Sandy, I hope you find this. Moved discussion from “This forum unexpectedly quiet. Why?” I thought I finally had the issue of fitting pants figured out but still don’t have it. Some areas fit better, some worse. So it’s back to the drawing board.
I think being able to make a profit at sewing depends on being able to reach the appropriate market. There are definitely folks willing to pay high dollar for clothing that is evident but some of the upscale retailers. Being able to tap into that market is another thing. I remember watching one of the sewing shows and they had someone on making “chenille” coats. The ones where you use several layers of fabric, do channel stitching, then cut the fabric between the channels and the fabric puffs up when washed and dried. They looked really nice. Anyway, I recall they got over a thousand dollars a coat. That would be a handsome profit even considering labor. But finding the market is the tough part.
I have taken the day after Thanksgiving off. Maybe I will be able to start another pair then. I’ve got a few ideas. Now it’s a matter of trying them out. Happy Sewing. Sue
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Hi, Sue. Hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving. Ours seems so long ago now, what with being so busy, but it has only been six weeks. It is well into winter here in Edmonton....we've had snow since before Hallowe'en and last weekend we braved temperatures of -24°C with a windchill that made it feel like -35°C (I have no idea what that is in Farenheit, but it sure is cold!).
I wanted to make pants for my current client on the computer, but the programme just couldn't handle it....and I'm having trouble with it manually. She is a very large lady and her waistline dips dramatically in front compared to the back. The computer wants to make pants have a relatively horizontal waistline. I made a muslin from my first draft and am going to have to redo them above the hipline. In fact, I suspect I'll have to drape the darts on her directly as there is an enormous difference between her waist and hip measurements. There was an article in Threads some time ago on this and I suspect in this case it will be the way to find a fitting solution.
I'm hoping that after I get my current projects finished I can play around on the computer and make myself something. I could certainly use some new pants! Right now I'm working on a wedding gown (made most of the pattern on the computer), a pant suit, and I'm remodelling a velvet dress into a skirt and top (don't ask about that one...its a nightmare!).
You're right about reaching the appropriate market. The customers are out there, you just have to find them. I'm not working full time hours at the moment and that suits me just fine. I'm having problems with a very rebellious and defiant teenage son and find that I'm constantly being interrupted. But I am turning down work. I found that when I started doing prom dresses and wedding gowns, I had more than enough to do. Not so with bridesmaids, as they don't want to spend one cent more than they have to. The other major portion of my work is catering to business women who want quality, original suits. One of my clients is a small business owner/university professor and I've made her seven suits this year! I'm not sure how one could make a living making and selling chenille coats, however lovely they are.
Anyway have to get back to the velvet nightmare. I'm almost finished and I really would like to get it out of here asap!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sandy, can somewhat appreciate that cold weather. I used to live in Albany, NY. I remember that sub-zero stuff. We had low 80s yesterday and looking forward to the possibility of our first freeze of the season this weekend. That is the hard part of Florida. We can have 80s one day and 40s the next. And 40s in Florida feels colder then one can imagine unless you've experienced it. Winters up north rarely felt this cold. The plus side is there is no snow or ice. Well got to get the turkey activities going or there will be no turkey for dinner. Will try to get back here later today.
I'd wish you a Happy Thanksgiving but you said you already had yours. So have yourself a very nice day and hopefully you will finish your velvet outfit. It sounds like a worthy project. Happy Sewing. Sue
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