Mooloo's "Making my future, one stitch at a time"?

Savvy_sewing

There is £318 worth of work here to be collected. So that will be coming in over the next few days. So it is not all doom and gloom.
There was a lady in just now who has given me a bag of fabrics just before Christmas, I was about to chat to her, but the other dressmaker came in looking for some threads. So she was gone before I could thank her properly. Sod's law.
I have put tempoary fabric up at the workshop windows, to help keep out the draughts, on top of the excluder I put up on Sunday. The storage heater up there is off now until I get a lesson. Then I will put it back on.
I am being as proactive as I can.

Savvy_sewing

Today we had a lot of browsers, people who had never been in. Several asking advice on possible jobs, a lesson booking confirmation, a few baby clothes sold. Takings were £70. Which is a bit better then £19 the previous two days!
DGD is at her Mums. They have redecorated the flat in Msgnolia. Her BFs Dad is still trying to get them to move to his, but I have said they must be careful as if she goes and gives up her flat, she will be voluntarily making herself homeless and she may not get proper help. ( I realise this may not be technically true with a baby on the way, but I am hoping that it will slow them down a bit).
gizmo, I said that if they were married, that it may help them with Social Services, that it is a serious relationship, and that he intends to stay. It may help when they assess the situation for the new baby. I said they will be assessing them, and they must step up to the mark.
When walking to the car out of DGDs earshot, I reminded him that they were best not to waste money trying to get the Guardianship changed. That DGD is happy at school with her friends etc, and they would just be wasting their money. Said the baby will be full time hard work, and the last thing they need is the added responsibility of DGD. That they would be better off just having her at a weekend, occasionally.
But if they do go away, that's less likely to happen because of the distance.
Did I tell you the letterbox coordinator said we are supposed to get contact in September. But she's going to try and get the adoptive parents to write a little something now as we have waited so long.
I went to see my parents after I'd left DGD. They have both been ill this winter. They are still not 100%, but are better thankfully. Dad will be 83 next month, Mum, 79.
Then I went to Aldi to do my shopping. I'm needless to say quite tired now!

January20

I think you are right about people not going out because it's cold. I certainly only venture out when absolutely necessary ie to get to work.
You are right also about people not having been paid. Many people around me were paid before Christmas. January is a long month already, with the usual post-Christmas blues, and many things get delayed until February!

January would always be a slow month for retailers. Isn't that why the sales are on at this time of year?

Don't give up hope!

Savvy_sewing

I'm not giving up hope! I'm just juggling the pennies as I've set this venture up on a shoe string, and I would like not to have to borrow if I can help it.
Today I'm on my own in the shop, so how much sewing I get done I am not sure, but I will do what I can.
I bought an LED crafters lamp with magnifying glass at Aldi yesterday, £19.99
What a difference to my work space!
Time to crack on, the shop is open.
Have a good, and warm day everyone. It's chilly out there! My checks are still glowing!

When_the_going_gets_tough

Mooloo I think you are doing really well. January and February are notorious for being slow times in retailing especially clothes - I used to work in the business. Any spare time you do have can be usefully put into making items to sell especially for Easter and Christmas - you can start selling Christmas products in October and its good to have a supply in especially when you can make them for little cost.

Savvy_sewing

When_the_going_gets_tough wrote: »

Mooloo I think you are doing really well. January and February are notorious for being slow times in retailing especially clothes - I used to work in the business. Any spare time you do have can be usefully put into making items to sell especially for Easter and Christmas - you can start selling Christmas products in October and its good to have a supply in especially when you can make them for little cost.

Hi, I have not been without any work as yet. But have started to stop alterations at around an hour before closing and start to make bits and pieces. Though I didn't yesterday. On Thursday I made DGD a dressing gown, I know it wasn't a saleable item, but as the fabric had been given to me by PhillsPad then it was a new dressingown that I didn't have to buy. Bonus is she loves it!
This morning has gone by rather slowly, but I've been busy working my way through the small jobs I have and calling customers etc to advise things are ready for collection.
I am thinking about Valentine's day and my Mum has made me some beautiful gift boxes to use. She's made herself. She's so clever!
I've lavender hearts etc and they will be in the window Monday.
I have a few pairs of lovely ladies knickers with tags on, that I am gift boxing when they sell. Only 2 pairs left now Molly!
I have also been making cushion covers from large napkins, and bags from smaller tourist style ones!

Almost-free

Hope things pick up, Mooloo.

One thing I would like to advise- don't waste too many hours making things out of your rag bag if you won't get much back selling them. Remember what you would charge per hour in a sewing job and then look at how much what you are making would sell for. Your home time is precious and the last thing you want to do is spend 3 hrs making something out of rags, that you would sell for a fiver !

Savvy_sewing

Almost-free wrote: »

Hope things pick up, Mooloo.

One thing I would like to advise- don't waste too many hours making things out of your rag bag if you won't get much back selling them. Remember what you would charge per hour in a sewing job and then look at how much what you are making would sell for. Your home time is precious and the last thing you want to do is spend 3 hrs making something out of rags, that you would sell for a fiver !

The makes from the rag bag are really more for thinking creatively, as I don't get the time to be creative altering trousers and replacing zips, but I do know what you mean about the cost of time.
I am just sitting watching TV and playing with bits really.
Although this week I have to finish the doilies table runners! I have been neglecting them and all of a sudden they are needed this week. I have 2 to do. I have done 5.

gizmo111

gizmo, I said that if they were married, that it may help them with Social Services, that it is a serious relationship, and that he intends to stay. It may help when they assess the situation for the new baby. I said they will be assessing them, and they must step up to the mark.

Being married wont make any difference, the assessment will need to see that they are in a committed relationship, living together, sharing bills, no DV and what support networks they have etc.

Savvy_sewing

Well they have been dating for two years. However he keeps stalling on moving in. His Dad wants them to move down to Cantebury to his place. But DGD wouldn't see much of her Mum if that happened.
I doubt it will be easy for them to keep the child, but i am trying to be optimistic that at least the BF is trying to be supportive etc. I fear though.