Getting Started in a Quilt/Fiber Arts Business
“How does someone get started in a quilting business?” I’ve been asked.
Sometimes this is a conscious decision and an outgrowth of one’s hobby. Other times, as in my case, it’s accidental. (Always be open to opportunities!)
I was doing dressmaking and alterations at the time, as well as sewing little girls’ dresses to sell in a local shop. And I was a “clothaholic”.
During America’s Bicentennial years, quilts became popular. My mom, who operated a small general store in another state began to sell quilts that a friend made. The demand became more than her quilting friend could handle.
“Mary Emma, you’ve got all that fabric around from your dressmaking. And you made quilts with your grandmother. Could you make me some quilts to sell?”
Mother persisted, so I looked at my fabric and decided to give it a try. My first quilts were very simple and tied, not quilted. These were easier for me to make, and by requiring less labor could be sold at a reasonable price. Mother’s popularity as the “quilt lady” grew, so she needed more quilts. Thus, my dressmaking business transitioned into a quiltmaking business. Eventually I developed a children’s vest line as well.
From there, I began to include quiltmaking and quilt history into my writing, interviewed other quilters, and attended quilt shows as a writer, speaker, workshop teacher, and judge.
Also, I could justify all that fabric I was tempted to buy!
Look at what you are doing or like to do with your quiltmaking and fiber art, determine where there is a need for your items, and begin testing the market.
Tags: fabric+art+businesses, quilt+businesses, quilters, quilting+projects, quiltmaking, quiltsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Businesses, General Quilting/Patchwork
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