The "Business" of Sewing: How to Start, Maintain and Achieve Success (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Sykes has created a guide that enables the home sewer to combine management skills and creative talents into a home-based sewing business. The assumption here is that one already is proficient at sewing. The author offers a broad range of suggestions, tips, and guidelines, ranging from evaluating personal assets and skills and setting up a sewing office to developing and managing a business plan and overcoming emotional roadblocks. Chapters detail client interaction, time management, record keeping, and advertising. Sewers will find invaluable the specialized sample forms, including consultation/work and consignment agreements, pattern adjustment checklists, project worksheets, and price lists based on time and motion studies. This is a useful handbook for developing a custom sewing service.
- Judith Yankielun Lind, Roseland Free P.L., N.J.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

This is the first in the series of the 3 books (The “Business” Of Sewing). The two newer 2004 editions and the original, have all received rave reviews from: Nancy Zieman of Sewing With Nancy, McCall's and Simplicity, LA Times and more. This book is a comprehensive and informative guide for the novice as well as the seasoned sewing professional, teacher and student. Learn how to get paid what you are worth through a detailed analysis of 3 pricing methods, and the pros and cons of each. It offers detailed instructions on business plans, financial planning, marketing and advertising, how to attract clients, how to expand your business, and much more. It even addresses teaching for profit, writing articles and making videos using your sewing knowledge. It has it all.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: Collins Publications (October 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963285750
• ISBN-13: 978-0963285751
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #426,807 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent pick for new and existing business', July 6, 2000

By	CMondine (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews

I have been so happy with my business since I started using the this book. The book is very thourough and well put together. There were things I had never considered for my business, that were suggested in the book. These ideas are all easily implemented and very easy to follow. This book is also an unbelievable confidence builder, the author not only clearly states what information you will need, but goes the extra step of telling exactly how to go about getting help and information. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is in business or planning to go into business. I keep this book close at hand at all times.

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Absolute MUST for anyone in the business sewing field!, June 6, 1996

By A Customer

A Simply Excellent Reference for new and current sewing businesses! In easy to understand terms, it covers all the bases for the "business", leaving you free to concentrate on sewing! Though I have had my business for three years already, this book helped me smooth out any rough edges. It also was very encouraging and a quite a moral boost to finally be confident that I had all my bases covered.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Information, May 15, 2007

By	Yvonne Higgins (Bradetnon, FL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you want to make money sewing, get this book or Volumn 2. Volumn 2 and 1 are exactly the same, but 2 has info for home interior work.

This book helps you understand that if you want to make money sewing, it must be run like a business, not a hobby. Excellent charts and tips on how and what to charge for your work.