Embroidery hobby.. anyone do it?

SingleMumOf2_3

I have been looking for a hobby that I can do which will help me make a few extra pennies. And have stumbled across embroidery. I know the set up costs are a little high. So I wondered if anyone does it?
Do you make a good little bit of pennies on the side?

I am thinking of offering services to personalised bibs, baby grows, hoodies, towels, blankets, etc etc. Basically anything made from material which can have a design or lettering embroidered onto it.

I also wondered how time consuming this would be, and if there is a demand to buy this sort of thing?

I apologise if I have posted this in completely the wrong section.

MrsTinks

I think you'd need what is called in business "a unique selling point"... WHY should I buy from you when I can buy some one of thousands of online shops who's costs will be lower than yours so cheaper?

BTW that isn't a critisism that's a "please don't spend any money until you have a business plan and a real idea of what return on investment is"

SingleMumOf2_3

I was hoping to go down the personalised mothering route.. if that makes sense. A single mum making things at home. Well ok.. not making.. but embroidering lol. I have looked on a few sites and could offer it cheaper.. it would just a good while to make back the money that would be spent on the equipment to start up. and would mean saving my pennies stictly for a good 6 months or more.
I just want to do something interesting. And most companies I have looked on have set designs or certain wordings. If I could figure it out well enough I could offer ANY design, colour wording. And would use word of mouth to get word out there. And yes I wouldnt make much profit to start with. But if I could get to a point where was selling well.. then if I can just pay 1 bill per month with my embroidery sales I would be a very happy bunny indeed.

Plus I need my sense of purpose atm. A single mum to a toddler and a baby I dont get to go out unless shopping with the kids. I want to feel a bit adult like. And less like a stay at home mum who isnt capable or normal work lol. I need a focus.

MrsTinks

I get where you're coming from - I just don't want you to throw money at something without having a proper business plan in place
I've repeatedly heard told people about things like setting up your own ironing business - as I tell people a friend of mine set hers up and has had to hire 2 full time staff to keep up with demand... If you just want a little extra income then maybe Avon or one of the other similar businesses? I do Avon so obviously I'm biased but it is possible to make a decent amount if you want... I always wanted to aim for Sales Leader and that is what I'm doing... if you just want something to do and bring a little extra cash then being a rep might be more suited...
I'm just concerned about investing a whack of cash...

SingleMumOf2_3

I have tried Avon.. I struggle because I have a toddler and a baby and baby is mega unsettled most of the time. So cant get out and post catalogues.. and tbh I dont have the confidence to knock on doors either. I just want something to earn me a few pennies, that I will enjoy. Embroidery was all I could think of

MrsTinks

LOL I don't like knocking either - so I stuff and run
Maybe others know more about the business you're looking into - I'm just trying to apply MY thinking of "why would I buy from YOU and not EmbroideryISus.whatever... You need a very unique selling point and time to sell it word of mouth will only get you so much business...
I know I probably sound like a complete kill joy but I just don't want you to buy expensive equipment and find you can't at least recoup the costs

hotpot1000

If you're competent then you could give it a try, most personalised stuff is done on a specialist machine that is programmed so can be knocked out quite quick.

I think if you could design a royal wedding souvenir that you could cost effectively make then you could give it a try on ebay, etc.

what about those towel cakes for baby presents? you could offer personalised. There is a thread on this site with folk who make stuff to sell.

Good luck

SingleMumOf2_3

hotpot thats what I was meaning towels, bibs, vests etc. Which section is the thread on? I searched embroidery on the forums, but didnt have much luck

hotpot1000

I was browsing all the craft threads before xmas here, if you go Special Occasions & Other Celebrations there are nappy cakes, craft fair ones, etc,

good luck, maybe u'll find someone who does nappy cakes you can team up with