With that idea rolling around my thoughts lately, I was thinking about the sewing that is always being done here. Aside from plain daily chores, sewing is always in progress here, so perhaps I need to put that back into practical use again.
It's been a while since I've done "sewing for the public" such as it is. When I did, it didn't make anyone rich but it did provide a great deal in terms of helping with some 'butter and egg' money here, as well as offering some ladies a start with a more modest wardrobe.
I am not a fancy stitcher by any stretch, but we don't come apart at the seams around here :o). I take short-cuts whenever I can. I use a lot of time-saving steps with our sewing needs here, otherwise I'd be tethered to the machine 24/7!
I haven't put much thought into anything definite yet at all. I never did like pricing anything, and that's my biggest hold-out in getting beyond just the general thought rolling process.
We sew every day clothes here for every day living -- shirts for the boys (collarless and most often without cuffs...they just don't like them), pants are broadfalls with a button-drop front and sewn-on suspenders and plain ol' elastic-waist flannel pj pants.
The girl's clothing consists of plain nightgowns, bloomers and camisole underthings, plain full slips, dresses are either button bodice, or cape dress; and of course, aprons. I'm still playing with apron thoughts (there are so many good ones out there!). We also do headcoverings, kapp or hanging veil style is what we wear.
Like I said, everything is just ideas bumping into the walls of my mind right now. It's a rather big undertaking, sewing for someone else, even if you don't get many orders. I've dealt with some folks who simply expect things beyond what I do, or the prices I offer. It's not something I take lightly at all, so this requires a great deal of mind-bouncing and prayer.
What do you think? Any room for yet more ladies modest sewing out there? And no, I'm not for one minute thinking I'm in the ranks of all the wonderful modest clothes stitchers I myself have ordered from. It's just a thought...
5 comments:
Hello Mrs Smith. It's been a while since I visited you so let me first say, I really like the new look blog.
As for the sewing, why not try it and see how you go. You're obviously a competent seamstress it sounds to me that you just need to get your pricing right - for you and your customers.
There is always room for more modest clothing makers. I encourage you to go ahead with your plans and assess your progress in three months.
I wish you well with your venture.
I would love to buy some aprons from you.
I think that is a great idea! I have been actually considering selling a few handmade things myself..my goodness, I could just use the stash of stuff I have here and really make a little money, and make some room with not having to go out and buy supplies. I enjoy making rugs, and other household things like that.
As for pricing, what I've heard is you could take the cost of your materials, and multiply that by about 2 for your labor, and that's your price. A lot of people charge more, some less, but that at least gives you some idea. I pray you are blessed in whatever you decide to do.
In His Grace,
sara
I wish there were more modest clothing seamstresses for boys.
I say go for it! Maybe start with small things, like the headcoverings (I would buy those), and aprons...I so want one like you made yourself recently, and then work up from there.
You are such a resourceful and creative woman, you can do anything you set your mind to :)
Be blessed!
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