While I know we all have different financial situations and obligations, I am hoping for some ideas on how to save or earn money to buy the machine of my dreams. Maybe some of the ideas will work for other Cuties that are also saving for a new or used machine.

A lady here embroiders children's names on their school clothes. I don't know how she got established and she works at home. Mascot embroidery for school children is popular too. She charges a fee to digitize too.

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by rescuer 04 Feb 2015

That is a great idea. I will ask at some of the local schools especially those that require uniforms. I know some parents like all their children's items to be labeled so there may be a good opportunity there too.
Thank you!

what about some bartering with the owner of the shop? giving lessons, sales clerk substitute, or general all around gopher?? even for a portion of the sale would be helpful.

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by rescuer 04 Feb 2015

Thank you for this idea. It may work for other Cuties that are hoping for a new or used machine. I thought of this and asked. The owner wants me to work there full time. However, I would not be home for my children when they really need me and my youngest has special needs.
I recently found some extra sewing work after asking at their school.
Every little bit helps!

I guess hosting a party with samples all wrapped up to stay clean is a really good idea like a Tupperware party where you show photos of what you want to sell & then take orders & names & emails. I ask for 50%down for special orders & emails so that you have proof of request & correct spelling is essential. Also ask your self what do you like to sew..............put it on the list & DON"T put something that you HATE to sew on the list unless like me I hate to sew diaper bags they are time consuming & tedious & I have no pattern for them because woman want bigger then they have...........I sell ALOT of them & don't ask me why because I hate to sew them I charge A HUGE amount & people pay it????? So put what you like to sew in the photo album/order booklet & prices & then add what you don't like & charge Accordingly you might be surprised @ how much folks will pay for a durable & personal diaper bag that will outlast baby for many years to come lol

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by rescuer 04 Feb 2015

Great ideas! Thanks so much for your help and suggestions.
I find people often ask me to do the things I dislike the most -- it makes me wonder if everyone else dislikes doing it as well.
So far I think things are going well and I am moving toward my goals.

Hi, One item that I have found people love are sewing pillowcases with their names on then using great fabric and complementary font. I would make 3-5 pillowcases using the most popular names for the years prior to this year starting with more than 3 years ago (or age when kids use big pillows). I've done a lot of reading on taking photos and that is the most important piece when you are introducing a new product. Make a few small posters with photos of your pillowcases at the top so it is the first thing they see. Then add what you can do - Custom made for holidays, celebrations, birthdays. We do Sports, Princess, Animals, Valentines Day; then write For More Information and to Pre-order - give a phone number and add a turn around time - what you think, I give about 2 weeks. If you want to do a set price put a letter limit with an amount for more letters or you can do a different price for each style.
Make sure your company has a logo that stands out on the posters. At the bottom put more photos. In the US I would put posters in coffee shops and grocery stores, places that have bulletin boards, senior centers; they make great birthday presents for grandchildren. If you have any gift shops, I would ask them if you could put a sample pillowcase there and negotiate a percentage for the store to get for the referral. To make a regular size pillowcase they take 3/4 yd fabric, 3.5 inches for the trim and then 12 inches, for the cuff. Pre-Ordering - name, age, sex, favorite books, cartoon, movies, interests, sports. If you can; email them back with the name written out and ask for confirmation of it.
Have kids you know or parents of kids help you pick fabric and if they want to choose the fabric - give them 2-3 choices - if they want more choices give them the name of an expensive fabric site to choose the fabric, then find it somewhere less expensive. The price of any item used to be you added up everything, fabric, embroidery design, thread, stabilizer, electricity, wear on your machines, amt for new equipment and then doubled it for the retail price. These days they say to triple it but you have to consider what other people charge for the same item. Parents today are willing to pay for a quality product that is well made and their children live if it isn't outrageous. What ever you make include care and handling instructions. If I did it again, I would invest in labels with my name or company name for the inside and care/handling labels for the inside as well as business cards for you to give out to people. Word travels fast if they like the pillowcase. Use quality boxes for the finished product with tissue that matches the colors in the pillowcase. Prices here in the US range from $18 to $39.

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by asterixsew 04 Feb 2015

What a great comment and well illustrated to. Lots of useful info *4u

by rescuer 04 Feb 2015

Well done! Thank you so much for your time and all the thought that went into your comment. I do hope many will benefit from this post. You have offered wonderful ideas!

The suggestions below are great but we have found one of the easiest ways of saving money is by putting all coins in money boxes ,when we come home.
Just converted 5 kilos of 10 & 50 cent coins into $172.95 ,the 5cent must of hopped into the wrong pig.Gold coins ( $1& $2) can mount up to over $1,000 in a about a year ,never missed the money.
Selling plants in flower especially unusual ones at a local market ,grown from cuttings taken from your garden ,can be easy way to make money

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by rescuer 24 Jan 2015

These are both great ideas. Thank you! In the past we have used the coins to take a vacation. It is one of the easiest ways to save money.
We do have some farmers markets here in the States. I will put it on my list of ways to make money. Thanks again

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. It was just the thing I needed to get excited about the possibilities. I am already starting on some of the ideas. I think the biggest factors will be my attitude and diligence long term.
My father used to say, "It's all in your attitude. You've just got to change your attitude." He was a wise man.
Thanks to all of you for your continued support and friendship. It means a lot to me!
Hugs

Here is the Money Challenge turned right side up for those that would like to see it. Thanks Deanna!

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lets see. here is way to save money. you do not have to follow it exactly...when you can save any amount & cross off the week...example-1 week you have an extra $7.00 and the next week you can only save $1.00. cross those weeks off. continue on till all weeks have been crossed off then you will have saved that amount on the chart....I AM NOT SURE WHY IT COMES UP UPSIDE DOWN . IT HAVE TURNED IT AROUND ALL WAYS AND IT STILL SHOWS THIS WAY...SORRY...deanna

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by camylow 21 Jan 2015

I think jrob meant this 52 week challenge

by rescuer 21 Jan 2015

Thank you!

by jrob 22 Jan 2015

I did. Thanks for the chart.

I was talking to my daughter about you last night and she told me she has a friend that puts a notice up on her local shops notice board offering craft lessons. She does 10week blocks, one day 4hrs each week. She charges them $AU10.00 per lesson. so that's $AU100 per person for the 10weeks. Her friend has a set 10 lessons worked out, sometimes the item might have to be carried over a few weeks but the ladies (and a couple of men) get so excited that they have made something to take home. She will only have 10 people in the class at a time as that is all she can handle. I don't know if that would work for you????

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by rescuer 21 Jan 2015

This is an excellent idea! Thank you!
I have thought about offering classes. I will look into where I can offer them and how much I can make.

Another comment for you. I had my designs in my work out gym. Worst place ever as the ladies do no bring their purses in the gym.The ladies gym I use now does have a show case and sell t-shirts and hoodies with the gum logo . I have thought about doing some T -shirts, but past experience tells me to back off. If you buy large t-shirts they want size med. If you buy med ,they want Xlarge. Walmart is probably best price on T-shirts. You could do a sample and take orders. Kay

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by rescuer 20 Jan 2015

That is a good idea!
I also found the hard way that having a stock on hand does little good. Just some examples make things more cost effective.
Thank you again!

by katydid 20 Jan 2015

Yes you are correct

thank you Rescuer, you have given me ideas and inspiration for my next machine.. Marian

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by rescuer 20 Jan 2015

I am so glad it is helping you too! I know I cannot be the only Cutie hoping for a new machine.
Best of luck to you!

This may sound old fashioned, but I'll toss it out there anyway. I used to do it, and made some fairly decent money. I advertised on the grocery store bulletin board to do ironing or laundry and ironing, or mending. I know it is becoming less and less of a practice, but those who have to wear dress shirts or slacks or nice attire are faced with this on a normal basis. Charge per item. Meet people at the store to collect their garments, and then meet them again to return them for payment, cash only.
My ongoing "savings" is "punishment" for going to the store. Each time I go to the store, whether it is for a prescription or shopping or a craving, I get cash back. That cash goes directly in to my cash can. I have been doing that for the past decade or more. I made enough, little by little, to buy a new car. Set an amount, and stick with it; it does pay.
Good luck with your pursuit of a new machine. It is really much cheaper to pay for anything rather than finance it.

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by rescuer 20 Jan 2015

Thank you for this idea! I had thought of posting at the local stores and now, I think it might just work out well. I will also post at my local fabric store as well as my Babylock dealership if they will let me.
You are so right about debt!

by toogie 01 Feb 2015

justonlyme, I am so happy to hear you say, it is much cheaper to PAY for things, than finance them. I have been telling my kids,grands that for years, but seems to fall on deaf ears. I tell them I can't enjoy it, if I don't really own it. I realize sometimes things do have to be financed, but I hate seeing some people, living on credit. I guess I am old school. If you can't afford to pay for it out right, don't buy it until you can.

by pldc 04 Feb 2015

don't charge it if you can't pay for it.

You have got some great suggestions. I like the one about Facebook. Many younger people are Facebook addicts and others run businesses there with a regular uploading of pictures of new products that are being made. The use of the internet has completely changed life and people buy from all over the world to get something special. Just remember to cover your postage (and packing) costs. When you have a few spare minutes check out what is popular on Etsy and from the UK, Folksy and Da Wanda in Germany. Also do your young men at home have any ideas for you?

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by rescuer 20 Jan 2015

They have been helping me already. I am very blessed as they will help me with craft shows and they will even try on items made for girls their age. They are wonderful and have offered to give me some of their savings. They work for their money so that means a lot to me that they are so willing to help me.

by gerryb 24 Jan 2015

That is so sweet! Such caring young "men"! Sorta made me teary thinking of them offering to share their savings!

I hope you succeed,I love doing embroidery And have done some admired items, but it takes time and when i work out what I would have earned per hour working for someone else It's a no brainer. I enjoy it and keep it for a hobby, my friend has done a few fairs did not make enough to cover expenses. finding the right products with the right profit margin is most important..follow your dream but be a realist.good luck and let us know what sells best..

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by rescuer 20 Jan 2015

I love to give things away -- I just have to pay for the materials and need a better machine as I am wearing mine out fast!
I am sure this will be one of the first places I announce my new machine -- once I can afford it.

Hmmm, lots of suggestions...my girlfriend is a hairdresser...she is also my embroidery buddy....she takes tons of "stuff" to the hair salon and come away every week selling out and with orders...it is amazing...she sells quilts, baby quilts, eyeglass cases, potato bakers..but the thing that sells the most...the wine glass tealight lamps like mine at the link below...she buys the wine glasses at the Dollar Store makes the shade and they sell for $15.00 each..like hotcakes...she has probably sold 500 of them...never ceases to amaze me..and people give her orders for a dozen at a time for ladies clubs and leagues...go figure...but she can't seem to make enough of them...I guess ladies and gents at hair salons are super buyers...

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by rescuer 20 Jan 2015

I can't believe I didn't see that Project before. You did a wonderful job! I do hope the machine in my future has a larger hoop so I can do more of the ITH projects. I am hooked on them!
I will check with my local salons to see if they will allow me to display some items. Thanks so much for the ideas and the beautiful examples you create!

by dragonflyer 20 Jan 2015

Thank you for your kind words...also, when I am saving up...I make myself a weekly "budget"...at the end of the week, I take every penny I have left and put it my "stash"...and I begin the new week out fresh..NEVER touch the "stash" money...you would be surprised how even a few coins each week add up to dollars...and when I 'think' I need fabric or notions or thread...I add up what I would have spent at the store...go to my sewing room...for everything that I find that I don't need to buy, I put that amount away in my stash too...as it is money saved that I would have spent if I weren't trying to save up for something special...When I first got married, we didn't have a lot of money...and I wanted a house...I took what ever money I had left at the end of the week, put it away in my "house stash money fund"...within less than a year, I had saved $5,000...it was the down payment on our first house 10 months after we got married...my husband was amazed as he didn't know that I was saving pennies for our first home...

by rescuer 20 Jan 2015

That is the best way to save money! I have a can that I drop change into. I don't like the extra bulk or weight of change and that is how that savings pot got started...decades ago when I was a waitress.
I think it is the NEVER touch the stash money that gets me into trouble. I will have to do much better this time as I really have my mind set to achieve this goal!

by katydid 20 Jan 2015

I had my designs in my hair dresser's salon for years until she got tired of collecting money for me . I still take her freebies hoping she will put them back in. Kay

I have dropped off a couple of small blankets at my vet with dog faces and names as a sample. I got a few orders for Christmas and now I am hoping for more. Hugs Sarah

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by rescuer 20 Jan 2015

That is a good idea! I have many Vets in my area and more folks around here are taking their fury babies with them wherever they go.

by katydid 20 Jan 2015

I have embroidered bandanas for dogs. Just put the dogs name on one corner up. Hobby Lobby always has a great supply.

by rescuer 20 Jan 2015

Another great idea! Thanks!

I have one for you that no one has mentioned. I have been collecting wine designs for several years. I have never stitched a wine design that did not sell when I had my items in a high end boutique. Now I am trying to stock pile wine designs stitch outs between other projects and go into a" liquor" or "fine wine and spirits store" and ask for the manager and show him a whole bunch of items. I mainly do kitchen towels and some wine bags for wine bottles. Look for unique wine designs, they are every where! Whether you drink wine or not does not matter!!! Love you , Kay

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

We live in a fairly "dry state" but there are places that make up for it. I will look into that as it seems a perfect niche market. Thank you! Hugs!

Do you have a relative who works in an office? If so see if they will take half a dozen items like hand towels embroidered and packaged nicely in cellophane to show to fellow workers. Look for designs that you don't see on ready made in the shops.
I used to do this around gift giving time made them at a price I could live with but still a great price for the buyer. Usually sold everything and came away with special orders for someone keen to buy for a man. Like a son in law who drove a Bright red semi trailer.
My cousin who lives interstate also takes orders for me. It is surprising how many people are looking for something just that bit special that just can't be found in the shops.
Even simple repair jobs can bring in a few dollars here and there without tying you down.

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

I have sent some around with my husband. He is a much better salesman than I am! I will see if my sister could display some items for me at her office.
Thank you!

wish I had something that would help but this old brain is tired. Have worked many jobs in my life as well as sewn for the public. even took in washing and ironing 50 yrs ago. Could you maybe do some day care just one child pays pretty good. Or do some taking to and fro to school for others for pay. I would love to have another machine also but believe at my age I'll never get another so do my best to take care of the one I have and it really gives me headaches some days. It can be as contrary as myself LOL I wish you luck my dear/Lillian

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

You are never too old for a new machine...
You have done so much in your life! Thank you for the ideas!

I am thankful my machine is not nearly as contrary as I am LOL

A young relative of mine is overwhelmed at the crafty stuff that we all do. She said that I should advertise my things on a Facebook page, convinced that I would get many customers. I haven't done it, because I am not sure that i could deliver unlimited items. Why don't you look into the possibilities of using something like F/book, Pinterest etc.

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

Great suggestions. I too would have to limit quantities. I am sure there is a way around that issue. I will think on it.
Thank you!

by lynn12766 04 Feb 2015

i have a facebook page and havent done well at all. i too am trrying to save desperately for a new machine and this was going to help that fund. it hasnt done squat. my dd wants to set up an etsy account for me but since fb didnt do anything i dont know if etsy would either.

Kim ,because you sew such beautiful things for your kiddies , why not make a few samples and take them to a pre-school.or day care center

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

Kim does make beautiful things! I am not Kim -- but I am flattered just the same. I do need to take samples with me. It is so much easier to sell items if they can see and touch them.
Thank you!

by aussiequilter 20 Jan 2015

sorry Rescuer ,,,,,my head must still be on holidays

by rescuer 20 Jan 2015

Holiday -- that is a beautiful place to be!
I am not offended in the slightest. Thank you so much for the compliment and the suggestion.

by aussiequilter 20 Jan 2015

2 weeks on the beach ,we swam, ate seafood, walked, read books and slept ,,,,,,,

by rescuer 21 Jan 2015

Sounds wonderful!

Since what you WANT to do is stitch, what else could you do around or during sewing? Example, my former neighbor had a huge dog-walking service as she didn't want to be tied to clocking in at a job. Perhaps take phone messages for a doctor or lawyer while they are out of the office, doing research, etc. Knit. Senior care or child care - one child generates a lot of income yearly, but you do have toys, breakage and repainting! Just tryinng to get you thinking along these lines.

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

Great ideas! Thank you

just thought of something else.... not sure what country your in , but here in Australia we have tourist information centres, some, if not all would sell items that you have embroidered that have a theme for the area in it, eg the area I am living in is very Horsey, so anything with horses would sell to the tourists, especially if it is different, the travellers especially like home made and local made,souvenirs rather than factory made

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

I am in the USA. We do have a tourist shop (or we did) nearby. I will look into that. Thank you!

Try selling your wares to bowling groups, schools, sports teams, any type of club you can find. Mother's with babies and grandmothers are a great source of business. Making and selling bags for shopping seem to sell well. I wish you well and a very quick success. Can't wait to hear that you have made your goal.

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

I have put the word out with neighbors and friends. I will be making a book to carry with me as many ask what I can do. It will be easier to pass around a book of pictures than try to show them my phone pictures.
I need to get out to see if the clubs and groups need items. Thank you!

love all the ideas that have been put forward for you, I like to maybe add another small suggestion,..... when it comes to Birthday, Christmas etc why not tell those who buy for you to deposit money into your sewing machine account that you have opened instead of buying a gift (that maybe you don't really need)

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

Nice idea. Thank you. My family stops giving gifts after we are "old enough" and we get a phone call or a visit instead. I will keep this in mind should they offer.

Just before Christmas a friend had a 'open house' to sell her jewellery, something she has done for years. I have to say that any money I get from sewing I try to save to replenish stocks. I do have to say that the dealer I use is brilliant and I have bought two preloved/second hand machines from him. The R was his demo machine and the Galaxie had hardly been used as it was used as part exchange for a PR600. In fact recently he let me know of a brilliant buy that he had got from a swap. He said I don't understand why she has exchanged this machine. I said it was probably because she wanted to own it and cant take her cash with her when she dies. SO do think about a second hand machine as your dealer will have bargains sometimes. You could embroider on a tshirt that for a small fee that you an embroider shirts and wear it when out shopping. I have put my thinking hat on and will get back to you

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

Thank you. I do still think of pre-owned machines. However the idea of a new multi-needle machine has me really wishing...AND wanting to DO something about it.

by asterixsew 19 Jan 2015

I remember this feeling which was why I bought the PR650

My friend, Grace, totally paid for her multi-needle machine by doing lots of shirts for the local plumbing company! She used the same logo and put it on many, many shirts! They have kept her busy!

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by hightechgrammy 19 Jan 2015

They like for each of their plumbers to have their logo and each one's name on their shirts.

by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

Great idea! I will have to look into it. We have done occasional computer work for a plumbing company in the past. The shirts would be the oxford style shirts so I could use the machine I have to make it happen. Thank you!

Since I had no plans for selling and have consequently not sold anything I have nothing to contribute. It will be interesting to see what ideas Cuties come up with. I stitch some for friends and end up with gift certificates. That's about it for me. I really hope you will find some great answers.

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

I do hope the answers can help other Cuties too. We all have wants or needs for embroidery machines.
My most fun on my machines comes from gifts I give to friends and others. One day, I will be able to give and never need to sell again. Until then I will cherish the projects I get to freely give.

I wish I had a really good idea for you.....
What is your dream machine?

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

I have only had two embroidery machines -- both used. I would love to have a new machine with the ability to do more. I love the idea of a much larger hoop so I can make quilt (8x8) blocks with my embroidery machine as well as large ITH items. I put so many stitches on a machine...that I would love to have a new one and keep my Esante as a backup machine.

by spendlove 19 Jan 2015

I think your requirements are much like mine - good luck in your quest.

1)Open a free savings account. Capitol one has a free one. Google Capitol one 360. Use the 52 week savings plan and deposit it into the account. Today, next year you will have $1328.00
2) Have a party at your house with light snacks and drinks. Invite ALL of your friends and tell them to invite ALL of their friends. Stitch out numerous items and also print some items that you have previously done and take orders.

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by spendlove 19 Jan 2015

Both are great ideas!

by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

Thank you! I opened a savings account just for this purpose so now on to the printing and stitching so I can do the invites...

If you would like to make money stitching a good source is a dry cleaners...they are one of my best continuous customers and the gal they have doing their repairs (sewing on buttons, hemming, new zippers etc.)is making a good living doing these repairs.......I do all their embroidery needs..........the nice thing is they drop the stuff off at our house and pick it up when ready and within a week I get paid.....
So maybe loffer your services or leave some cards at a couple of dry cleaners......

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by rescuer 19 Jan 2015

Great idea! Thank you!

by mcdermme 19 Jan 2015

I'll bet that you have fabric/thread/tools/books, etc that you know you will never use. There is probably someone out there that would want it. There is a yahoo group called SewItsForSale@yahoogroups.com that is a great place to do that. You have to join to be able to sell or buy but there is no fee charged so you get to keep all the proceeds. How money is exchanged is worked out between buyer and seller and any complaints will get the violator banned from the site. Items seem to move very quickly. This may be a way to help get you closer to your goal. Good luck!

by rescuer 20 Jan 2015

I am selling some clothes that are no longer needed here. However, I can't think of any thread or fabrics I won't use. That said, I will be using them to raise funds...just already stitched and embroidered.
Thank you for the ideas!