Hi, I am new to forum for any subject
Hi, I am Sue- I never used to have time to sit at a computer and be on a forum before. My life turned upside down in recent years. I am an optometrist, presbyopic like many of you. I had had an injury and am no longer able to stand for any length of time or twist my upper body hence I am no longer able to work. (I used to work 6.5 days a week). My undergraduate training is in Home Economics Education and I have always loved to sew. I actually did fit sewing into my week while I was working. I did everything from sewing my daughter Halloween costume, to smocking dresses to making drapes for friends and even a bridal gown. My education is lacking in newer methods and newer machines. My daughter has been a local winner for the Miss America pageant and when she went to the state competition she asked me to sew her dance costume and interview suit. Although I was proud of the costume and it work for her (she is full busted and needed something that would not cause her to bounce). I thought for the next chapter in my life I should start to sew professionally. I must admit that reading some of these post make me somewhat afraid. I though I’d start with decorating items such as drapes, pillows , duvets, etc. since they don’t require fitting a person. I don’t think I am secure in my ability to deal with a person yet. I have taken quilting classes over the years and felt I could also make and sell baby quilts/clothes especially my sewing tough nearly always involved a touch of the handsewing to provide the detail. I have a Bernina 153 and a very old Singer that I got before I went to college. I felt to complete my beginning sewing business I’d need a serger to finish seams. If anyone has any suggestions, I’d appreciate it. I live in surburban Philadelphia, close enough to the city to get material and even close enough to NYC for a trip to the fabric district.
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I did custom dressmaking for about 17 years. Business falltered in the late 80's when we all began to dress so casually. So took an office job in 1990. Home now, not working. Sewing was a great job while home with young children and money short.
Really loved custom sewing, lady's suits, good dresses, formals. Not fond of Brides.
I probably made the most money, though, working for our State of Missouri, making historical reproductions for the State Historical Sites. It was fun too, and interesting.......I mostly did 1870's both men and women. Did you know that in the 1870's a properly dressed woman would be wearing crotchless pantalettes? The bustle prevented her from being able to turn arround once she entered the 'little house outback', thus the crotchless pantalettes would allow her to back in.
But I digress.....................
So close to NYC and Philly you may not have any problem finding enough customers to keep your business going. I seemed to need about 10 or 12 regular repeat customers and also a few Brides, mother of the Bride, or special occasion customers.
I would suggest historical reproductions. Usually a Site or musuem will loan you an actual garment to study and cut the pattern from. Then, a week or so later, send you an actual person to fit. Sometimes you do have to search for fabric or notions, but more often they have a supply of historically acurate goods, for whatever they need.
Best of Luck to you. Gail
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