Most of us (on this board) would love to be even more involved with the world of farics, quilts and all the wonderful gadgets that go along with them. Have you ever considered the viability of your passion for these things? Could you earn a living doing what you love?
Are you "good" enough to support yourself with your work? Are you knowledgeable enough to buy, display, teach, and market all that is involved with quilting?
Could you bear to turn your "passion" into a job?

I'm trying but not selling anything! I still enjoy making things though. :)

I think the youthful members might have a chance. Takes too much work for me so I sell low to share and then make more. It's an up and down market. I can sell one month hundreds and the mnext month nothing. People who do not quilt do not appreciate the time and talent that goes into a quilt. I will watch this topic. I would love to hear what others think.

Not me, I'm retired and don't want the pressure of doing anything for the public. I was a systems analyst but made cards, invitations and favors on the side. It was fun, but to WANTING make something vs. HAVING to make something is what makes a hobby enjoyable!

I think a lot depends on where you live, where you sell and how much profit you are needing to make.
It seems like here in my area it went from few LA'ers to many. With the economy the way it is now, not many of them seem to be all that busy :(
Quilts sell well in some locations out here, but not so well in others or are selling for much less.
Personally, I don't care for the pressure of quilting for resale LOL I am happy with what I do now :D:D:D

The best example of making it work is Bonnie Hunter. She started with quilting for others and now is the no 1 sought after teacher, lecturer, and author. She is booked solid for a year in advance. If you have the energy, the passion, and the personality, and a DH that isn't your shadow, you can make a big success of quilts as your income

What about selling online? Not necessarily full size quilts but small things like table runners, wall hangings, children's items, Christmas ornaments, etc. I have been looking at ecrater.com. Anybody selling there? Etsy has gotten so large and Ebay has apparently become difficult to work with. Love to hear some success stories.

My friend with her Gammill long arm has tried to make it her living for the last couple of years. While she has had pretty steady work, it has not made her the income she had hoped and her business has left her with little time, energy or enthusiasm for doing her own projects. The "having to quilt" for $ has sucked out some of the joy of creating for her. She has recently decided to go back to her nursing career and spend her leisure time in her quilt studio just working on her own projects and a few select things for friends. After working with her to try and help her finish up some orders, I think I would find the same thing. If you are considering a LA career, I'd advise spending some time with someone already in the business. I know I am now positive that I don't want to start my own quilting business or even buy a LA machine.

To me it is disappointing when you try to make a little money from something you love doing and no one values it as much as you.

It could be because I don't know how broad the market might be here, but I don't think I realistically could, at least not here. I've had a few people ask me about prices and when I told them they weren't interested anymore. I've also had a couple who are willing to pay the price. So I think I'll leave it my hobby and make occasional customer quilts when requested. If I start getting to the point where I have more quilts than I know what to do with (not happening yet, because I only started quilting 6mos ago!), I might put them up for sale, but not so much for profit. In the meantime, I'm keeping my day job, which is part time and affords me plenty of time to quilt!

I know of one LA who has started to make her living from machine quilting, supporting her family, is also a dealer/rep for the LA set up she uses. It can be done. She has instruction classes in her home how to use the LA machine, and advanced classes. Also she teaches quilt classes at a quilt shop. She can't support her family only doing machine quilting for other even if she quilted 24 hours a day. She has to be constantly energetic and passionate about selling the LA set up to others and be on call for any problems or questions about the ones she does sell. She has to have no interruptions from kids or DH while holding her home sales, it has to be professional all the way or many will back off from the sale. She learned that the hard way. She is making a go of it but she said it was definitely a full time job with lots of overtime. She could make more income if she could be away from home for a few days a week. She is hopeful her DH is back to his old job next month so she can do her quilt business part time. It has caused a big strain on her marriage too with her DH being pouty if she needs to travel to make a sale and not be there for him and the kids. Sheesh, what a jerk. I didn't say that of course. But I give her an ear to vent. We live in different states so I can't be much help to her except listen.

This is a post I will be following as I have been thinking about this.

Be careful when you take a much loved hobby , and turn it into a For Profit Business.
It much different when you choose to do something and when you HAVE to do something.

My one friend that used to quilt as a business was doing well, but it needed to be full time to make money and she found machine quilting to be very physical (too physical for her) and decided to go back to work and quilt for herself and select clientel (like me!!). That way she has a for sure income and can take/refuse quilting jobs that works best for her and not feel that she must take on all the quilting because she has to have that money. Something to consider.

I agree with LoriS...to sort of paraphrase taking something I love and enjoy and into the have to get this done on a certain timetable basis would take the joy out of it for me.

It sounds like a dream to have your own QS and LA business if all you had to do was drool over all the lovely fabrics and visit with all the other quilters talking about projects and getting tips and advice. The reality is that is a very small part of all you would have to do.

Yes, I believe many people have the drive & fortitude to make their passions a reality. I thank God that they do because without them we'd all still be quilting like our ancestors did...

I am just grateful and thankful I can quilt for my family, friends and whomever else I want...enjoying each step as I go along without any committments.

I have been making and selling sewn things for many years at the flea markets, on the internet and craft shows off and on. I make good money at it. I also do fine art paintings and other crafts.

I got a longarm machine for Christmas and hope to soon be doing it for money. I have gotten quite good at pantographs. I have had a stained glass business before and while not a big money maker, I did enjoy it.

Never could do the "make stuff to sell" bit. but the hey can you make _______? always did well. I mend clothes for friends of friends, family and church members. Made doll clothes and costumes for people that ask. They always paid me but not anywhere to be called "making a profit", is always a pay for materials, and a thankyou added to it.
I just never could do this for money.
Would be nice though! I have to admit, if it made good money, I would definitly get more done.

I'm a professional longarm quilter. I did a lot of research before buying my machine.

It cost about $20,000 to get started, between the longarm, battings, thread (I started with 2 cones each of 100 colors), lighting for the workroom, books, pantographs, business cards, website, insurance, and my state business registration.

I wasn't taking clients for the fist few months because I was busily quilting every day for practice on Project Linus tops. It took me 2 years to earn that initial investment money back.

I was lucky enough to know many quiltmakers and get a good business going. I am very busy with client work, I have a huge client base now, and I still deeply love the process.

But the work is seasonal (less business in January and August, 7 days a week from October till Christmas), and it is hard on the body(standing and stretching and lifting).

At the end of the day, after paying expenses, taxes and health care and insurance, it doesn't pay as much as I had expected. I would suggest doing a lot of research before deciding, seeing an accountant, and seriously take every expense into consideration.

I feel the same, PaperPrincess, and you stated it so well :)

Wow, I can relate to this post. This is me! I lost my JOB about two years ago and jumped in making my lap frames for hand quilting. It has not been easy, but I believe in the designs and the business. I have always worked for a big company in the past, but now this one has my name on it. It is a great feeling. I am now selling something almost everyday online, but still haven't got to the point that it will support my family. I am getting closer...

I still get excited eveyday and love my new job. So to answer the question...YES.

Good luck to anyone else who is starting out.

Harry Barnett

Good luck to watching your business grow Harry!

I wouldn't want to turn it into a job. I love doing what I do and don't mind making some items for people and wouldn't mind quilting for people. But I have a job and I know I will get a check every week. I sew and do crafts to fill my spare time. I am happy selling some things, it helps fuel the hobby!!!! Keeps me buying more fabric and new things to keep me sewing.

I have several thoughts on this topic.

1. As others have stated, turning my hobby into a business would take the pleasure out of it. It would become a matter of 'have to' instead of 'want to'.

2. I was planning when I retired in a few years to buy a long arm quilting machine. I would first practice on my quilts (I must have about 15 tops to quilt). Then I could take in side jobs if I wanted to but at that point, it would just be for some extra money. It would not be money I needed to live on.

3. In my area, there are so many long arm quilters, I don't think anyone can turn it into a full time, profitable business.

4. People don't want to pay the price for any handcrafted items. A few years ago I was making some fingerless mitts, not for sale, but for myself and my family. A co-worker commissioned me to make some for her. It took me 6 hours per mitt. I charged $25 for both mitts. A 2nd co-worker said that was too much, that I should charge cost of materials + 10%. There was no way I was going to sell those mitts for under $10.00. Even at $25, my hourly rate of $1.67. The public in general does not want to pay the appropriate hourly rate for handcrafted items. I have seen quilts with price tags of over $1000 on them. They weren't overly great quilts either. People aren't going to pay that price for a quilt when they can go to Sears or some other store and pay $50-$100.

I briefly thought about starting a business after I retired, but, like Paper Princess, I enjoy doing my own thing! I have quilted and even made entire quilts for customers, but I don't like the pressure of having to have things done in a certain time frame. And since I am retired, I want to be able to take off and go see my GK's in Colorado and Washington! I'll still do quilting for other people occasionally, but no business for me.

I would not want to do that because I want to make what I want and when I want..

WoW!!! Great posts!!! I agree with a lot of people, if I had to turn it into a business forget it!! I hate being put on a time table. Some quilts takes years to finish. I have done a couple for people, but it is too stressful at this time of my life to have to do that. This way, if I don't "feel like it" I don't have to. But I do admire those of you who have turned it into a business. I did that in my younger days and know what a lot of time, money and energy go into it. God Bless You

We have a really big family and I just do quilts for their babies and very special occasions. I did a few craft shows and found out that dog toys and dog biscuits and a mouse with catnip for cats sold best! Quilts take too much time and don't make enough return. Keeps me busy doing Christmas for our own bunch and getting in a few things for myself.

I'm afraid that selling one of my quilts would be like selling one of my kids. I put my heart into each one and I make them for a person or to fulfill my creativity but don't think I could do all that for just money.

I sell now and than. I couldn't make a living but I love when I sell a quilt and since I am retired it give me money for more fabric. I am working on one now and a lady I sew with it going to buy it when it is finished. It is a scrappy log.

Lovely quilt!

I agree with everything said. Having your own business is a lifestyle not a job (even if you love it). Once it becomes your business everything has a dollar value even personal time that should be spent on yourself and family.

I too will be interested in the discussion on this topic. Am trying to build my stock to start a small baby quilt business. Infant and crib size. I love making them, plan to personalize with baby's name and birthdate on request. Know from experience it is hard to successfully charge what you need from an item, counting your supplies and tons of work. Also worry what is now fun, won't be when I have to do one. Any pointers appreciated.

I sell quite a lot. Most of my quilts are for sale. It has brought money into the home when we needed it the most and at times it has saved us from an ugly situation, but it is not an income that would support my family and provide the things we need that can not be purchase at the store like health insurance. I could not do it calmly knowing that if the piece don't sell I may not have $ to feed my kids. At this moment I am very careful about making quilts that people order unless they provide the fabrics and pattern, or unless they tell me the theme and leave the rest up to me. In those cases I require 50% deposit and I don't accept returns unless I did something wrong. Is very difficult to make money (is another story if you are a long armer tending to other quilters that understand what you are doing and that you have an equipment and a skill that they don't). When you make a quilt because you like it and want to sell it, you take the chance that people may not think is worth what you are asking for, because they compare it to the one they can get at JC Penney for a fraction of the price. They don't know better. When you make a wallhanging just to try a technique, love a particular color combination or whatever other reason, again, some people will love it but may not think is worth that much, or worse, don't have the extra money to get it.

A lot have to do with the area of the country where you are and the economy.

In the US we still give more value to other arts and even though there is more acceptance to textile arts, we still have a long road to follow and is up to us to push it. I have a collection right now of at least 60 quilts I would like to sell and I am looking for a gallery in NYC that would display them for me. Once I say is fabric they don't seem as interested. Mind you, this are the same galleries that while they say no to my fabric art, they are displaying God knows what made out of garbage or a huge 3D art piece made out of toilet paper rolls(I don't get it). I am sure if I keep pushing it I may find one willing and they idea may change, but I know is not an easy battle.

I am not trying to discourage anyone from trying. I am not discouraged myself. The more of us push and try the sooner quilting will be seen as an art form to the regular people. I am not talking about the big venues that display huge exhibitions. Those are helping a lot. In NYC we will have 3 quilt exhibits going on at the same time the last weekend in March: The Armory, Quilt show at FIT and the Folk Art Museum. I will have 2 quilts in exhibit at FIT and I am hoping that those 3 shows may open a door to me to sell at other places.

My suggestion is to keep pushing, be proud of the work you do and don't be shy about selling. While I was in upstate NY I went to a local Cafe and asked if I could display my quilts for sale on their wall. They said yes, charged me $100 for 4 months of display, I sold many quilts there. I learned what people wanted. I did a lot of ethnic quilts that sold like hot cakes Wallhanging displaying people were my best sellers. This idea open the mind of the owner of the cafe to rent his walls to other artists and now is a very sought place by all artist to display their arts. My leftover quilts smelled like coffee when I picked them up, but a little sun took care of it.

My best suggestion is to be venturous and try. You may sell more than you think.

That leaves me out. My DH is right behind me. However, he does some quilting too. So, maybe. Just maybe.......

That part of the husband is not necessarily bad. I can not think of anyone more famous in the quilting world than Alex Anderson, and John is an integral part of who he is. He plays it well and don't interfere, but he is always there. Actually, the company she is with right now is ARJJ (Alex, Ricky, John, Justin). Alex and John are a couple, Ricky and Justin are a couple. It is possible for your spouse to help make your name.

I took in sewing severral years ago when I was a single mom. doing mending and alterations along with making things for others is a full time job and the schedule has to be met. I did fine but am not sure I want to try it again at my age now.

After making a couple of my first quilts my husband wanted to know how much we could sell them for and how fast I could make them. Silly man!! After I gave him an estimate of the cost of fabric, the number of cutting and peicing hours, and the cost of having it longarmed, he understood why I laughed at him.

If you want to pay for your LA machine by quilting for others you need to find out what people are charging in your area, reduce it a little for a beginner and calculate how many quilts you need to do to pay for your machine.
Diane/Wyoming

I started my own business a couple of years ago, selling quilts, purses, and other quilted items. I did pretty good, I made enough to cover the cost of the materials that went into the items, but did not make very much for the time I spent making the items. I was lucky if I made $3.oo an hour
I did sell one of my quilts, please dont laugh but it was the hardest thing Ive ever done. I have made quilts for all my family and friends and giving them away never bothered me, but that really did. I felt like I was selling one of my kids.
I closed my business at the end of that year. I did not lose money, but I did not make any either.