One Woman Quilting Party

One Woman Quilting Party

What do you get when you cross a 1000 year old tradition with modern technology? A wonderfully fulfilling pastime that almost anyone can make money doing.

When someone mentions quilting, do you picture an old woman sitting in a rocker with her needle and thread? Well, you need to change your image. The modern day long arm quilting machines have moved quilting into the 21st century. Now there is more opportunity than ever to cash in on this historically popular American pastime.

Here's how the quilting business works: Customers send you their quilt tops. You finish the quilt and send it back to them. Easy enough, but you will need to become skilled at your craft if you want to be successful. Setting up a quilting business requires three things: time, equipment and space. First, it is necessary to learn your craft. Quilting classes are available everywhere. Contact machine manufacturers or your local quilting stores to find classes near you.

For national classes check out these sites:
Machine Quilters Expo
Machine Quilters Showcase
Innovations
Quilting on the Waterfront

Some classes last no longer than a weekend, but you will need to practice for approximately one to three months before you market yourself as a professional. You will also want to continue learning new techniques even after you have your business going. Time spent on education is a necessary investment. Start-up costs for this business vary widely depending on the equipment you use. There are several machine varieties out there. You may choose a hand-guided machine, or a computerized version. A basic machine can cost as little as $3,000. Top of the line equipment can run as high as $30,000. You will also need to determine if you or your customer will provide other materials like batting and thread.

Another cost to consider is advertising. Sometimes local shops will allow you to display samples of your work and post your contact information. Fabric stores may keep business cards on hand for you. Yellow pages ads are a must. Many quilters depend on websites to attract customers from all over. www.SunshineQuilts.com is an example of a fantastic site.

While you can do this business from home, you definitely need a good-sized room to operate in. Machines are generally twelve foot long by six foot wide. If you choose to do so, you may also need space to store batting and backing material. One more tip-keep this room free of food, drinks, and cigarette smoke. Customers will expect a clean, fresh product for their money.

Set up your fee based on square inch of fabric. Don't forget to figure in thread, batting, backing material, and postage. Prices for custom designs should be more than for traditional patterns. Once word is out about your business, you'll become pretty busy, pretty fast. If you do experience a lull in business, create your own work by approaching churches and charitable organizations that often raffle quilts. Donating your work to a few projects may pay off for you in the future. In addition, consider teaching quilting classes. What a great way to connect our present to our past.

Resources:

http://www.accucutquilt.com/

http://quilting.about.com/

http://www.quilt.com/

http://www.keepsakequilting.com/

http://www.houseofquilts.com/?GTSE=goog>KW=quilt&cd=goog

http://www.womenfolk.com/historyofquilts/

http://www.quiltuniversity.com/

http://www.quilting101.com/