Can my Sewing Biz Replace a 9-5 Income? The result of a six-month experiment 

Thank you so much for all your awesome advice and reflections, keep em coming :-) I'm so grateful to have you guys to bounce of ideas with and I know it will be huge help moving forward!

I think online sewing courses that show in detail how to make garments, one project at a time, is something that isn’t so available online. I’ve paid for courses on several platforms only to be disappointed because the teachers rarely show things clearly or show all steps. Perhaps a course to make activewear and knit clothing would be something cool to begin with because there is very little available, especially for adult garments and especially using a serger. I’d pay for it, but I think it should be project based with accompanying patterns that people could purchase, sort of what you’re doing this month with the Ayla pattern (I’ve been anxiously waiting for the next lesson ;)

You’ve accomplished so much in such a short space of time. It takes an incredibly amount of sales to replace full time work. I wish you continued success, you certainly have the passion and ability.

Each of us looks for things from our own point of view. For me I'm not interested in active wear and jeans (but these are things that others like). Needs in the sewing community for people like me: a lot of patterns are shapeless and fine if you are 20 and near 6 foot. I appreciate that makes them an easier sew but it aims at a young market. Those aren't flattering (my opinion) when you are 50. The thing that puts me off sewing time and again is getting that fit right. I did not know you could do forward shoulder adjustments (how do people even think of those things?), sway back adjustments, etc. It's really complicated and all I want is to sew things for me. I discovered in a trouser making class that the darts on the pattern were too long for my body causing bulk. No one has ever mentioned shortening darts. I rather feel that the sewing industry caters to a type of body much as the fashion industry does and unless you understand these things early on sewing can be massively disappointing. I love your videos though - even if I don't wear active wear! All the best to you.

There just aren't enough hours in a day! I work a day job, a part time job, and then my sewing job. I don't expect sewing to pay my bills but it does allow for a few modest splurges from time to time. I just feel so burned out sometimes. I'm glad you had the chance to take a break and get your brand moving forward. Just remember to take some time to enjoy life.

Your “experiment” and honest assessment has made for great videos. Sounds like you learned much!! 🧵❤️🍀

I think you are very talented and have lots of skills you can pass on by teaching. Books do take a lot of time to write and income is slow to come in. Have you thought of doing online classes as a way to teach sewing. Also , breaking projects down into smaller chunks eg. making an online lesson on how to insert a fly zip into jeans, or how to do a welt pocket. Best of luck and I hope you are able to continue passing on your sewing skills without getting too stressed with the workload.❤️

Keep moving forward to self employment and never forget who you are. Dream it and it will come. I feel your books will be a good seller and on-line teaching will take off... Thank you for sharing. I wish the best for you....Smiles....

You are great at explaining how to sew with knits. I feel there is no-one else who concentrates on knitted/stretch garments and perhaps that could be your focus.

Thanks so much for sharing your journey. ❤

I appreciate this honest experiment and feedback. Ive been working as a professional seamstress and designer for 25 years....the truth is you cant make enough money as a seamstress to pay for lifes expenses. Its a shame, because sewing is a highly technical skill, and is a needed skill, but people arent willing or able to pay for sewing services.

Thank you!

I have only recently found The Last Stitch. You present the sewing information well and you have a friendly, charming manner. There is so much competition on RU-vid. I can see how difficult it is to develop clients who are willing to pay for information. I am retired and sewing clothing for myself is my hobby. I could buy my clothing for far less than I spend on patterns, fabric, notions, and machines. Thus, I look for free sewing information and patterns. As I write this, the USA stock market is almost in free fall and sewing will be the first thing I will eliminate if it comes to that. I agree with your decision to return to your day job. I hope that writing books will provide extra income and a creative outlet for you. I admire your moxie to go all in for your business dream for six months. However, I think your financial well-being is most important to your future happiness. Best wishes.

I have so much respect for you! You took a chance to follow your passion, which so many of us are just to afraid to do. What ever you do, I’ll support you.

Thank you so much for this helpful information!

So good to hear you! This helps me get a perspective. And I respect you a lot!! I'm 35..and I am sewing only since a year.. And I'm anxious... Il pray for you!!

I'm so happy that I found your channel. I find your perspective refreshing. There Isn't a bunch of hype. Good solid information that ice clear and concise. Continue with your dreams of a sewing business. Try a Patreon site so people can help you out if the wish. Try becoming a brand ambassador. Open a Amazon shop that you talk about your favorite sewing things. I have seen all of these done by other Sewist. Don't forget product reviews. Good luck and best wishes.

I really enjoyed your passion you have for teaching others your sewing techniques. Keep up the good work that you love to do, God bless you in your business

I just recently found you on RU-vid!! I just ordered your CoverStitch book. You are Fantastic!! A great Instructor!! I totally understand the Business issues. But, hopefully you will keep your Wonderful videos coming!

Don’t give up! Your content is good quality and valuable advice and I’m sure if you persevere and keep hold of your dreams, you can create the life and business you want. You also have a lovely personality and are a pleasure to watch. Thank you 😊

Well sister keep going STRONG. Although my situation is different and I'm not doing my sewing as a business I totally understand the difficulties of being in a country with very limited sewing resources. I am from US but live in Jordan. Not a lit of cotton(I do quilting),sewing patterns or people who sew as I do. GOOD for you that you are following your dream. It takes courage and sometimes in this situation you have to let go of your PRACTICAL side and instead EMBRACE your COURAGEOUS side and step outside of your comfort zone. Good luck to you and be strong.

Your strengths are the analytical, calm approach you talked about, and obviously the vast amount of research and experience that go into your advice. You speak beautifully; your personality is positive and encouraging without being saccharine or hyperbolic. Trusttworthy, I could describe it. I see no reason why you can't have financial success as an instructor, to the degree that anyone in sewing has financial success. I fully understand your need to re-focus on your main source of income security, but I too hope you don't give up on sewing ideas. You're too talented on many levels to let your expertise go to waste. Another idea for your idea file, in case someone hasn't already suggested this. Is there a way to organize local weekend or evening sewing "camps" for hobbyists who want to make themselves a wardrobe of athletic and knit wear? Or just learn to sew? Sort of like what Susan Khalje has done with couture jackets? She does in-person classes and sells expensive online videos. I've seen some of the lingerie pattern designers offer bra-making workshops for which the charge for the pattern is part of the packet? It could be online (paid) but it could also be in-person. I could see groups of friends signing up as something fun and useful. Part of the attraction might be something you can provide: better machines, pre-sourced materials and notions that are pain for a novice to hunt down, the ability to customize designs; the ability to customize patterns for personal fit issues. Perhaps there's a famous Swedish athlete and a Swedish fiber source who might collaborate with you on developing a line of garments for manufacture, or to sell as patterns. Olympic athletes, or, popular actors who are famous for their yoga/running habit. Some kind of collaboration could grab a wider audience. These are just random ideas. I find your transparent, cheerful, knowledgeable presentations a joy to see, even though I don't sew athleticwear. I hope for you every success and I'm confident that persistence will put you in a situation where your skills can be appropriately compensated for. Best of luck. I'll keep watching!

love your channel and loooove your book/series on the coverstitch! i see your niche as being for the more "mature" and intermediate/advanced sewist. you are for people who are beyond the "wow i made something!" point and at the "how to i make it even better" point. you view sewing as a science and live a modern life. you aren't just making cute dresses that you will only wear once. you are making the clothes people actually wear day to day. one thing i would love to see from a sewing channel that would do well on social media is revisiting things you have made 6 months or a year ago and talking about how well they have held up. so many videos give me a sneaking suspicion that the garment looks good in a video but won't actually hold up over time.

You thought this out very well. So many people jump into this without planning quitting their jobs and not thinking ahead. Well done. I just found you.

I love your honesty in telling the whole journey in fashion industry and your life. Very inspirational. ❤️❤️if I were you, I'll continue with fashion. I myself as a teacher as my day job and fashion designer in the evening. Secure yourself with your current day job and continue in teaching/ publish books at the same time. Keep yourself healthy and happy.

I agree with you, it's definitely HARD work to run a business, especially when attempting to replace your day job income! However, you've done so much already (and have great success with what you done as well!) that maybe you should give yourself some rest to clear your head (as much as you can while working) and reassess what you want to do (and how to do it) when you not as stressed. It usually works for me! Good Luck to you Johanna...I'm praying for you and your goals! 🤗

Thanks for your advice..

I bought your Coverstitch book and I have enjoyed it very much! Thank you for the wealth of information in it! ❤️🧵

Oh, hi Johanna, bless you for being so open and honest about your business and I totally understand your decision to go back to work. It's such a shame that you couldn't have been given a year rather than half a year, as I'm sure you could have developed your sewing business more by then. You work so hard and you deserve all that you get and I'm sure that great things are on the cards for you in the future and look after yourself 👌💖😁😘

Such an interesting video! I really appreciate your content and have learned a lot from you, especially in terms of taking my basic skills to the next level. I see you as the David P Coffin of activewear and jeans, so accessible info but also geared to sewists who want to keep growing and improve their techniques. Thats something I feel is often hard to find elsewhere! Also really enjoy these chatty style videos as your perspective is so interesting and honest. Would love more business style content as I want to embark on a small business too. Cheering you on as your business grows!

I watch your every vlog with great interest. At 76 I won't be making active wear or jeans. I watch your vlogs for your knowledge you are happy to share, enthusiasm, technique and your teaching style. My very best wishes for whatever you decide - just get the balance right!

You have done so much work! What a shame that the numbers are not good enough. I really like your aesthetic, I think it distinguishes you from the many other indie companies. Your tutorials are excellent. I loved your videos on the iconic wrap dress, from looking at the ready to wear, choosing your fabric and the sewing techniques

I’ve learned a lot from you and will keep watching even if it’s over and over RU-vids and your Facebook. Your Coverstitch book has been more help then I can express. Hope things sky rocket for you so you are back full time.

I discoverd your channel and you are so talented! A very very hard worker too. Subscribed immediately! How about you show the world what Sweden has best... knits and warm things sure! Then you guys are the best at making home a cosy place at Xmas. I would totally focus my time and energy sharing your origins with the world and sew for the most commercial day of the year Xmas. You could make books about that and they become a gift for the amateur sewer. Everyone know one. I would totally buy that if it was full on Swedish traditions. Then you become the lady known for all swedish things, share your home, recipes, decorations you make, country side, even your family if you wish. I can picture you as the Kirstie Allsop of Sweden lol. She's big in the UK. I can appreciate your hard work I have years of sewing behind me... But you need to sell with being more commercial. Also look out for collaborations with other makers. The sports wear is so valuable I'm going to look into it. Very best of luck! With the talent you have you should become THE person of reference in your country when it comes to sewing ❤

I LOVE sewing knits, active-wear, dance wear; and I want to learn how to sew jeans - specifically very tight and stretchy skinny jeans, so I find your teaching invaluable. I think you're doing an incredible job, and as a 38 year old, I envy your superhuman stamina and output! Don't underestimate yourself, you're doing amazing work. ;-)

Those 6 months flew in - I bet you've learned a lot and gained remarkable experience from your time away from the day job. I think you have a lot to offer the sewing community - you have a lovely knack for explaining things. Keep chipping away at it and hopefully in the near future you will be able to switch completely to self employment.

You are brilliant! The fact that your vlogs are in English is amazing...bet there aren’t any native English speakers who could do their vlogs in Swedish! It is starting to become apparent that several very well known pattern designers are very high on hype but their content isn’t actually very good, they are churning out books but time and time again I see people making their garments and having the same issues with particular patterns, it’s as if they are on a roll and are more interested in making money and becoming well known without putting in too much work in the process. You are not one of these people and the work you put in is appreciated.

I see your key point of difference is activewear and technical fabrics. I am keen to develop my own skills in that area.

I'm excited about your denim book. I hope you do a video about it when it's finally out.

Go at your pace. You’ll get there.

I am a quilter, not a clothes maker, but watch your videos because I love your passion for your craft! I would have loved to have the opportunity to take a sabbatical from work like your country allows! I think you were wise to do so. I'm sure you gain much wisdom & insight. You must take pride of yourself for actually publishing books. That isn't easy! I wish I was still approaching 50! And having the opportunities & wisdom that you have. I'm 64 & just sewing!💓

All the best in returning to your 4-day work week. Six-months flies very quickly, and is such a short time duration for a business. You have done so well in the short time of leave. Johanna, I don't know if the sewing market has petered out. In Australia, there is a media/social media resurgence re "upcycling" clothing; to reduce wastage and demand on the "fast fashion" industry which produces a high quantity but less quality line of items. Hence, many of our sewing vloggers are teaching their upcycling techniques, in their sewing classes, and are usually fashion era dated. For me, I like to sew my own items that match my colouring, body shape and are practical; being in my late fifties, it is difficult to buy straight off the shelf, especially in regional areas. Also, l sew for my husband as well. Unlike yourself, I don't have "children" living at home, so, that gives me quite a few more hours in my day for extra activities... just, the time flies now, LOL. This said, I think that you did a marvellous job in the time that was given to you. Realism in business is a great asset, but, I agree that you shouldn't lean too much towards "under-selling" your ideas. Honestly, your ideas are practical, resourceful and original. For example, your sewing books: I have not seen another book published on the Cover-Stitch Machine and mastering it; which makes it a unique reference book for me that is constantly used. I cannot wait for your Jeans book, please don't give up on that project as I cannot buy jeans that fit me properly, LOL. Living in regional, alpine Australia, jeans are a staple in our wardrobes and are so practical for all the work that we have to do in and out of our homes. I cannot wait to see what you will manage in the months ahead and congratulations on your German translation of your books via a new publisher contact!

Hey, last stitch. I have ur book, never put u with the book. Glad to know.

First I have to say, I thought you were maybe in your 30s. So embarking on your own business fit with being global via online services. A brave journey, but even more so as we get older. That is super brave. You provide so much useful sewing techniques and references. That's what got me hooked up here. I have trouble with fitting and knits, so you have helped quite a bit. Then when I bought the babylock triumph, then you had the coverstitch book. Now I'm working my way to get proficient with higher end sewing. I'm glad you were able to take the time to focus on your business, which I'm sure you will create into what you need. Keep it up!

I admire that you took the six month break to work on your sewing business. You do clearly understand the problem of income vs your own business. You have done so much in six months and you should be pleased with your accomplishments. My daughter is self employed in a creative field and it took almost three years of struggling to earn enough money but finally she is now earning enough income to live. So keep on doing as much as you can even when you go back to your day job, but try not to get too stressed about it all!

I enjoy your videos immensely. I am a large size so I will have to make my own active wear. Looking forward to your future teaching videos. I do look for teaching videos. So many you tube sites seem to start out as teaching videos but devolve into ‘these are the patterns and fabrics I bought and this is what I made’.

Maybe replicating trendy/hype/luxury garments and going over what makes them unique in terms of construction or pattern and selling your patterns for those garments?

I’m really looking forward to your jeans book. I have a Ginger kit all ready to go. Wishing you well in your ventures . I see you in more in-depth work rather than “ little” things but I don’t know how that would work in the long run. I love your teaching style and am interested in more books from you. But again, that might be a poor fit with working full-time

​Regarding a full-on online class that has been suggested, your right, it does sound like a tremendous amount of work, new equipment, skill sets, platforms, and time. I think you'd be great at it though, when time permits. What about just putting together longer video tutorials that are a bit more extensive than the how-to’s in your weekly videos. Ones where you actually sew, for instance a jeans front fly in real time. The written blog posts are great. You could just use those as a sort of script. I noticed that the videos in “My ultimate guide to sewing jeans” seem to be gone. Video tutorials like those would be great to have access to. Plus, posted directly to RU-vid, I bet you’d get a huge number of new hits from people searching with keywords like “tutorial” now that jeans-sewing is so big. You contribute so much to the world (literally) of sewing and I agree, your teaching skills are definitely your gift. But make sure it stays enjoyable and take special care of your physical and mental health. I recently listened to an interview with Christine Haynes where she talked about realizing she wasn’t having fun with certain aspects of her business anymore so she took a very careful look at what wasn’t working for her and quite surgically removed the aspects of her business that were connected to her discontent. This opened up space for new and more interesting things to develop. It was really inspiring in regard to how much control we actually have over our happiness and peace of mind. Take care!

Thank you for your story,. Such a lucid account of taking a leap into a craft based own business! For myself I have been afraid of losing a sure good income to chart new territories. Also, I thought that the exciting creative part of own business might get overshadowed by endless mundane to do lists. I admire your commitment although also understand why you are going back to an established income. My own decision in similar circumstances was the same, but because I gave an honest effort to developing my own brand, the decision to go back to the sure thing was not terribly painful. Just a little painful😉. Best of luck!

I think you have wonderful insight on your skills and talents. You are an exceptional teacher and your attention to details is amazing. I would consider exploring some form on online teaching platform - either your own or maybe Bluprint? I believe you would receive a substantial number of people who would purchase classes from you. I expect it would require some bit of time to develop the content, obtain the necessary equipment and obtain the services of a videographer, but maybe it’s worth exploring. I have learned an enormous amount of sewing information and techniques from your blog and RU-vid videos. You have a gift and obvious passion for teaching. One challenging decision will be, as you’ve said,. whether to focus on a comprehensive project such as pants, sweaters, jacket or smaller more concrete techniques geared towards beginner sewers. I can’t wait for your jeans book to be published. Sending positive energy on this amazing journey. :-)

Thanks for your very insightful look at running a business, can't wait for your jeans book. Think you are actually very realistic and sometimes people who think big take a very big tumble. When you have a family and responsibilities you can't always go on an ego trip to follow your dreams. Living in Scandinavia means a smaller market of people who would physically attend classes, I live in Norway. Take care and good luck

Small businesses are extremely difficult! I've started many over my lifetime and I think you have to be willing to evolve and change direction to keep being relevant.

Is part time work or job sharing an option for you? If so, then the opportunity to develop your sewing business would still be there without you burning out. I personally feel that your book writing is something to develop even more as this is one of your strengths. I would definitely be willing to pay for video tutorials on specific sewing tasks, yes sometimes we can find free tutorials but the detail and delivery isn’t often at the standard of yours. Good luck for the future 😊

You are on a good path. Books, pdf patterns and video classes are great passive income streams. They do however take time up front. I think the main thing is to make sure its something that is not just relevant now, but also years from now which is what you seem to be doing. I would say look at demographics. Who will be willing to purchase now, in a year from now and in 5 or ten years from now. Good luck and keep up the good work.

Wow I can't believe it's six months already! Good for you for jumping into this experiment. Well done! I don't know if I have any good advice about what to focus on. I feel you definately have a space as a teacher. The bonds are great too though. The nice thing about the books is that once they are written, you can keep gaining revenue from them.

I truly hope you will be able to grow your sewing business to the point that it’s self-sustainable. I believe you shouldn’t give up your dream, but, perhaps, focus on the things will be bring in the most income stream yet allow you to continue with your day job. Your book on the cover stitch machine, for example, was genius as I don’t believe there are many out there. What other areas are lacking in help that you might fill. What things are you doing now that are not proving to be as profitable that you might cut back or stop for now. You have the talent and passion to be successful so take a good hard look at everything and make your decisions from that.

It’s always difficult when you’re managing a business on your own and having a good family life to get a good and profitable balance. Have you thought about a marketing course or learning how to make full use of RU-vid income streams to build your brands? Some RU-vidrs do live streams just talking as they sew. You could do a live stream of making a garment but in shortish instructional videos. Eg make a pair of your active wear leggings as a “sew along” You’re really knowledgeable and easy to listen to and this is something you could do over several live videos, no editing involved. Good luck with your business 👍

I think you are very brave to have taken 6 months off work and focus on your sewing related businesses. It is a challenging to make a living from such things, especially in expensive locations and without another significant income earner. You should feel proud of all you accomplished in 6 months!

Thankyou fornthos video and Sucesso for you 🍀

Sounds like you've had a great experience setting up the different areas of your business. I understand why you need to return to your full time job but keep at the business part time and it will supplement your income and as time goes on you will maintain an income stream from your business when you are older and possibly retired. I don't have any great ideas. Your English is perfectly fine and you are very easy to listen to and your generous personality shines through. All the best Johanna with your ventures from Australia 🌺🌼💐💕❤

I’m getting back into sewing because I can’t find clothes off the rack. Commercial ready to wear do not tend to make tall in plus size clothes, more fabric, cuts into profits, I guess. I’m 5’9 weight 215 lbs. with a very long inseam, a 40” but very high waist, and hips are 48 1/2”. I’ve always been an “in between size”. On clothes patterns and ready to wear, even in bras; including shoes!! US shoe companies tend to make only 10 or 11. ( I wear 10 1/2 US!!! or 41 or 42 European) it’s maddening! Sewing patterns are not drafted for my height. I gravitate to Any sewing channels that offer sewing and fitting tutorials for non average body adjustments. Thanks and good luck in your sewing business ventures.

I admire your persistence to keep at your sewing business. I think you have a lot to offer and do get the sense you sell yourself short. I’d be interested in online workshops or classes you might run - such as one on activewear where you include one of your PDF patterns. It’s something you can easily market to your subscribers here. But I appreciate that it would cost a bit to film etc. Working 4 days sounds like a good idea. good luck with your next steps!

A lot of vloggers do seem to have to work at least part time to pay bills etc. But I see them transition to the sewing full-time. I really like your style of teaching and books because you display things well, and articulate clearly how things work. And tidbits of info, like how Japanese denim for Kawaiii? is sooo heavy. Thank you, but do NOT kill yourself for us!

Thank you for this behind the scenes look at your business. As for a business direction, you could develop an online class. It could help you scale up your business. There's some good models on Skillshare, or any other number of class websites. Good luck!!! I love your content.

I have learned a lot from your videos and blog posts and really appreciate all you have done. When I think of what I spend money on... I spend money on patterns that I will never make but I still download them since you know....having a new pattern is so much fun. I learned to sew not from the big four ( because I literally could not understand what they were saying) but from indie patterns which although usually boxy and simple, have unbelievable instructions. From my point of view, I'm thinking shorter blogs, shorter vids, expanded lifestyle vlogs so that people are interested in you personally, more patterns ( and remember that pdf patterns will eventually be projected and then I think they will be unstoppable). AND also there is a niche unserved market which is women over 60 whose bodies change in unbelievable ways including ( well I was surprised!!!) and perhaps there are more niches you might consider which would be have greater volume of purchases ( so I'm thinking women in their 20's), perhaps men. Again, I'm so grateful for your content. Best wishes!!!

I admire you so much for working so hard toward your dreams and pouring your heart out to us. That takes courage! I’m wondering if you have tried to find a mentor out in the sewing world? Someone who has been where you are now. Someone you can share ideas with and get encouragement from. It’s hard to do it alone. Our sewing community seems to be a generous one and we’re not limited by geography. I don’t blame you for going back to your job. Financial insecurity can take a heavy toll. I’ve been there even working two jobs! Finally I agree with admin2020. Most of the patterns I see, indie or big four, don’t consider that not everyone is tall or young and they are shapeless! My biggest dislike are “grown on” sleeves. These make women with narrow shoulders look like they are wearing a flour sack. I wish you all the best. 😊

Good luck with your own business and the day job. Please always remember to look after your body, mind and soul by having balance.

I’m going to share my thoughts. Videos on conquering tricky or advanced techniques are very helpful. My favorite RU-vid channel is “lifting pins and needles” with Karina Trinidad. She is one of the best sewing youtubers. I suggest watching her channel. Also, On Facebook, I follow “For the Love of Baby Lock Sergers”. If you pay attention to the areas people need help with, you can demonstration solutions on your channel. That would apply to other other brands as well. If done right, people love to learn by watching a pro. Then there is always Patreon for generating income. I much prefer donating to Patreon over ads that interrupt streaming. Thanks for all you do. I am looking forward to your jeans book.

I know of a couture teacher who works with 4 to 6 students at a time from 9.30 to 4pm. Started small in a church hall with her own sewing machines. Very structured classes and most of them would take 2 or 3 weeks over a period, with homework. She tells students why she charges her fees ( mid to high) and how much work goes into each course. Then she finds out about their interest in sewing and what they are currently sewing. Whips out a home sewn garment and then shows them one of hers, with a list of current courses to fix common problems. She now has a sewing workshop on the high street and is in demand to do talks at events. Charge what you are really worth you won't regret it.

I love your book on the Cover Stitch machine and I am realy looking forward to your jeans book. In my opinion you are on the way of getting famous with writing books on sewing tricky fabrics. What about a book on outdoor fabrics?

Amazing but understand the financial bind you are in.

First of all you have accomplished so much and taking 6 mths off from your day job was probably an amazing experience. I wish we had that job protection in Canada. Oh we do, it's called maternity leave. LOL! You should look at having a Patreon page for more advance sewing techniques and since you like teaching, create a paid membership site

You should be very proud of how much you’ve accomplished. Have you given any start to hiring virtual assistance who can handle all your marketing and publicity? Perhaps some of your day job income can go back into your business which would lend you the opportunity to hire a virtual assistant on an as needed basis to continue to move your business forward while you bring in an income from your day job.

6 months is a very short time to be able to start a business you can live on. I think you have managed a lot in that short time and I think a jeans sewing book would be a very good thing. You asked about ideas. I think that, as you say not that many people are sewing their own clothes yet, some kind of start up guidance, sew alongs for example, might be a good thing. I think also many people have troubles with fitting so that might be a good idea to focus on.

As a consumer, I find your books are excellent. I find so much of the sewing content is aimed at beginners. That may be the bigger market, I don’t know. I really appreciate how detailed and thorough your books are. And especially that they advance our skill level. Definitely keep a focus on your books and on the marketing too. I also think there is room for your patterns. Don’t burn yourself out, but keep going. Happy Sewing!

Have you listened to Mimi G's podcast? Worth a listen I think. Businesses take a long time to reach that tipping point when they are viable as stand alone revenue streams. But it's your passion and I think you know your way, you just need to trust yourself. 😊

Please don't fall for people who say you thinking small. No you not.. No point in thinking big beyond wisdom.. And we don't succeed cuz of our affirmation. Continue to be realistic and also take it in prayers. You are good! :)

Starting up a business is hard work. You must just keep at it and not give up. There are not a lot of patterns out there for stretch knits. I reckon if you keep making good patterns you can do it.

Love your sewing lessons!!!..What brand of sewing machine is best for sewing jeans?

I wish you the best on your journey and your up and coming jeans book. I don't hear anything wrong with your English. Most of us English speaking people don't pronounce all our words correctly. I wish I could give advice on your business, but I'm afraid I can't unable to help. I like all of your presentations. I have no idea how you could improve.

Think I’m Moving to Sweden I can use a 6 month hiatus 👍

I enjoy your videos so much, they are saved in my play list and I always refer back to them. Most channels I watch have advertisements and I believe they receive money with each view, is that something you could do?

Not sure how things are in terms of education in Sweden. Do they have colleges that run evening classes? If you were able to get a teaching qualification to enable you to teach sewing in established government institutions (perhaps study part time online to get that qualification; I know it would also take time, but the long term benefits could outweigh the time taken to get into that avenue). Teaching in a school might enable you to earn a decent income, fulfill some teaching streams have more regular hours and still enable you to continue book production and the odd class here and there to teach stretch sewing or jeans classes to promote your books as well. In Australia colleges have evening classes that enable students of any age to learn areas of interest. So you may be able to teach clothing construction classes that in the long term as you near the age of retiring will have given you heaps of experience in teaching which you would be able to continue after retirement. Also offering your classes worldwide in sewing and quilting fairs which run sewing classes as part of their offering( even sampler classes which teach techniques such as making fly front zippers, how to produce even double stitching for trims on jean pockets etc, making pockets. The little things are all skills which people have to learn to make a whole garment and the skills translate into making other trousers, dresses, skirts or even adapt to smaller projects. Not sure whether this is helpful or not, but just a few ideas, and realistically in order to have an income stream after retirement age you need to accrue that money when you are younger. I'm a teacher in Australia and I can reassure you that your English is fine, the only noticeable difference (and it's not a big issue) is the fluency, that is the flow of speech, or how quickly you talk, and that always improves through having practice conversing with native English speakers. You've done a brilliant job, have loved your RU-vid presentations, good luck with everything. Wishing you all the best, and whatever you do, even returning to work, make it an intention to enjoy everyday positively, mood can be so important to contributing to the day to day joy you intrinsically obtain from just living our human lives. 😊😉😘

Do you do any in-person teaching? I have noticed that Lauren (aka Lladybird) has built up her offering of workshops on jeans and she seems to be quite busy. I am sure that you would be a marvellous teacher and the classes would provide more places to sell your books.

Hope You get a good start att work!! I see there is happening much on the sewing scene in Germany, f ex podcast ... Have you thought about videos in Swedish language? Workshops? Onlinecourse? Greetings Heike

So many RU-vidrs think they will make a living for the rest of their life's, and find out down the road things change in what people are interested in, the economy.

Income is relative to expenses, so a compromise of reducing expenses may be an option.

Gosh I did not think it had been 6 months. There are a few indie pattern companies that also partner with what we in the US called the big four, which of course are now all owned by McCalls. Sew House Seven and Blank Slate patterns come to mind.But I cannot think of an indie pattern company that focuses on active wear. Maybe some of your subsibers can think of one. So maybe that could be your niche.

When you have to rely on an income it’s very hard to focus on other things like in your case. I congratulate you for being persistent all these years. Having said that I would ask you: how many more years do you have to wait until you retire and have a pension? Then you can dedicate yourself fully to your passion. Good luck

You are wonder women in my eyes 👀😊

Building level two garments with closures are really lacking in the free videos, that might be a source of income teaching people how to sew a jacket with zippers and eyelets, or jeans you could sell the pattern maybe an entrance fee to the entire video, A public Q&A area in case there’s a place someone gets stuck everyone would benefit

C4yt

make courses on udemy

Hi :)! my first time to come across your channel as I've been looking for ways to make my own active wear. I definitely found your extra techniques to make clothes more durable and professional awesome! Please do more of those, the non-standard techniques that serve our own clothes even better than store-bought :D. God bless your business and cheers to more revenues. By the way, you'd be perfect on Skillshare.