OK, y'all know a bit about the lawsuit we are in regarding the house. Well, as most things like this do, it is taking far more in legal fees than we had anticipated, though DH says he knew it would cost a lot, even if we don't recoup any of it. With regards to the financial issues developing because of this, DH announced that, more than likely, I wouldn't be able to stay at home until 8/2009, when DD starts kindergarten full-time, which had been the original plan. He said he felt that I needed to start contributing to the famiy finances ASAP and he would *really* like it if I used my sewing skills to do so.
Ok, we knew this was coming and he has mentioned numerous times that he wished I had more confidence in my sewing abilities. You all also helped me come up with a name for my business and I already have business cards and an email address. So.....all that remains is to go through the tax stuff again (a dear friend is also 100% behind this business idea and helped me with the basic tax stuff I need to know), get a business license and a tax ID and I will be up and running. DH said he would work on developing a website for me (website??!!??? I was only thinking of local work!!!) and dear friend suggested taking out an ad in some sewing/quilting magazines. Also suggested was attending as many craft fairs as possible to get my name/business "out there".
While I completely terrified, I think that, deep down, I'm actually looking forward to this! I have made a list of several things that I like making and will be doing some intensive whittling and such. I do want to keep making the garden flags because they are quick and easy and apparently, people really liked them. To do this, though, I need to get certain information - school colors and mascots of the local schools (thinking outside my immediate area where all 3 schools are burgundy and white and are the cougars...lol). Also thinking that school spirit items - stadium throws, fleece jackets, etc. are a good place to start - the school rivalries around here are more intense than when I was in high school. If I make some for the main high schools, I should pretty much CMA with everyone and hopefully not offend anybody. I can make some jacket prototypes and they can be done by special order (I can test some personalization using my EuroPro, though I think the letters might be too small....looks like I might end up with an embroidery machine after all!!).
The second arm of this would be infant/toddler bedding - COMPLETE sets....flat and fitted sheets, pillowcase, and quilt...which slides right into making larger quilts with matching pillow shams........
of course, I wouldn't be me if I wasn't also considering apparel as well....again, special order, with fittings required, etc. I will be conferring with Kate more on that to get the ins and outs of what is required (if she doesn't mind, that is).
So....what was a dream a year ago should be a reality by the end of this year. LOTS of work for me to get taken care of, but if it ends up working out, I will be able to stay home with my children and still be helping out with the finances WHILE doing something I completely love!!!
Thought I would share the potential good news after the bad news
Larisa