Beekissed
Mountain Sage
Work is a gift! I'm praising God for your gifts, Shawn! 
Sewing as a side income
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milkmansdaughter
Super Self-Sufficient
I was just on the phone with my friend yesterday, and she's been going through many years of patterns, and will be giving me most of two large filing cabinets of them. She's also giving me a whole roll of pattern paper, so i can make my own patterns. She already taught me how to make patterns larger and smaller.
I've found that many old-fashioned patterns can be made up to date with small changes.
@Mini Horses you mentioned other things you can do with the same skills. That's what my friend is doing now. She has moved from her sewing and alterations to making doll clothes for 18" dolls (American Girl style dolls.) A lady at her church sells them for her online. She can do that with just a fraction of the space and materials she needed when making real clothes, and she's still able to to use her talent to supplement her own income.
Mini Horses
Sustainability Master
I used to make matching doll clothes for my GDDs, with their outfits I made them. They loved it.
Many want to buy such things for holiday gifts for their DD & GDDs. I found that the dog blankets are popular since many of the dogs don't fit the ones in stores. Not enough adjustments. Those little fat dogs no longer fit.
They need the short back but way more belly band and deeper openings at neck on top side, longer around front for chest. So easy to make. Plus you can use "scrap" materials. Make and sell at animal swaps, etc.Those cute little dresses....my friend used to sell them for me at her beauty shop (and my goat soaps). Those grannies bought a lot of such things. Hey, they were there & it was easy.
It takes a while to find your niche but, so doable. Just keep your eyes open for outlets. Your friend has one via HER friend. It's a network.
Beekissed
Mountain Sage
I love the pretty thingies that hold and dispenses plastic grocery bags...can't find them in the stores any longer but will often find them at craft fairs and flea markets. Unfortunately, when I do find them they aren't in a fabric print I'd want to hang in the bathroom, where we actually use those.
There's huge money in chicken clothing if you have a website or Etsy site for marketing them...
https://www.pamperyourpoultry.com/
https://www.etsy.com/market/clothes_for_chickens
There's huge money in chicken clothing if you have a website or Etsy site for marketing them...
https://www.pamperyourpoultry.com/
https://www.etsy.com/market/clothes_for_chickens
Lazy Gardener
Super Self-Sufficient
Chicken saddles!!! Offer some gussy ones, and offer some in practical colors that won't draw attention to the bird. I think a reversible would be very practical. Denim/calico. That way the hen could dress in her Sunday best, as well as her kick around the farm garb, according to her mood!
@Beekissed Time to give those grand girls some sewing lessons. Making those plastic bag dispensers is a super easy project. They could make one for their mom, as well as every other special person in their lives. I bet, even Uncle E would like one in a manly print!
@Beekissed Time to give those grand girls some sewing lessons. Making those plastic bag dispensers is a super easy project. They could make one for their mom, as well as every other special person in their lives. I bet, even Uncle E would like one in a manly print!
Mini Horses
Sustainability Master
There was a time when I sewed a LOT. It's enjoyable but time consuming. Some days I think about doing some but, that easily leaves my thoughts. 😁. A dedicated space is only way to go!
Mini Horses
Sustainability Master
You have received some wonderful stuff!! And sewing is not only creative but, so helpful for so many. Not only clothing but, consider specialty items as well -- home décor; pet blankets, beds, & jackets; stuffed toys, doll clothes and the list goes ON.
There is so much you can do with this gift, from home, your own time line, etc. I did several prom dresses, weddings, etc. but not for more than family & friends. I didn't want to be unable to have everything "done on time" But my DS, DD & 4 GDD sure enjoyed my talent. Alterations were ongoing for their "store bought" clothes. It's a "perfect" job for those with the time to work it.
Congrats on all the "freebies"
And yes, patterns are unreal in price
I have soooo many, in most every size, male & female! Some were like $1.99, now there are way up there. I could not believe it when I saw $12.50 on a pattern! WHAT??? Since I learned years ago to alter patterns, combine features, etc. you will see that MOST are basic with added "frills".
There is so much you can do with this gift, from home, your own time line, etc. I did several prom dresses, weddings, etc. but not for more than family & friends. I didn't want to be unable to have everything "done on time" But my DS, DD & 4 GDD sure enjoyed my talent. Alterations were ongoing for their "store bought" clothes. It's a "perfect" job for those with the time to work it.
Congrats on all the "freebies"
And yes, patterns are unreal in price
I have soooo many, in most every size, male & female! Some were like $1.99, now there are way up there. I could not believe it when I saw $12.50 on a pattern! WHAT??? Since I learned years ago to alter patterns, combine features, etc. you will see that MOST are basic with added "frills".Lazy Gardener
Super Self-Sufficient
And those doll clothes sell VERY well.
Lazy Gardener
Super Self-Sufficient
@Mini Horses What did you use for a pattern for your dog blankets/coats?
Mini Horses
Sustainability Master
Bought a few. And adapted a mini horse blanket pattern...for large dogs. Foal blankets for smaller dogs. The little dogs, you pretty much have to measure and adjust the patterns you buy for the svelte ones Craft section of most pattern books.
Craft section of most pattern books.
