Wifes grand idea

[sydnie7]

Welcome to the fray! (that's a little seamstress humor, there)

Depending how far above the radar you intend to fly, don't forget such things as business license and sales tax account. Do you do your own taxes? If not, forms for my little business added a fairly minimal amount to the tax preparer's bill this year, just another tick in the ledger (hope that's not veterinarian humor!).

It can be great fun and some headaches. Some people don't like my business name, either -- but it makes me smile, and somebody said something about pleasing all of the people all of the time. . . and then there's "with a name like FlamingoKilts, it has to be good!" So call it what you wish, especially if you are not looking to challenge the UK's of the world. I think there is room for us all, around their edges.

Best of luck!

[Barb T]

Set your standards high, and aim to make a better product than anyone else makes, and you'll have a business to be proud of. There's an abundance of good role models at XMarks for just that.

And just because it isn't a full-time job doesn't make it any less professional. When my husband used to do a lot of volunteer work as an EMT, he would cringe when someone said are you a professional or a volunteer? He rightfully made the distinction between paid and not paid, rather than professional and volunteer by calling the non-volunteer EMTs "paid professionals."

And, on the flip side of it, having a business that is not full-time doesn't give someone the license to provide shoddy goods or services. Not that you would, but some don't take their part-time businesses seriously, and it shows.

[Shanntarra]

If you want a good quality machine talk to a local sewing machine machanic. I was offered a nice portable industrial machine for $200-300. (Wish I could have afforded it) It was previously used to sew canvas together for the local theater. If it is just weekend sewing but is going to take a beating look into that. To get a proper industrial machine you are looking to drop a grand. Granted some of the fancy froo froo machine's cost at least that much but if you are looking for long term sew through anything, an industrial will do the job. The biggest draw back is that it is heavy, and big. It also is finiky with how clean you keep the oil.
The best computers work more efficiently in liquid nitrogen. Many industrial sewing machines have their parts sitting in an oil pan under the sewing bed. You have to keep that clean.

To sum up: Just as you wouldnt' buy a car with out talking to a mechanic, talk to a sewing machine mechanic to find out what would be good for you. He might even have a used machine he can sell you cheap that will do what you want.

[The Wizard of BC]

Well, I started out as a little part-time business in my dinning room.
And we all know how long that lasted.

There is room and business out there for us all. As long as your product is unique, well made, and supported by your word you cannot go too wrong.





:ootd:

[Shanntarra]

And, on the flip side of it, having a business that is not full-time doesn't give someone the license to provide shoddy goods or services. Not that you would, but some don't take their part-time businesses seriously, and it shows.

I wanted to say AMEM! I'm apalled at the prices some people are asking for terrible looking work. Their excuse "I'm only a part timer." Sorry it doesnt' matter if you are full time paid, or part time volenteer you work is your buisness card. Do work you will be proud of.

[Downix]

I wanted to say AMEM! I'm apalled at the prices some people are asking for terrible looking work. Their excuse "I'm only a part timer." Sorry it doesnt' matter if you are full time paid, or part time volenteer you work is your buisness card. Do work you will be proud of.

Oh goodness I know what you mean there. Shoot, I'm re-doing one of the pleats on a kilt I made for my son as practice right now as I realized it did not line up right. Darn OCD kicking in!

*edit* do they look ok?

[Barb T]

Kilt's a bit long??

[Downix]

Kilt's a bit long??

That's fully intentional. You have to understand, he's grown a full foot in the past year. That fits around his waist now only as he's forming another "pre-growth-spurt" pooch. I have another kilt that is the right length for him, I just know within the year it will be too short, and this one would be the right length then. Trying to plan ahead here.

**edit** You know, I should post the properly sized kilt here then. I'll take some pics tonight and post them.

[Downix]

double thinking on this, why don't I just hem up the bottom of it till he hits his spurt, so he'll have three? (two by me and the one we picked up at the ren faire) Egads, my son now has more kilts than I do! *scampers off to grap some polycotton tweed*