http://aliceinstitches.com/blog Alice in Stitches Quilting and Needlework Blog Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:56:20 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en We all gravitate towards things that give us comfort during times of stress.  Whether it be "comfort foods", your stash of carefully gathered fabric, or a pile of soft yarn and a set of knitting needles, it's those little pleasures that sooth our souls.  During these difficult economic times, we're ... http://aliceinstitches.com/blog/taking-comfort-in-handmade-crafts-during-hard-times As you set out to create a business from your craft or to better yourself as a quilter, you may decide it's time to define an artistic style or personality for your work.  Many artists are instantly recognized and identified by their body of work. Defining your style can be much ... http://aliceinstitches.com/blog/defining-your-artistic-quilting-style After you decided to start your craft business, the next step is to figure out where to sell it for the best profit.  Your options are broader than they once were, with unlimited venues on the internet.  However, is that the best market for a handmade item? Points to consider: Who are ... http://aliceinstitches.com/blog/find-the-best-venue-to-sell-your-crafts Once you've chosen the product or collection of products that you plan to sell, the next step is to figure out how much it will cost you to produce it and how you should price your product.  There is often a fine line between pricing yourself out of the market ... http://aliceinstitches.com/blog/pricing-your-craft-for-the-street-fair-market So you have your product idea and you're ready to get started sewing!  Here are a few thoughts on what you should have in place before you get to work. Get your state business license: This is an easy process but often a scary step for new entreprenuers.  It involves choosing your business ... http://aliceinstitches.com/blog/starting-your-sewing-crafts-business So you're ready to start!  Now what?  An important step to talking that big leap into starting your own business, whether it is a home based crafts business or any other, is to research your market.  Questions to ask yourself when researching your niche: How do you plan to sell your product ... http://aliceinstitches.com/blog/turn-your-sewing-to-profit-finding-your-niche Wouldn't everyone like to make money at something they truly love doing?  While my kids were growing up, I was a stay at home mom who did just that!  I wanted to be there for them and still make some money.  My kids are now 17 and 21 and I've ... http://aliceinstitches.com/blog/sewing-and-quilting-for-profit Fairy lovers unite!  The beautiful art from the estate of Cicely Mary Barker has been transferred to fabric in Michael Miller's Fairy Collection for every season.   Each season, a new collection of fabrics is released, including a panel of blocks to use for soft books or quilts, a large panel ... http://aliceinstitches.com/blog/michael-miller-fairy-fabric-collection-art-from-cicely-mary-barker Recently a new site has caught our eye!  Bonanzle has been taking the online scene by storm and for good reason.  Bonanzle offers a unique combination of shopping with real time social interaction - you'll be able to see when a seller is online and hold a "chat" in their booth. We ... http://aliceinstitches.com/blog/alice-in-stitches-opens-shop-on-bonanzle Visit our new Amazon Web Store at Alice in Stitches Needlework to check out our offering of sewing machines from Janome, Brother, Singer and more.  We've included other retailers on Amazon to bring you a full quilting and needlework shop in one easy location. Along with the new machine offerings, we've also ... http://aliceinstitches.com/blog/alice-in-stitches-needlework-now-offers-sewing-machines