seen in a long time.
It's good it will be loved for a lot of years.
And I LOVE that desk set, that is the neatest set I've seen in a long time.
08-12-2011, 08:18 PM
#90
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 776
Originally Posted by auntpiggylpn
Originally Posted by 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
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