Some great free websites that host online stores

If you want an ecommerce site and don't want to pay much then look into eCrater.com or etsy.com Both are free services that offer an online store. I use eCrater.com and have lots of success with it. There are no 3rd party ads on the site and you can customize it with your own photos. The site (eCrater.com) can handle the payments from your customers purchases via PayPal or Google payments.

Your eyes and sewing

If you are lucky enough to have one of the more expensive sewing machines that have an automatic needle threader then you know what a blessing they are. There is nothing worse than trying to see the eye of the sewing needle to thread it. Good eyesight is a must for sewing. Don't be self conscious of wearing glasses if you need them. I have made a Great Discovery: www.ZenniOptical.com, they sell complete Prescription Eyeglasses + Case for only $8. They have a large selection and you won't be embarrassed to be seen in them.

Chinese year of the Rat

Here is an item to celebrate the Chinese year of the Rat. It is a wall hanging featuring the Chinese zodiac. Free pattern can be found here.

Great winter project, cozy fleece wrap

This is a really nice winter wrap. It is a throw with arms sewn in it so you can wrap yourself up and still have your hands free. The top photo shows how large it is and the bottom photo show the pillow that is also listed in the pattern instructions. Complete step-by-step instructions with photos can be found here.

If you are into knitting and crocheting then here are 30 Patterns to Knit and Crochet (the patterns are not free but they are cheap). McCalls also has a pattern for elegant wraps and here is that link: McCall's Sewing Pattern Evening Elegance Misses Wraps

Wonderful online sewing course

If you need some extra help in finding out how to fit clothes, design and sew your own special project or get tips on short cuts in sewing here is a link to a whole line of online help, Sewing courses. You will find ways to cut back on the amount of time it takes to sew. Many projects can also be found there.

Free patterns for your home

I have found some really nice pattens and instructions for home decor. All are free.

• Dining chair slip covers
• Circular tablecloth
• Patchwork quilt

Nostalgia sells

If you are ever at a loss for ideas look back in time. Read the article below to see how something old is now a hot item to make and sell.

Free dog coat pattern

If you are looking for a dog coat pattern that is re-sizable then look no more. I have found a free download that has complete instructions. There are lots of photo at the site showing dogs wearing the coats. Here is the link to the free dog coat pattern.

Win a Brother SE 270D

How would you like a Brother sewing / embroidery machine? This sewing machine and the Disney patterns that comes with it is valued at over $3000+. There is a sweepstakes at one of my favorite embroidery websites and they are giving one away. Here is the link Brother Sweepstakes. Go and enter and good luck.

Cute idea for Valentine's Day

Now this is a cute idea. Put the penguins on a pair of PJ's or a nightie. Also think along the lines of making lingerie for Valentine's Day.

Prom dresses, can you make them?

The internet is already heating up with searches for prom dresses and it is only January! Since the search is on you had better see if your talents are up to par with either making a custom made prom dress for sale or tailoring an existing one for the perfect fit. If I were so talented I would be doing an internet search to see which colors were the rage this year and seeing if I could find the top fashion designers websites to see what they are doing. Maybe but not often the McCalls catalogues are up to date with the latest prom dress trends but not often. They usually have last year's stuff and you wouldn't want to waste your time making something outdated by one year. Keep in mind that designer dresses often cost $300 and up and that does not include tailoring to fit. See what you could do to cash in on that market. Here is a link to one of the prom dress fashion sites at Rissy Roos. For other sites I just typed in "prom dresses 2008" and the Rissy Roo site came up at the top.

Super Bowl fever and items to sew and sell

Take advantage of the up coming Super Bowl in February. Football fans are fanatics about their teams and you can take advantage of that fact. If you are good at sewing some football related items together and putting them up on eBay before the big game you should make a few extra dollars. A few ideas - stadium blankets, scarfs, hats, stuffed mascots all in the team colors. If you can sew on the team logos by applique or embroidery then your item will be more sought after. You can often buy fabric with the team patterns on them at the local fabric store.

Encouraging others to design and sew

I have never pushed my sewing habit on any family member. I started sewing and designing my own clothes when I was a teen. I was lucky enough to have sewing and tailoring classes in school so I could learn how to do many of the more complicated sewing shortcuts. My mother or sister did not sew so I was the only member of the family that did. My teenage daughter announced to me yesterday that she now wants me to teach her how to sew her own clothes because she just doesn't like the styles and designs that are now in the stores. It looks like I have a budding fashion designer on my hands. If you have the opportunity to teach others your sewing craft - go for it. We now have the next generation of fashion designers in our mist that doesn't like what the older fashion designers are dishing out.

Costumes are not just for Halloween

Another holiday celebration that also involves costumes is Mardi Gras. It gives us another chance at designing and sewing costumes for a different part of the year. Mardi Gras celebrations begin on January 6th of each year and end on the day before Ash Wednesday. For more information on Mardi Gras check out this article: History of Mardi Gras

Business loans for your growing sewing business

If your business is starting to grow you should consider up grading your equipment. Do you need a newer computer to keep track of your accounting, orders and inventory? Are you considering adding a silk screening product line to your sewing business? If you are then you should be shopping around for a business loan or grant. Just do a search on the internet and your should come up with a reasonable business loan that will fit your business outlook.

Think pink and red, Valentine's day is coming

The next big gift day coming up is Valentine's Day. This is a great time to make and stock up on Valentine's Day sewn items. Here is a quick list of sewn items to make:

1. Pillows


2. Embroidered pillow cases


3. Satin personalized pouches for jewelry gifts


4. Throw blankets


5. Aprons for the chef

Another free pattern - fleece scarf, mittens and hat

Great items for winter. All of them are made from fleece fabric. Add some re-sale value to them by adding a personal touch like embroidery. Fleece is one of the easiest fabrics to sew on your sewing machine. The added plus is that fleece does not fray.

Free fleece pattern for winter