Replies

1. 
   mjorymer | Sep 23, 2004 12:21am | #1

   You should consider joining the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers as a first step.  This national not for profit association has members all over the US whose specialites range from custom garment sewing, to teaching, to pattern design, to alterations, to children's wear to light manufacturing.  PACC has chapters in many states and regioinal members in almost all states.

   Contact Doralee Billings at [email protected] or call 1-877-755-0303

   It will be well worth your while.

   Marijo 

1. 
   kayrosie | Sep 23, 2004 06:31pm | #4

   Thanks for the information. I sent her an email. Maybe I will get some information from her.Thanks again.

2. 
   SewingWriter | Sep 23, 2004 12:25am | #2

   Be realistic.  We live in a Walmart World.   You'll enjoy more success if you can fill a niche that isn't readily available in RTW.  Is there a sport, tourist attraction, season or other theme that's relevant to your locale? If so, focus on that.  Example: I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland which is famous for water-fowl hunting.  If I put ducks and geese on boxer shorts, they'd sell (and no, I have not done that!)

1. 
   kayrosie | Sep 23, 2004 06:34pm | #5

   We have been sellingat Craft Sales and now we are going to try a home party method.  Will see if this will work.  I know it is Walmart world but surely somebody out there would like to something different that they can't buy at Walmart.  We are going to keep plugging away. We also have our stuff in a booth in Michigan and now in a boutique in Michigan. So there is still hope. I was just interested in hearing other people advise.Thanks again.

1. 
   sueb | Sep 25, 2004 12:29am | #6

   some information you'll need regarding labeling your garments for sale:

   http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/thread.htm#not%20covered

   sueb

   http://www.sueboriginals.com

2. 
   SewNancy | Oct 01, 2004 03:32pm | #8

   This is good advice for anyone contemplating a new business.  My mother in law used to do small business counseling for SCORE and she would complain that people had not done their homework, ie if there are already 3 pizza places why would anyone change to go to a new one?  I have also seen this in my business, where women have become very successful by finding niches in the market that no one else was filling.   Research, see what is out there already.

   Nancy

3. 
   kayl | Sep 23, 2004 03:42am | #3

   Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing

   By Kathleen Fasanella. Apparel Technical Services, 1997. 8-1/2"x11". 230 pages.

   If your library can't get it for you quickly, South Star probably can. http://www.southstarsupply.com/newcatalog/search.php?PHPSESSID=63ace9ea3340506eeab80c9886a33c62&category=17&text=&Search=Search

   Disclaimer: I'm not in the business of sewing, custom or RTW. I borrowed the book to read the patternmaking section, but was especially impressed with the business advice. I've repeatedly heard people who ARE in the business recommend this book for the business advice.

   You might also take a look at her videocassette on patternmaking.

   Kay

4. 
   ellewren | Sep 30, 2004 09:03am | #7

   Kathleen Spike's book, _Sew to Success_ is comprehensive, realistic, and encouraging.  Plus, it's a bargain at $11.?? on amazon.com.  Kathleen was one of the sewers who helped form the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers and has taught lower income women how to start their own businesses (according to the book), aside from running her own business.  The information is very specific and she even invites you to use her forms so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.