A life lesson for buyers of handmade things: Things are priced for what they are worth, and if you cannot afford that price, this does not change that it is priced fairly.
Oh…how I wish I had this wonderful information 20 + years ago! I pray this goes well for you and all who get this book. My age and health hinders me from running with this, but, God willing, I can pass on my knowledge to my granddaughter!! Thanks Nikki! God bless!
Just want to add that you could also do classes for birthdays. We had a sewing birthday party for my daughter and it was a class with a “free sew” where they had access to scraps to make whatever they wanted. Then we ended with cupcakes. It was so fun! Everyone loved it. Another way to bring people in!
Paused this video just to comment: THANK YOU for saying all this! I’m retirement eligible and considering following my passion for making/altering clothes. I love hearing a sucessful woman tell me to take myself seriously as a seamstress!!
Wow I am so excited to purchase the e book!! I have had multiple people reach out asking me to teach sewing classes for my daughters little friends. Thank you so much!!!
I have offered similar classes at my church, for free. You think, Why?! It's great practice, you know the children, and the parents are familiar with my work. I do arts and crafts with 25 kids and 6 different crafts. This started with Advent Workshop, where kids could make Christmas items. My table always had the most children, and no disciplinary issues as the kids knew me. It was so much fun. Then I would offer the same class at our local and active Parks &Rec Dept. I would teach children and elderly arts and crafts. It wasn't a lot, but kept our heads above water. I could get inexpensive supplies and run with it. I would volunteer at school and teach hundreds of children in one week how to finger crochet/knit and quilting. That required nothing but scraps that couldn't be used in anything else. Parents would see me with all the children, boys and girls. I simply explained that girls/women would sew for family and gifts. Guys learn to sew, crochet/knit and always figure a way to make money, naming many designer labels. That's all it took to get them interested. Then do something similar through Parks & Rec or a fundraising event and charge for a block of time. 😊❤ My point is there are ways to advertise, then charge at a later time.
I sold at craft fairs for 10 years when I was home with my kids. I did very well and had a loyal following. 75% of my money was earned at shows between September and December. I did have a certain look to my booth but made many different things so it was not boring.
Thanks so much for sharing your journey with all of us. I’m a scrappy former homeschool mom (both graduated🥳) and appreciate the freedom of a home based craft-centered business. It’s truly is important to tap into your local scene. As a former flight attendant (pre-kids), I made holiday aprons to wear on the flights (back before it was actually allowed😎) and before long I had a thriving side hustle making aprons first for other rouge flight attendants. Then pilots and passengers wanted to buy them too and before long I made enough money to trade in my ancient but free (because it was left behind at the auction) sewing machine that only did straight and zig-zag stitches for a brand new fancy-schmancy loaded machine with funds to spare. I think the teaching idea is FABULOUS and is much need in the community😊
How awesome to learn about your success in teaching and publishing your own book. You, and rightfully so, should be so proud of your success. I applaud people that are successful!!!
❤You are so precious to share your thoughts and ideas. My mother was the “local home Ex teacher” in our small West Virginia county. She retired in 1971, and I still have people telling me how much they appreciated what they learned from her. I’ve been considering starting sewing classes. I’ve volunteered at adult retreats and found I loved it. As a retired third grade teacher who still misses the kids, I know I’d love to set up teaching camps. I have acquired a lot of fabric. I am in attic right now trying to sort it. Now I know what I can do with it!😀 I’ll be interested in your book too. More later. Love your videos. I’m anew subscriber. ❤
Welcome! That's so sweet. When I graduated high school in 2000, I wanted to find a college where I could major in home ec, but I couldn't find one. So the world needs more sewing teachers! :)
I had a sewing business doing alterations for years, i quit to go on the road with my hubby for a while and I am so glad I quit. it took a toll on my machines and people asked me to do stupid stuff. like put new elastic in a pair of shorts that were so out dated and then they were going to donate them back to the thrift store. I said no, of course. teaching people to sew, would love to do. but the one time I taught a class, I ended up fixing their machines. I am taking it easy now. I can create what I want when I want. I am making scrap jean quilts right now, didn't want to have bulk so I just stitched flannel in the center of each jean square and I serged all the edges of the jean. 210 blocks each. I wish we could share a pic cause they are pretty unique. Thanks for the videos.
I am loving your videos! You are so talented & have so many great ideas ! I feel the same way about patterns for ideas only… quilting is art! Your eyes are so great!
I fell into alterations for fire fighters, law enforcement, and fire suits for Nascar officials. This is a special type of sewing, as you need to sew with fire retardant threads. It's expensive, so I charge a bit more. I also taught my students in my after-school program the basics of sewing. I am trying to keep the love of sewing going forward
Don’t forget your adult classes in Hawaii!! My friend Annie and I had a great time making our mini pineapple quilts. I still have mine and use it as decor!
Got the ebook and read half through as soon as I got it. Answers so many questions. Clear information in a way that made it like you were in the room with me. Teach grands but didn't know how to open it up to more people. Working through it. THank you!
Just discovered you a few weeks ago. You're delightful and obviously quite bright and talented. I like your presentations, I've always loved straight to the point, no fluff, very little music (soothing my preference)... and so needed the laugh at the "palm trees and monkeys" (I'm from Savannah, GA - native Atlanta, GA, and entered culture shock when we moved to SAV from ATL early 80's... and you're soooooo right about that!). Thank you for sharing your time and talent, may get your book next month (recent widow, income cut 60% - but GOD is beyond so good and provides every need and want I can imagine). Take care of you and keep up your dreams and sharing. Best gifts ever, and I look forward to all your YT videos. Such a blessing you are.
You are an amazing young woman!!! Congrats to you on homeschooling!!! I am a quilter/mother/grandma....It's a hobby, but I love your whole idea how to have an income. Keep up the good work!!
Thank you for this information! I can see myself hooking up with after school or home school groups teaching sewing when I’m ready to retire. Retirement is right around the corner for me. I’d love to do something like this.
I taught a few sewing classes when I homeschooled my kiddos also. I bought a few used sewing machines from the thrift and had the charter school pay me. It was a blast!
An answer to prayer! I have ALWAYS wanted to do this but didn’t know how or when to start. I have an even bigger dream of a chain of Sewing schools.🥰 Sewing is becoming a lost art because it is no longer taught in schools. I had sewing as part of HomeEc in junior high. My mother is a masterful seamstress as well. Some of my best memories as a kid were outfits made just for me. I will be ordering your ebook!
Teaching sewing is a blast. I did it for 3 years. Moved because of my husband's job and it didn't go. Went from 18 students ages 6-63 to none. It was disappointing, but i worked through it 😁🥰
I am so glad I found your channel! I love your videos, I love listening to you teach, I love your down to earth attitude. Thank you for sharing! I have now watched almost all of your videos.
I love your passion for passing on what you have learned that works for you. It is reassuring to have someone come out and admit that they didn't make money right away. I tried the craft fair route and wondered what was wrong with me that I made so little. I tried Etsy and though I had sales, I could never figure out how to get enough sales to keep it going. I tried selling other venues as well, like Shopify and Bonanza, but they were a total failure. So much time working to make a product and I'd end up giving it away. Thank you for shedding some light on a topic that holds so much mystery to me.
Another alternative is to make bespoke items for people with disabilities. I know someone who has a business making bottoms for children and babies with a particular condition and a particular functional need in their clothing. It's hard for some people to get any clothing to fit.
I had a gynecologist several years ago who got a sewist to make "exam bottoms" out of sturdy cotton fabrics. They had an open crotch, of course, elastic waists and capri length legs. Warmer, more dignified and launderable.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I too am a homeschooling Army wife. I’ve been really trying to find a good side hustle. I have done numerous things over the years, but this e-book of yours is really exciting. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your journey. I’m an older homeschool mom, now helping with the grandkids & was thinking of offering sewing classes. I’ve been sewing for 55+ years & learning is still happening. Thanks for putting it to paper
Well thank you Nikki for a great video. I made a real connection with you and immediately bought your book. This is exactly what I want to do & appreciate all the effort you put in to producing the book - just like sewing - it takes time,effort,skill etc and has value. I look fwd to more from you. Oh also browsed your shop - yummy stuff in there too! Keep up the great work. Vanessa, Devon uk
Not just moms with children at home! I am retired and not very mobile but I still need to add to our income and just as important I want to continue to contribute! Looking forward to your ebook!
This is great. In my small city there is a center that offers classes. If you would like to do this for income but don't have enough snace in your house look for a space 8n your community.
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m getting back to sewing after a major break from it because of life events, it’s been so much fun! I’ve gotten other lines of hand made products I’ve been working on as well! I so related to your story about the ‘work’ being done for friends and family not being valued properly. Your words of wisdom from experience was refreshing from other generic resources I’ve found. So just appreciate it and I’m going to look up your ebook!
Yup, i taught sewing for 15+ years. I did workshops for fabric boutiques, fabric shops, then went on to teaching kids at the district park near where I lived, every summer. At the same park, I taught a couple of quilting classes, one traditional patchwork and the other Hawaiian quilting. It was a fun ride, but I stopped to work for the state so that I would be sure to get retirement benefits for my future retirement. When I did retire, I thought about going back to teaching sewing again and the basic aspects of pattern making, but I got lazy and stayed retired. At 71 I still have my sewing room, I still use it and teach my grand children how to sew. I’m also a knitter, that’s quite an addicting skill to do. Learning is a lifetime endeavor and I love it. I love that people still want to learn different skills. Your blog and youtube channel will encourage people to want to sew and maybe even teach sewing; don’t want it to turn into a lost art. Thank you!
What a thoughtful person you are! Seriously! Thank you for this video. I love your example of “women encouraging women”. We need more of this. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out how to make some extra money while not being gone from the home too often. This is perfect. I will be buying your book and putting your ideas to work asap. Thank you!!!
I have been teaching sewing for a few years at a homeschool co-op. Previously, I taught at a 4-H group but have hesitated to teach in my home. I bought the book and am now ready to give it a try. My young adult daughters do a lot of theatre, so a class on making costumes would be perfect, too. The book has a lot of practical information and creative ideas told in Nikki's fun, down-to-earth voice . Get her book if you are at all interested in teaching sewing!
Thanks for this great and encouraging video. I have had similar struggles trying to make money from sewing and came to the conclusion that teaching was the way to go and I had moderate success with that. I was teaching adults and it was fun but what killed me was the marketing and getting new students, I found that really hard, basically I didn’t have a business mindset so doing that side took up so much time and energy and didn’t get the results so I had to give up, I was paying for premises so I had to make a certain amount each month before I got any ‘pay’. Although, a friend did tell me the other day that the classes I did were the best ones she had been to, so that was nice to hear. Teaching kids would have been fun but here in the UK the rules around doing that independently are complicated and quite expensive. I’m retired now so just sew for my pleasure but I wish you and everyone well who wants to do this. Thank you for your generosity of spirit to share you ideas and advice ❤
The advise on a cohesive theme is really great: if all of your items are baby things, there are less decisions for the consumer to make. If they're all cottage core, it's easier for the consumer to imagine them making their home look well decorated, and a similar style throughout is more restful to the eye, making the buyer feel calmer and find the products more inviting. You want the booth to be appealing and draw them in, make them feel welcome and comfortable. A hodge podge of random items, piled up messily reminds people of clutter, of things they need to do, and that does not appeal.
Thank you very much! I suffer from a disability and I've been trying to make money by selling my products but while everyone seems to love my creations, nobody seems to be willing to pay for them 😅
Just found your video, and suscribed. I´ve learned to saw with my grandma , and my mother. I´ll retire this August and was looking for something interesting to do. And your video gave me a good option.
Yep, done the craft fairs, sell stuff to my mom, considered just standing on the street with my tote bags selling them to passers by HAHA! Have made costumes and that is really fun for me also love the creativity.
I have had the exact same journey!! Make no money, people don’t want to pay for your stuff. have wanted to teach kids to sew and wanted to figure out how! Thank you I am excited for your book!
Thankyou for making this video. I had a total hip replacement six weeks ago and whilst I was thinking of returning to work, I’m not able to get on the floor so working with tiny children is going to have to wait. I live in a community where I have become part of the craft group and did approach them to do workshops but they have had a change of committee and no one has taken the role of workshop coordinator. We have a town hall that is minimal to hire that may serve as a venue. I was also thinking of going to the customer to teach them in their home. I do have a space but it isn’t very big and we live a good thirty minutes out of town. We do have a thriving homeschooling community in the area which is something I’d like to tap into. Your book will be a great resource.
Soooo, I just watched a video on batching gift ideas and that led me to this video that answered the question that came to mind 6 mo ago “ what if I teach kids and teens to sew” “I wonder if the homeschool community has a need for this?” “ I should teach kids and teens to sew, I’ve always wanted to do that”. And now I’m watching this and I’m so grateful to find your content because you wrote an e-book!! is the title “Serendipity “? I now understand why I have Acquired a few sewing machines in the past few years!!! I’m going to need them for Sew camp!😊 YES!!! Thanks for the boost of encouragement and common sense!
Nikki: ohhhhh how I loved this content and You👏👏👏 you are so energetic, encouraging and blessing so many of us by sharing your knowledge on your channel!!! I will be checking this book out😀😀😀 Congratulations to the graduate and mom n dad💐🎉 God’s continued blessings until next time 🥰🙏🏻✝️❤️😀
Thank you for here videos I really enjoy just listening to your videos, I love to sew, I sewed growing up then stopped as you said weddings, etc. as a wedding planning family you do end up doing so much sewing … and made my own clothes, etc. and also as a say at home way back when, sewed a trillion patches for Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, etc., tried alterations, all that too so got super burned out, but love to sew now, and I love your encouragement and do some craft fairs and your suggestions on keeping your theme similar, that has helped me so much and come up with a fun branding and even though every thing I make may not be exactly in the same category, I try and put kits together like you have in your other videos, such as I sew bowl kookies so I bring a lot of fun different bowls that I picked up thrifting but are unique and they are so fun. I love your cup coozie and apron ideas I saw on another video and I may put some gift set together my reason for writing to you is just to say thank you, it helps me be proud of a sewer!
Thank you for the mention!!! 🥰 I wholeheartedly agree that classes and private lessons are the fastest way to make the most money and quickly. You should buy her book!!
Please make another video on Etsy and also on content creating Also, I want to teach! Thank you for this. It’s so much easier to have the knowledge of how to do it rather than just figure it out on my own
This is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge. The first person I thought of was my mom. I shared this video before I finished. 😊
I loved the idea of teaching how to sew. How many machines did you have at home? Did you have a big space? How many students could you handle at one class?
I did not start with a large space at all, I started in my dining room. I had three machines for 6 students to share. These and lots more questions are answered in great detail in the ebook!
if you are doing cosplay, larp, etc (or any formal wear , bridal, etc ) get a deposit UP FRONT, and a written contract that says alterations and changed after x days will cost $$$ and if they cancel they get no refund i cannot count how many people call my friends up half way through making their outfit and want changed- and they NEVER understand the difference between "hem it up a bit higher" and "change the shoulders"
Oh yes when friends find out I can sew and make stuff they start asking for hemming and other basic alterations and I’m like um no please don’t ruin my hobby.
Love this so much! We've almost lived parallel lives. Craft fairs ✔️ alterations ✔️ dining room setup ✔️ I turned to teaching several years ago, and I love it so much! My daughter grew up with my sewing camps, and now she teaches a couple camps during the summer to earn money for back to school shopping. I now teach several homeschool groups a couple days a week and one after-school class a week. It's been great. I developed an 8wk curriculum that has been super handy. Congrats on your ebook! I'd love to check out your book!
Is it supposed delightful. I wish I would have thought of something like this myself when I was homeschooling my children. I used to do so many things for free. We would have baking camps and everyone went home with their own apron that I had sold we had all kinds of fun things going on in my house and I never thought of making a camp and rightfully charging for the things that I did. I would create the most amazing parties for birthdays with activities. I could have very well had a camp or classes. Instead I struggled and I cleaned houses and try to fit being out of the house cleaning houses and homeschooling at the same time brilliant brilliant brilliant
Thank you! Great informative video! Have never seen one like this. I’m wondering how much you charge to teach? Great idea. Your ebook sounds very interesting. I will take a look. ❤
The ebook goes into great detail about what to charge! It can depend on some variables, so what I charged may be different from what you should charge!
craft fairs are disappointing, yep. When I stopped doing craft fairs I still had people call me on the phone and ask if I could make x number of certain items. I actually made MORE money NOT doing craft fairs. There is a uniform shop here in my town that keeps my name and number on record for first responders who need pants hemmed quicker than their turnaround ( shop turnaround is a minimum of 2 weeks- mine is usually 2 or 3 days) I don't make a lot of money doing this, but throughout the year it is enough for me to say that I paid for my hubby's Xmas gifts each year. I mostly do quilting now and love when I get 3 or 4 commissioned quilts a year. That is enough for me to say I had a good year. (My hubby makes really good money so I don't need to worry so much anymore) The year my hubby was in Iraq though I really counted on the extra $$ I made.
I have been contemplating teaching sewing classes for at least 10 years, and I am now getting ready to "finally" do it. I am a teacher, post secondary education and getting ready to retire from that. I live rural but there are kids around not to far from me and 3 small towns close by I can market to. My ideas are starting with sewing camps and building to weekly classes from my home is what I want to do. I also have a 16" vintage RV that I though about offering Sewing Birthday parties from. I can bring my little trailer to their location. My trailers name is Bobbin, lol. Anyway, what is your opinion on this? Do you think it would gain traction? Thank you for sharing, and I will be purchasing your ebook.🙂
This is such good information! As far as sewing goes, I tend to do only quilting. I have made some garments. For example, I made a chemise (which I use as a night gown) and while it turned out okay, I think I would be able to make it so much better now! My husband wants me to learn how to make historical garments for people such as reenactors. That is definitely a business niche, and when the garments are made well, people are willing to pay well for them. However, I have not yet treaded into that territory. On Etsy, would it be problematic to sell quilts that are made from patented patterns? I am not sure what those laws are or entail. Thank you again for this information!!
Historical garments is a GREAT idea! That would be so fun. As for selling quilts, you can always reach out to the designer and ask, or sometimes they say on their site what they allow. Although it’s possible they can’t legally tell you you can’t, I’m really not sure. Even very simple quilts sell well on Etsy though, the key is in choosing modern fabrics and knowing what’s popular as far as color schemes and that kind of thing. I’ve had success selling baby quilts on Etsy for $130 each and they were not very involved designs.
I dont know about Etsy, I have never used it. But I work in a quilt shop. Patterns usually state on them, For Personal Use Only, Not Intended For Commercial Use, or Only Limited Commercial Use For Craft Fairs Or Farmers Markets. The exact wording may vary, but thats the gist of the statements. Some will say you can only make so many for sale. Or if you make them for sale you must credit the pattern maker . its not cuper common, but they can sue you for copy right infringement if they went to be testy. To make certain, most patterns have a business email on them and you can email them for permission. I have a booth at my local farmers market and to be safe I just make up my own patterns. But there are other vendors who use commercial patterns and tell me they haven't had any issues. 🤷
Get the eBook here and use the code TEACH15 for 15% off! www.pincutsewstudio.com/shop/how-to-teach-sewing-ebook
A life lesson for buyers of handmade things: Things are priced for what they are worth, and if you cannot afford that price, this does not change that it is priced fairly.
I always say „my prices reflect my talent, not your budget“….😊
I taught beginning sewing for four years. Sewing camps were my biggest money makers.
Wow, the dove costume is breathtaking! 🪶🪶🪶💕🩰
Oh…how I wish I had this wonderful information 20 + years ago! I pray this goes well for you and all who get this book. My age and health hinders me from running with this, but, God willing, I can pass on my knowledge to my granddaughter!! Thanks Nikki! God bless!
Ditto!
Just want to add that you could also do classes for birthdays. We had a sewing birthday party for my daughter and it was a class with a “free sew” where they had access to scraps to make whatever they wanted. Then we ended with cupcakes. It was so fun! Everyone loved it. Another way to bring people in!
Paused this video just to comment: THANK YOU for saying all this! I’m retirement eligible and considering following my passion for making/altering clothes. I love hearing a sucessful woman tell me to take myself seriously as a seamstress!!
Wow I am so excited to purchase the e book!! I have had multiple people reach out asking me to teach sewing classes for my daughters little friends. Thank you so much!!!
I have offered similar classes at my church, for free. You think, Why?! It's great practice, you know the children, and the parents are familiar with my work. I do arts and crafts with 25 kids and 6 different crafts. This started with Advent Workshop, where kids could make Christmas items. My table always had the most children, and no disciplinary issues as the kids knew me. It was so much fun. Then I would offer the same class at our local and active Parks &Rec Dept. I would teach children and elderly arts and crafts. It wasn't a lot, but kept our heads above water. I could get inexpensive supplies and run with it. I would volunteer at school and teach hundreds of children in one week how to finger crochet/knit and quilting. That required nothing but scraps that couldn't be used in anything else. Parents would see me with all the children, boys and girls. I simply explained that girls/women would sew for family and gifts. Guys learn to sew, crochet/knit and always figure a way to make money, naming many designer labels. That's all it took to get them interested. Then do something similar through Parks & Rec or a fundraising event and charge for a block of time. 😊❤ My point is there are ways to advertise, then charge at a later time.
Teaching sewing is GREAT! Children need those skills!
I sold at craft fairs for 10 years when I was home with my kids. I did very well and had a loyal following. 75% of my money was earned at shows between September and December. I did have a certain look to my booth but made many different things so it was not boring.
Thanks so much for sharing your journey with all of us. I’m a scrappy former homeschool mom (both graduated🥳) and appreciate the freedom of a home based craft-centered business. It’s truly is important to tap into your local scene. As a former flight attendant (pre-kids), I made holiday aprons to wear on the flights (back before it was actually allowed😎) and before long I had a thriving side hustle making aprons first for other rouge flight attendants. Then pilots and passengers wanted to buy them too and before long I made enough money to trade in my ancient but free (because it was left behind at the auction) sewing machine that only did straight and zig-zag stitches for a brand new fancy-schmancy loaded machine with funds to spare. I think the teaching idea is FABULOUS and is much need in the community😊
Love this, thank you for sharing!
How awesome to learn about your success in teaching and publishing your own book. You, and rightfully so, should be so proud of your success. I applaud people that are successful!!!
Thank you Susan 🤗
❤You are so precious to share your thoughts and ideas. My mother was the “local home Ex teacher” in our small West Virginia county. She retired in 1971, and I still have people telling me how much they appreciated what they learned from her. I’ve been considering starting sewing classes. I’ve volunteered at adult retreats and found I loved it. As a retired third grade teacher who still misses the kids, I know I’d love to set up teaching camps. I have acquired a lot of fabric. I am in attic right now trying to sort it. Now I know what I can do with it!😀 I’ll be interested in your book too. More later. Love your videos. I’m anew subscriber. ❤
…home ec teacher…
Welcome! That's so sweet. When I graduated high school in 2000, I wanted to find a college where I could major in home ec, but I couldn't find one. So the world needs more sewing teachers! :)
❤Amen!
Home Ec, short for Home Economics. Fond remembrances of Mrs. Ledford, and all the wonderful home ec teachers.
I had a sewing business doing alterations for years, i quit to go on the road with my hubby for a while and I am so glad I quit. it took a toll on my machines and people asked me to do stupid stuff. like put new elastic in a pair of shorts that were so out dated and then they were going to donate them back to the thrift store. I said no, of course. teaching people to sew, would love to do. but the one time I taught a class, I ended up fixing their machines. I am taking it easy now. I can create what I want when I want. I am making scrap jean quilts right now, didn't want to have bulk so I just stitched flannel in the center of each jean square and I serged all the edges of the jean. 210 blocks each. I wish we could share a pic cause they are pretty unique. Thanks for the videos.
I am loving your videos! You are so talented & have so many great ideas ! I feel the same way about patterns for ideas only… quilting is art! Your eyes are so great!
I fell into alterations for fire fighters, law enforcement, and fire suits for Nascar officials. This is a special type of sewing, as you need to sew with fire retardant threads. It's expensive, so I charge a bit more. I also taught my students in my after-school program the basics of sewing. I am trying to keep the love of sewing going forward
I bought the book immediately and I love it!! I would be one of those who would ALSO love to hear your tips on blogging and UA-cam. 😉
Thank you so much! I will ponder the how-to-blog topic and how best to get that kind of thing out there 👍🏻
What a FANTASTIC idea! I’ve been searching for a way to help with our income. Etsy, craft fairs & commission shops fell short. Thank you so much! ❤
Don’t forget your adult classes in Hawaii!! My friend Annie and I had a great time making our mini pineapple quilts. I still have mine and use it as decor!
Aw, that makes me happy to hear! That was a great time. I did include adult class ideas in the book :D
Got the ebook and read half through as soon as I got it. Answers so many questions. Clear information in a way that made it like you were in the room with me. Teach grands but didn't know how to open it up to more people. Working through it. THank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this video, very helpful and informative.
Just discovered you a few weeks ago. You're delightful and obviously quite bright and talented. I like your presentations, I've always loved straight to the point, no fluff, very little music (soothing my preference)... and so needed the laugh at the "palm trees and monkeys" (I'm from Savannah, GA - native Atlanta, GA, and entered culture shock when we moved to SAV from ATL early 80's... and you're soooooo right about that!). Thank you for sharing your time and talent, may get your book next month (recent widow, income cut 60% - but GOD is beyond so good and provides every need and want I can imagine). Take care of you and keep up your dreams and sharing. Best gifts ever, and I look forward to all your YT videos. Such a blessing you are.
Thank you for these kind words, and I’m so sorry for the loss of your spouse. Sending prayers and hugs 🫶🏻
Thanks for sharing your history and experiences. So much to consider when sewing for a living!
You are an amazing young woman!!! Congrats to you on homeschooling!!! I am a quilter/mother/grandma....It's a hobby, but I love your whole idea how to have an income. Keep up the good work!!
What a wonderful blessing and idea! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. It has blessed my day. Have a great weekend friends.
Great tips. Thank you for posting them. From a new fan in South Texas by the Mexico border.
Thanks! So generous of you to share…it speaks to your heart
Thanks so much. Great idea!!!
Thank you for this information! I can see myself hooking up with after school or home school groups teaching sewing when I’m ready to retire. Retirement is right around the corner for me. I’d love to do something like this.
This would be a great retirement job 😃
I hope this does amazing for you! It could make a huge impact in people’s lives. Well done! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Oh my gosh…. lol, I upholstered a couch and chairs with that exact monkey pattern with a burgundy background color for a client years ago.
🫢😆
The comments at end about taking our self seriously are spot on and very inspirational.
You have such a big and helpful heart. ❤️ God bless you!
I taught a few sewing classes when I homeschooled my kiddos also. I bought a few used sewing machines from the thrift and had the charter school pay me. It was a blast!
I love this!! Thank you!
So cool to see you are a Georgia girl!!! I am too! I’m 2 hrs west of Savannah ❤
Well, we were stationed there when we were first married! So we only lived there a few years, but I do love Savannah 💕
Yes! This is what I’ve been wanting to do!! You are a God send!
An answer to prayer! I have ALWAYS wanted to do this but didn’t know how or when to start. I have an even bigger dream of a chain of Sewing schools.🥰 Sewing is becoming a lost art because it is no longer taught in schools. I had sewing as part of HomeEc in junior high. My mother is a masterful seamstress as well. Some of my best memories as a kid were outfits made just for me. I will be ordering your ebook!
Thank you for the very "real" conversation. Yes to all your suggested topics...I love to hear your views on sewing.
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Great ideas.
Love this. I've been wanting to do this for years.
Teaching sewing is a blast. I did it for 3 years. Moved because of my husband's job and it didn't go. Went from 18 students ages 6-63 to none. It was disappointing, but i worked through it 😁🥰
Good for you! I can imagine that is is a really good chance to earn that extra money, but I would imagine there is a lot of prep work ahead of time!
I am so glad I found your channel! I love your videos, I love listening to you teach, I love your down to earth attitude. Thank you for sharing! I have now watched almost all of your videos.
I love your passion for passing on what you have learned that works for you. It is reassuring to have someone come out and admit that they didn't make money right away. I tried the craft fair route and wondered what was wrong with me that I made so little. I tried Etsy and though I had sales, I could never figure out how to get enough sales to keep it going. I tried selling other venues as well, like Shopify and Bonanza, but they were a total failure. So much time working to make a product and I'd end up giving it away. Thank you for shedding some light on a topic that holds so much mystery to me.
Ha! Yes! That fabric was "big"! You are funny and on point!
Thank you for sharing your tips. Take care
Fantastic!!
I have thought about teaching sewing, and I'm happy you have written a book. I'm looking forward to getting it and learning from you.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I learned a lot of great things from this video. Can't wait to check out the ebook.
Another alternative is to make bespoke items for people with disabilities. I know someone who has a business making bottoms for children and babies with a particular condition and a particular functional need in their clothing. It's hard for some people to get any clothing to fit.
I had a gynecologist several years ago who got a sewist to make "exam bottoms" out of sturdy cotton fabrics. They had an open crotch, of course, elastic waists and capri length legs. Warmer, more dignified and launderable.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I too am a homeschooling Army wife. I’ve been really trying to find a good side hustle. I have done numerous things over the years, but this e-book of yours is really exciting. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your journey. I’m an older homeschool mom, now helping with the grandkids & was thinking of offering sewing classes. I’ve been sewing for 55+ years & learning is still happening. Thanks for putting it to paper
Well thank you Nikki for a great video. I made a real connection with you and immediately bought your book. This is exactly what I want to do & appreciate all the effort you put in to producing the book - just like sewing - it takes time,effort,skill etc and has value. I look fwd to more from you. Oh also browsed your shop - yummy stuff in there too! Keep up the great work. Vanessa, Devon uk
Not just moms with children at home! I am retired and not very mobile but I still need to add to our income and just as important I want to continue to contribute! Looking forward to your ebook!
This is great. In my small city there is a center that offers classes. If you would like to do this for income but don't have enough snace in your house look for a space 8n your community.
I really enjoyed this video. You speak well and know what you are about. Bless you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m getting back to sewing after a major break from it because of life events, it’s been so much fun! I’ve gotten other lines of hand made products I’ve been working on as well! I so related to your story about the ‘work’ being done for friends and family not being valued properly. Your words of wisdom from experience was refreshing from other generic resources I’ve found. So just appreciate it and I’m going to look up your ebook!
Yup, i taught sewing for 15+ years. I did workshops for fabric boutiques, fabric shops, then went on to teaching kids at the district park near where I lived, every summer. At the same park, I taught a couple of quilting classes, one traditional patchwork and the other Hawaiian quilting. It was a fun ride, but I stopped to work for the state so that I would be sure to get retirement benefits for my future retirement. When I did retire, I thought about going back to teaching sewing again and the basic aspects of pattern making, but I got lazy and stayed retired. At 71 I still have my sewing room, I still use it and teach my grand children how to sew. I’m also a knitter, that’s quite an addicting skill to do. Learning is a lifetime endeavor and I love it. I love that people still want to learn different skills.
Your blog and youtube channel will encourage people to want to sew and maybe even teach sewing; don’t want it to turn into a lost art. Thank you!
What a wonderful idea and unlike others you give specifics on how to accomplish your goals. Hope you are around a long, long time sugar!😊
What a thoughtful person you are! Seriously! Thank you for this video. I love your example of “women encouraging women”. We need more of this. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out how to make some extra money while not being gone from the home too often. This is perfect. I will be buying your book and putting your ideas to work asap. Thank you!!!
I was just thinking this last night!!! Sewing camp. I so wish I had learned when I was younger!!
I have been teaching sewing for a few years at a homeschool co-op. Previously, I taught at a 4-H group but have hesitated to teach in my home. I bought the book and am now ready to give it a try. My young adult daughters do a lot of theatre, so a class on making costumes would be perfect, too. The book has a lot of practical information and creative ideas told in Nikki's fun, down-to-earth voice . Get her book if you are at all interested in teaching sewing!
Thank you, Julia! Do you mind if I use this comment as a testimonial on my site? 😁
@@PinCutSew Sure!😄
Thank you ❤
Thanks for this great and encouraging video. I have had similar struggles trying to make money from sewing and came to the conclusion that teaching was the way to go and I had moderate success with that. I was teaching adults and it was fun but what killed me was the marketing and getting new students, I found that really hard, basically I didn’t have a business mindset so doing that side took up so much time and energy and didn’t get the results so I had to give up, I was paying for premises so I had to make a certain amount each month before I got any ‘pay’. Although, a friend did tell me the other day that the classes I did were the best ones she had been to, so that was nice to hear. Teaching kids would have been fun but here in the UK the rules around doing that independently are complicated and quite expensive. I’m retired now so just sew for my pleasure but I wish you and everyone well who wants to do this. Thank you for your generosity of spirit to share you ideas and advice ❤
The advise on a cohesive theme is really great: if all of your items are baby things, there are less decisions for the consumer to make. If they're all cottage core, it's easier for the consumer to imagine them making their home look well decorated, and a similar style throughout is more restful to the eye, making the buyer feel calmer and find the products more inviting. You want the booth to be appealing and draw them in, make them feel welcome and comfortable. A hodge podge of random items, piled up messily reminds people of clutter, of things they need to do, and that does not appeal.
Exactly 🙌🏻
Thank you very much! I suffer from a disability and I've been trying to make money by selling my products but while everyone seems to love my creations, nobody seems to be willing to pay for them 😅
Thank you i am trying to start creative classes sewing and other crafts i will definitely buy your book ❤
This is a great idea, I'd love to see more experienced sewers teaching their craft and I know there are people willing to pay for it.
Just found your video, and suscribed. I´ve learned to saw with my grandma , and my mother. I´ll retire this August and was looking for something interesting to do. And your video gave me a good option.
Yep, done the craft fairs, sell stuff to my mom, considered just standing on the street with my tote bags selling them to passers by HAHA! Have made costumes and that is really fun for me also love the creativity.
I have had the exact same journey!! Make no money, people don’t want to pay for your stuff. have wanted to teach kids to sew and wanted to figure out how! Thank you I am excited for your book!
Thankyou for making this video. I had a total hip replacement six weeks ago and whilst I was thinking of returning to work, I’m not able to get on the floor so working with tiny children is going to have to wait. I live in a community where I have become part of the craft group and did approach them to do workshops but they have had a change of committee and no one has taken the role of workshop coordinator. We have a town hall that is minimal to hire that may serve as a venue. I was also thinking of going to the customer to teach them in their home. I do have a space but it isn’t very big and we live a good thirty minutes out of town. We do have a thriving homeschooling community in the area which is something I’d like to tap into. Your book will be a great resource.
Congrats 🎉🎉🎉
Thanks!
If I wasn’t 83 yrs old I’d try sewing lessons, etc. I feel I don’t have the patience or the space to try this. Good luck and keep doing good work.
Soooo, I just watched a video on batching gift ideas and that led me to this video that answered the question that came to mind 6 mo ago “ what if I teach kids and teens to sew” “I wonder if the homeschool community has a need for this?” “ I should teach kids and teens to sew, I’ve always wanted to do that”. And now I’m watching this and I’m so grateful to find your content because you wrote an e-book!! is the title “Serendipity “? I now understand why I have Acquired a few sewing machines in the past few years!!! I’m going to need them for Sew camp!😊 YES!!! Thanks for the boost of encouragement and common sense!
Sounds like it’s meant to me! 😁
You’re amazing
Nikki: ohhhhh how I loved this content and You👏👏👏
you are so energetic, encouraging and blessing so many of us by sharing your knowledge on your channel!!!
I will be checking this book out😀😀😀
Congratulations to the graduate and mom n dad💐🎉
God’s continued blessings until next time
🥰🙏🏻✝️❤️😀
Aw, thank you Rachel! :)
You are most welcome🥰❤️😀
So very true 😊 God Bless yoy
❤very educative
Thank you for here videos I really enjoy just listening to your videos, I love to sew, I sewed growing up then stopped as you said weddings, etc. as a wedding planning family you do end up doing so much sewing … and made my own clothes, etc. and also as a say at home way back when, sewed a trillion patches for Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, etc., tried alterations, all that too so got super burned out, but love to sew now, and I love your encouragement and do some craft fairs and your suggestions on keeping your theme similar, that has helped me so much and come up with a fun branding and even though every thing I make may not be exactly in the same category, I try and put kits together like you have in your other videos, such as I sew bowl kookies so I bring a lot of fun different bowls that I picked up thrifting but are unique and they are so fun. I love your cup coozie and apron ideas I saw on another video and I may put some gift set together my reason for writing to you is just to say thank you, it helps me be proud of a sewer!
Yay, I am so happy you’ve found a good way of doing things and keeping it fun! 🙌🏻
Thank you for the mention!!! 🥰 I wholeheartedly agree that classes and private lessons are the fastest way to make the most money and quickly. You should buy her book!!
Really enjoyed this video. I make purses and give them as gifts. I’m thinking I could sell them.
Anytime anyone asks me to hem anything I TELL them it costs $$, my time is valuable.
Please make another video on Etsy and also on content creating
Also, I want to teach! Thank you for this. It’s so much easier to have the knowledge of how to do it rather than just figure it out on my own
This is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge. The first person I thought of was my mom. I shared this video before I finished. 😊
I loved the idea of teaching how to sew. How many machines did you have at home? Did you have a big space? How many students could you handle at one class?
I did not start with a large space at all, I started in my dining room. I had three machines for 6 students to share. These and lots more questions are answered in great detail in the ebook!
if you are doing cosplay, larp, etc (or any formal wear , bridal, etc ) get a deposit UP FRONT, and a written contract that says alterations and changed after x days will cost $$$ and if they cancel they get no refund
i cannot count how many people call my friends up half way through making their outfit and want changed- and they NEVER understand the difference between "hem it up a bit higher" and "change the shoulders"
Oh yes when friends find out I can sew and make stuff they start asking for hemming and other basic alterations and I’m like um no please don’t ruin my hobby.
Love this so much! We've almost lived parallel lives. Craft fairs ✔️ alterations ✔️ dining room setup ✔️ I turned to teaching several years ago, and I love it so much! My daughter grew up with my sewing camps, and now she teaches a couple camps during the summer to earn money for back to school shopping. I now teach several homeschool groups a couple days a week and one after-school class a week. It's been great. I developed an 8wk curriculum that has been super handy. Congrats on your ebook! I'd love to check out your book!
So great, Jennifer!
Is it supposed delightful. I wish I would have thought of something like this myself when I was homeschooling my children. I used to do so many things for free. We would have baking camps and everyone went home with their own apron that I had sold we had all kinds of fun things going on in my house and I never thought of making a camp and rightfully charging for the things that I did. I would create the most amazing parties for birthdays with activities. I could have very well had a camp or classes. Instead I struggled and I cleaned houses and try to fit being out of the house cleaning houses and homeschooling at the same time brilliant brilliant brilliant
Please make another video on Etsy and also on content creating
Please do spill the tea on becoming a content creator. 😊
Thank you for sharing!!! I love the idea and I think I will use it! I'll let you know how it goes!
Thank you! Great informative video! Have never seen one like this. I’m wondering how much you charge to teach?
Great idea. Your ebook sounds very interesting. I will take a look. ❤
The ebook goes into great detail about what to charge! It can depend on some variables, so what I charged may be different from what you should charge!
craft fairs are disappointing, yep. When I stopped doing craft fairs I still had people call me on the phone and ask if I could make x number of certain items. I actually made MORE money NOT doing craft fairs. There is a uniform shop here in my town that keeps my name and number on record for first responders who need pants hemmed quicker than their turnaround ( shop turnaround is a minimum of 2 weeks- mine is usually 2 or 3 days) I don't make a lot of money doing this, but throughout the year it is enough for me to say that I paid for my hubby's Xmas gifts each year. I mostly do quilting now and love when I get 3 or 4 commissioned quilts a year. That is enough for me to say I had a good year. (My hubby makes really good money so I don't need to worry so much anymore) The year my hubby was in Iraq though I really counted on the extra $$ I made.
I have been contemplating teaching sewing classes for at least 10 years, and I am now getting ready to "finally" do it. I am a teacher, post secondary education and getting ready to retire from that. I live rural but there are kids around not to far from me and 3 small towns close by I can market to. My ideas are starting with sewing camps and building to weekly classes from my home is what I want to do. I also have a 16" vintage RV that I though about offering Sewing Birthday parties from. I can bring my little trailer to their location. My trailers name is Bobbin, lol. Anyway, what is your opinion on this? Do you think it would gain traction? Thank you for sharing, and I will be purchasing your ebook.🙂
I think the sewing trailer is such a fun idea!!!
This is such good information! As far as sewing goes, I tend to do only quilting. I have made some garments. For example, I made a chemise (which I use as a night gown) and while it turned out okay, I think I would be able to make it so much better now! My husband wants me to learn how to make historical garments for people such as reenactors. That is definitely a business niche, and when the garments are made well, people are willing to pay well for them. However, I have not yet treaded into that territory.
On Etsy, would it be problematic to sell quilts that are made from patented patterns? I am not sure what those laws are or entail. Thank you again for this information!!
Historical garments is a GREAT idea! That would be so fun.
As for selling quilts, you can always reach out to the designer and ask, or sometimes they say on their site what they allow. Although it’s possible they can’t legally tell you you can’t, I’m really not sure. Even very simple quilts sell well on Etsy though, the key is in choosing modern fabrics and knowing what’s popular as far as color schemes and that kind of thing. I’ve had success selling baby quilts on Etsy for $130 each and they were not very involved designs.
I dont know about Etsy, I have never used it. But I work in a quilt shop. Patterns usually state on them, For Personal Use Only, Not Intended For Commercial Use, or Only Limited Commercial Use For Craft Fairs Or Farmers Markets. The exact wording may vary, but thats the gist of the statements. Some will say you can only make so many for sale. Or if you make them for sale you must credit the pattern maker . its not cuper common, but they can sue you for copy right infringement if they went to be testy. To make certain, most patterns have a business email on them and you can email them for permission. I have a booth at my local farmers market and to be safe I just make up my own patterns. But there are other vendors who use commercial patterns and tell me they haven't had any issues. 🤷