Comments on: How to start a homebased handmade sewing business

By: Laura

Laura — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 14:19:22 +0000

This post is great validation for me, just wanted you to know that. The steps you are describing are exactly what I’ve been thinking about so far. I haven’t had the time to read or post here much lately, but grabbing bites of info when I can. This is so helpful, and I so want to get your book.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:49:59 +0000

Hi Gabrielle, anytime you’re using disparate materials, it’ll be hard to develop a line with continuity; it’s the nature of the beast. I have a friend who makes bags out of old billboard materials but it works for her because the materials are so large. I don’t have a ready solution for you.

By: Gabrielle

Gabrielle — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:10:45 +0000

I loved the post and your website is a wealth of information. I really need some advice, I have a store online and I sew and design all the clothing from scratch, but I’m not making the amount of sales I would like to be making. I know for one, I do not have a congruous line of clothing, but the problem is that I use a lot of vintage or one of a kind materials to make my clothing. So how can I make it look like a collection? I guess I’m just kind of confused about how to make this work. Should I pick out a line of fabrics/colors that go together and stick to certain styles? If you could check out my site and tell me what I’m doing wrong, that would be so fantastic, and I’m definitely going to pick up your book, I need all the help I can get. Thank you so much!

By: Selma

Selma — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:23:12 +0000

Kathleen!

so sorry – but I was not referring to the wonderful info you have given on this site – but more the conversation following the article on etsy and especially including the article on etsy! I understand what the article is saying and it’s, well, depressing! Yes, prices ARE too low in the DIY craft world and they are brought down even more because a person competing in the US is also competing with others who live in places with different economies.

Still, many of us have dreams to do-it-ourselves and it’s not just because we are housewives or stay-at-home moms. Some of us are just tired of the “marketable” pigeon holes we find ourselves put in by larger commercial enterprises that are completely motivated by high profit $$.

By: susan owen

susan owen — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:20:41 +0000

I am having a horrible day, so thank you Kathleen for the giggle.

“if I’d asked my customers what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse.”

Love it.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:46:11 +0000

Selma, I cannot imagine how you came to this conclusion. This series has been very positive and empowering. For your convenience, I include those links at close. Or perhaps you wanted the Pollyanna version? Then you'd be upset that nobody warned you about the downsides. As far as your depression goes, (paraphrasing) nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent (E. Roosevelt) and, whether you think you can or you can't, you're mostly right (Ford). The other entries you likely missed are: How to start a homebased handmade sewing business pt2 How to start a homebased handmade sewing business pt3 Why handmade is best After which I've branched into my own test pilot project of handmade starting with Design Paralysis: Why I’m not a designer and running through this last one which contains links to all the other entries. Prototype bag Style# 4216 & 4217. I've been please with the feedback even tho it's been largely agreed that my project is sheer insanity considering my price points and the economy. But then again, I keep Ford's other advice in mind, "if I'd asked my customers what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse".

By: Selma

Selma — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:01:01 +0000

OK, you’ve all convinced me not to pursue any sort of “craft” business. So, I have to work for a commercial empire in order to make a living and use my skills.

thanks for the depression.

By: Jody

Jody — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:04:07 +0000

Kathleen’s insights never fail to amaze me. Pam’s situation is vitually identical to my own and Kathleen’s responses speak succinctly to the issues I was struggling with but couldn’t quite articulate. Specifically, I’m talking about the paths that Kathleen described. I’ve struggled with this feeling like I have foot in both worlds, working to inject more professional practices into my processes (in the sewing room and on the business end) yet wondering always whether I was going “overboard”. The reason for this doubt that has plagued me is that I didn’t know whether the fact that my production is limited to one-offs or small runs would be “enough” to build a reliable business model on. Kathleen’s guidance has provided me the roadmap I need.

I also think that the issues of pricing are paramount to folks interested in selling one-offs or small runs. Kathleen discusses what Donna B and I have observed over the years, which is that there isn’t really a level playing field in this market whether you’re selling online or at craft shows. You are indeed competing with people who don’t know anything about how to price their goods and may not even realize or care if they are losing money. These folks are clearly in the business for reasons other than money (ego? liquidating hobby products?). This creates a lot of competition for those of us that consider this a business, not a hobby. I’d be very interested in ideas on how to address this issue in the marketplace.

By: donna S

donna S — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:53:40 +0000

i believe there is a disclaimer on commercial patterns that states they are for personal use or something to that effect. When I teach sewing I have the ladies iron the flimsy tissue onto freezer wrap, then use artists tracing paper to trace off a new pattern. That way they can preserve a “master pattern” and make as many patterns as they want and do some design work with a basic pattern. i use these products because they are easy for most people to obtain, cheap and work quit well. The freezer wrap needs to be ironed slightly on rayon before adherning to the tissue. For my own work I use pattern paper and oak tag, but I have rolls from my So Cal days.

By: colleen

colleen — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:22:53 +0000

Donna Sebastian, I love the Monkey Business story! I have an almost finished Sock Monkey in my studio and a tear sheet from the magazine, Selvedge, showing a variety of unique, vintage, Sock Monkey faces. The “Stuffing Lady”? If not a book, write a short story about your experience.