In years past, being a great tailor or seamstress was a thing to be proud of - not everyone has that ability, so there was always work to be done. Today, most clothes are mass manufactured in factories, and very few people actually make their own clothes childrens accessories anymore. However, there has been a resurgence of interest in custom, tailor-made, boutique style clothes, especially those for infants and children and someone could easily make extra money at home sewing these types of items.
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If you have skill with a sewing machine, and want to have a little extra cash, here is how to make extra money at home by sewing. If you make your own children's clothes already, then those you know have already seen some of your work. If someone asks you to make an outfit for their child, and you feel that you could make it, and make it well, by all means go for it. Word of mouth will be your best advertisement. People will ask where the outfit came from, and word will spread. Sometimes retail or consignment stores will also sell new handmade clothing for seamstresses if they are well made and look professionally done. Also, hair bows and hair accessories are another hot item that can be made to create extra income.
You could also offer your services to people to hem or alter garments. Another service that people often find themselves in need of, but usually cannot do themselves. I have a friend who lost a large amount of weight, and had a seamstress alter all of her garments that were too big, rather than replace her entire wardrobe. That seamstress gave her a gift, the ability to keep garments that she loved by altering them to fit her new body. Not only did it save my friend a lot of money, it allowed the seamstress to make some extra money by doing what she loved.
If you desire to expand your business beyond family and friends, think about opening an online store that takes special orders. There are hundreds of shops online selling handmade children's clothing. This is just one example of how to make extra money at home through sewing. Additionally, if you have an embroidery machine, offering personalization on items you make, or other items that people have purchased from other places. Everyone loves a personalized gift, and you could play a part in making that gift extra special.
No matter the product or service, there is almost always a method how to make extra money at home in that field. Keep looking until you find the one that is right for you.
While many shoppers are addicted to the Walmart philosophy, savvy moms can discover new ways to purchase upscale, quality children's clothing at (or below) Walmart prices.
The Outlet Mall
The outlet malls present a selection of dozens of stores within one locale, drawing massive crowds to their discount prices. To view your local choices, do a Google search for your state.
Advantages:
Numerous high-end stores in one location
New clothing without defects
Disadvantages:
Travel time and gas money to get to your local mall
Amount of time necessary to search through numerous stores
Budget: $$-$$$
Semi-annual Clearance Sales at Designer Stores
If you are a good planner and have extra cash to buy clothes a season in advance, join the ranks of thrifty moms who have made a science of catching the end-of-season sales at Gymboree, Children's Place, Gap, and high-end boutique stores.
Advantages:
New clothing at closeout prices
Disadvantages:
Timing is everything. If you shop too soon, you miss the better deals, but if you wait too long, you'll have no selection.
You still have to shop at stores in multiple locations.
Budget: $-$$$
Ebay Shopping
If time for shopping is an issue, you should consider purchasing clothes online. If you go the eBay route; however, there are several things to keep in mind. First, hone your search to include exactly what brands you're looking for, as well as the condition of the clothing (new, excellent, average used condition). Secondly, if you have more time, search within the description as well, even though it will pull up more items. Keep in mind that many eBay sellers are still inexperienced in the listing process, lacking the knowledge of how to maximize their buyer pool with the best keywords in their title. To find a real bargain, use a service that searches through people's misspelled titles: .
Advantages:
Convenient and time-saving
Shop from home
Disadvantages
You still pay shipping.
You are at the mercy of the seller's description and pictures, since you can't handle the clothes before buying.
Budget: $-$$$
Local Consignment Stores
Many a mom has thrilled over resale finds. Especially in today's uncertain economy, even the parents of the best-dressed kids often buy and sell clothing via the consignment route. Search on yellowpages.com for consignment within your city for the best options.
Advantages
Designer brands at 1/3 or less of the original cost
Disadvantages
Most consignment stores aren't large enough to house a huge selection, so your search is limited.
Budget: $-$$$
Semi-annual Consignment Sales
The growing trend in giant resales conducted two times a year has spread across the country, with good reason. These massive events draw hundreds of consigners to a one-week event, providing an unbelievable selection in each age-range, and often including maternity clothes and baby furniture as well. To find one in your area, search online or browse your local papers, as they're usually held in September and March.
Advantages
Huge selection of designer brands at 1/8-1/3 of the cost.
Get rid of your children's old clothes at the same time to earn spending money for the new season!
Meet and have fun with other local moms.
Disadvantages
None
Budget: $-$$