For all you aspiring sewists out there, this is a quick story about staying true to your creative
goals and values.
When I first learned to sew I loved it because now I could finally start making the things I always imagined wearing and using.
When other people found out I could sew, they loved it because now they knew someone who could help them fix all their wardrobe malfunctions. Thus began my long and often tumultuous relationship with alterations.
In addition to being very creative, I was, in my younger days, very addicted to approval. I hated telling people "no". In fact I laugh now about the lengths I would go to and the situations I would endure simply because I didn't want to disappoint people. And when people found out I could sew they were always asking me to do their alterations.
Turned out alterations were actually a great way to earn extra money fast. Especially since I was good at them. They were also a great way to learn how things are made. No matter how much sewing I do, there is always something to be learned from how other people are doing it. In most cases I was learning a lot about how mass production sewing was being done. This was especially helpful when I was trying to find ways to make my self made items look as professional as possible. So, initially, alterations were part of my continuing sewing education journey.
As time went on however I found Alterations were quickly overtaking and dominating all my sewing time. The demand for these types of services became so great there just wasn't time left in a normal day to explore any other creative interests. And eventually I found myself burning out on these types of projects. Instead of increasing my sewing knowledge I was becoming stuck in a loophole of one particular type of sewing.
I needed to change things up and so I took a break and withdrew my name from resource lists and sewing associations.
Fast forward to 2019 and the opening of Made By Me Academy, I was looking for an organic way to generate interest in my studio and classes and the idea of offering alterations was before me once again. I thought if I could find people who needed alterations I might also find potential students.
After almost 6 years of slowly growing a business I can say that particular strategy worked exactly 2 times. Only 2 of my alterations patrons went on to become students. Turns out people who want to get their clothes fixed are largely doing so because they don't have any interest in sewing at all. LOL! That seems so obvious now, but when you are in the beginning stages of anything, you just don't know until you try.
Still alterations services have played a vital role in helping me keep my shingle out thus far. There have been many months were alterations income has kept the lights on and the classes afloat. I wrote this story in part to share this evolution with all my supporters, fellow dreamers, and regular alterations patrons, because I AM grateful, and I THANK you for always thinking of me for your sewing needs.
It is still hard, even after all this time and growth, to say "No, I don't offer that service." But the time has come in my sewing life to discontinue my alterations services permanently so that I can make room in my daily schedule for the types of sewing projects that truly excite, inspire, and challenge me.
I still like being helpful, but starting January 1, 2025, I will be helping students and other sewists learn how to get fantastic results with their home sewing machines for themselves. I plan to devote all my time to improving and increasing the availability of these types of classes, both in my studio and throughout my community. Heck, if I can get there I might even create opportunities to teach virtually, nationally, or even globally. Whatever the medium or the scale, teaching art and creativity with sewing is just the mission to which my heart is calling me. And now is the time I will commit to that wholeheartedly.
Not too mention I have an entire room of fabric, thread, and patterns that need my forthcoming energy and attention, if they are to become the amazing wardrobe items I intended them to become when I purchased them.
So thank you again to everyone who supported the studio with their alterations needs and orders. I hope you will remember me when you or someone you know is ready to learn to use a home sewing machine.
InKandycence Studio and the Made By Me Academy will be here to serve you...just not with alterations. LOL!
Best Wishes and Straight Stitches!
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