On running a custom sewing business

Running a custom sewing business can be an enormously satisfying way to earn a living, supplement the family income, or simply contribute your skills to the community. Alterations and repairs are fairly straightforward transactions, pretty well understood by most clients. However, selling invisible products and labor (e.g. a custom dress) can be far more complex arrangements. There are some great resources out there to get you started, or help you grow.

Below, are the basics to consider, whether you are or want to be a custom sewing professional.

Join a professional organization. Being a member of a professional organization will help you get the information you need to run your business effectively, and it will give you credibility with your clients, while letting them know that you are committed to the growth and improvement of your business. The Professional Association of Custom Clothiers is a great one to join, especially if you would like the support and guidance of long-established sewing professionals. The Costume Society of America is another, and there are more groups for tailors, researchers, bridal professionals, and other specialties. If you want to work in certain fields (like Broadway costume design in New York City), you may need to join a union to get work.

Continue your education. Take classes taught by quality teachers, and learn the best methods for the types of projects you intend to pursue. Develop your own techniques, and seek to constantly improve your skills.

Develop a web presence. Don’t rely on the yellow pages or the local paper for all of your business. Most people with disposable income (who are more likely to be your clients) have internet access and use the web to find what they are looking for. If you offer something particularly unique, being listed on a website or developing your own website is particularly worthwhile. A professional organization like PACC offers listings for its members, and Find a Dressmaker and A Vintage Wedding are sites that will list the businesses which meet their criteria.

Invest in quality equipment, and keep existing equipment well maintained. Old, temperamental equipment will cost you time and money, and affect the quality of your projects. If you are just beginning, be project-oriented, not income oriented, at first. Establishing your rates will take time, and you will need to keep a time and expense log for a wide variety of projects before you will know how much you need to charge. There are many books that promise “foolproof” methods, but only you know your own pace and work style.

Love what you do, and love your clients. Let’s face it – there are far easier ways to earn a buck. If this isn’t something you are passionate about, you will grow to hate it, and lament the loss of your hobby. Know that things can and will go wrong. Establish a business policy and procedures for when these things happen. Difficult clients, poor time management, and projects gone awry happen to even the best of dressmakers. Whatever the agreement or disagreement, make sure that those policies honor the client, while maintaining your own integrity.

Make things! The best advertising is word-of-mouth, since most custom sewing businesses are local. Make, alter and repair great things for yourself, your friends and your family, and do not hesitate to let people know that you are in business, and how to contact you. Don't fall for the idea that the key to success is that wealthy people will want to overpay for your services, as many of the cheerleading-type start-up information would have you believe. Strive to make what you offer worth the price.

Purse Patterns, Tote Bag Patterns, Quilting and Sewing Patterns from Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs

Purse Patterns, Tote Bag Patterns, Quilting and Sewing Patterns from Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs

I happened across this blog today - I love the weird, alien crop-circley thing with these yoyos...

One quick thing...

We're walking for Autism research on June 3rd. Please donate or participate , if you can!

Click here to learn more...

Eight things about me...

I saw this on Lady Tess today, which I discovered randomly, liked the idea, and decided to participate...

Here are the rules:

1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.

3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

Eight Things About Me

1 - I designed and made my own wedding gown in 1996, using less than $100 in materials. Here I am, with my Dad...


2 - I collect old sewing books from the late 1800's because I love them so much... They have a real energy and meticulousness about them that is just incredible!

3 - I feel that I have a guardian angel with me at all times, and have felt that way since I was a little girl.

4 - Although I don't believe in astrology, I almost never get along with Pisces... What does that mean???

5 - I receieved an unsolicited bear hug from Mike Tyson when I was about 17 years old. He thought I was "pretty", he said.

6 - I believe love is a vital ingredient in all creative endeavors, and that is what gives any work of art its "voice".

7 - I believe resilience is the single most important ingredient for success. It forces you to redefine failure in your life.

8 - That I label all of the cords to my computer and sewing machinery, so I know which outlets and ports they are each plugged into.


Choosing eight people is tough, since they all need to have blogs, right? This is the part I can't do - my friends don't blog, really... but if you are reading this, want to participate AND have a blog, let me know...

Weighted vest for autistm or sensory integration issues

I hope this is a help to other parents of children with sensory integration issues out there... Weighted vests are pretty pricey, and limiting, so I've found a good alternative.

I have added weighted pockets to a ready-made vest.

The pockets are made of a strong cotton twill, and since they are meant to total a percentage of the child's body weight, small beanbags work well.

So that the pockets don't have to remain attached to the same garment, they are removeable. They have two large buttonholes on top, so the buttons can be sewn to whichever garment is suitable for the child's size and the season.

I will sell the pockets and appropriate buttons, or directions to make them, if desired.


Here is a picture of the beanbags...



Here is my son's vest with pockets sewn in (but they can be buttoned on instead.)

Bought from Britex

So, I loved this fabric at Britex in San Francisco, and I wanted it to become...





I am thinking about buttons and buttonholes now. It hasn't been pressed yet...


This two-toned, welted pocket creation with rich, blue silk details. It is to wear casually, with jeans and such...



And here it is... inside out.


This was inspired by the Japanese "jimbaori", which have broad lapels to display rich lining fabric. I have named this my "No one said it would be easy" jacket, and it feels great to wear it.

San Francisco PACC Conference

This is a wreath in the window of Britex (a San Francisco fabric store) - about 18 yards of lilac organza. A good idea for an oversized holiday wreath. Beautiful!







I had a blast at the conference - learned so much. The Professional Association of Custom Clothiers is truly a worthwhile organization for anyone working as a dressmaker or related business...

This is a lovely November day in Union Square...












Stretch fabric techniques class...

Costuming class with accomplished designer of "Beach Blanket Babylon"...

Golden Gate, Alcatraz

Jellyfish at the aquarium...




My last evening in San Fran.. before leaving the pier!