I have been thinking about starting my own business by making quilts for sale or to buy a long arm machine to do this does anyone else do this. I am retired so it would be a struggle to even start this. I also drive School Bus so I need something that I could work around that.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-140788-1.htm

You should read this post. Most people can't make a real living sewing, maybe a supplemental income.

This is like the 4th posting I have seen today with this same basic topic idea. Sounds like everyone is looking to make a little cash :) good luck

I think that everyone is looking for some kind of a quick fix to suppliment their incomes. I have been dreaming of buying a mid or long arm machine myself. As my husband always tells me "You want to do alot for a broke person" *LOL* Oh well if we can't have dreams then life would be pretty boring wouldn't it?
Happy Stitchin' crafty_linda_b

I would kind of relate a quilting business to the stock market. If you have money to invest, but won't be hurt if you do not make anything after the investment, then go ahead. With the skyrocketing cost of materials, & the economy what it is, I think you will have a hard time actually making $ selling quilts.

This is very good advice. If you start your own quilting business you should have batting and backing available for your customers to purchase (unless they supply their own) and the freight for those items has gone up so much that some times it is not worth the cost. Good luck with your decision.

A friend of mine used to make quillows and sold them at a tourist gift shop in the area. Didn't make a lot of money but had fun and enjoyed how thrilled people were to meet the her.

quilting candy--I see you are from Chula Vista--I grew up in National City.

I know, right? FWIW, they buy plasma locally for $50 for the first 2 donations, and then $25 for each subsequent donation. I may try my luck at that first.

(At least I'll have cash-in-hand to buy fabric!)

economy, remembering that quilting (i really just do tops, cause i love to play with color), it is for those with disposable money (i have none myself), no matter how wonderful you product is, consider your investment, and your time (i never even count mine) and what your end result will be, will it make you happy (yes, of course), will it cost you (most likely), and will your time fulfill you, ie make you happy as a person, yes. your family is supportive, your children will learn color and form and balance, but

and this is the big but

how saleable is it,i know you will work hard and create a wonderful product, but again, could you not do smaller things, more market specific for your area, i wlll never give advice again. the movie i hate most, baby boom, diane keaton, work specific, make your mark, and move, but hold the money, cause look at how many there out there,

\ok, new, if you want to be mean, at least br kind
jan in fl