Home Business Blog

Archive for the ‘Hobbies’ Category

For those individuals who want to work from home, finding paid home employment is not always easy to find. That is why so many are choosing to start their own home business. One excellent way of making money from home, providing you are good at sewing, is to start your own sewing business. Everything from tailoring, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, specialty items all can be a foundation for a profitable and fun home based business.

At one time home sewing was done on big, noisy industrial machines and the person doing the sewing was paid on a per piece basis. Now this type of work at home jobs are less common because companies are shipping this type of work overseas and having it done for less money.

When I think of sewing as a home based business the first items that come to mind are wedding dresses. Brides want the most unique and one of a kind wedding dress for their special day, added to that one of a kind bridesmaid dresses. If you have the expertise for this type of dressmaking, put it to use as your home based business.

If you feel you cannot make wedding dresses then another way to make money with your sewing would be to provide a service to local dry cleaners for garment repair and alterations. It is a sad commentary on todays society that we throw away items that can be repaired. But there are still those of us around who would rather put in a new zipper or repair a hem of a perfectly good garment than throw it away. Check with your local dry cleaner to see if this is a service that you can provide for them.

Those of us who can’t sew far outweigh those who can; it is the nature of today’s society, thirty, even forty years ago that would not have been the case. People are too busy today to think about making something from hand for the home or personal use. This is why making one of a kind slipcover, bedspreads, and window dressings would make a very profitable home business for the right person. For instance, I have a beautiful sewing machine that I rarely use simply because I do not enjoy sewing. My husband bought me the machine thinking that I would enjoy it. It is still beyond me why he thought I would, but there you have it. I can sew simple repairs, but making a simple valance for the window is more than I can handle. I don’t enjoy sewing and not ashamed to ask someone who does to do these tasks for me. It takes a special person who not only can do the work, but also enjoys it.

Several years ago a friend earned extra money by making stuffed animals and small stuffed toys. She sold them at various craft fairs, to those who were in need of a gift. She has a nice cottage industry going to supplement her retirement. I bought a hound dog for each of my four children from her years ago as Christmas gifts, the kids still have them as adults and are handing them down to their children. They are one of a kind heirlooms.

If you already sew then you more than likely have all the equipment you will need to start a small home based sewing business. Think about what kind of sewing you can do in the space you have, how you will get the word out that you do sewing in your home, where you would store your supplies; think it through and I am sure you can come up with lots of ideas on how to start your own home based sewing business. Aside from the necessary tools and accessories, your initial expenses will be for materials and advertising. Be sure and always ask for a small deposit when taking an order. It is also a good idea to have a small sample of your work available to show clients.

Depending on which avenue you intend to take with your new home-based sewing business will determine where and how to advertise. For instance, if you are making wedding dresses introduce yourself to local florist or wedding planner. Advertise with circulars, in local newspapers, on bulletin boards, in church papers, anywhere you can to get your name and service in the minds of your clients. Once you have satisfied customers they will help spread the word and your business will build.