This sounds exciting. It sounds like you know just what you are doing. I have sewn my whole life. Also do alot of wood craft type things. I used to do a once a year large craft thing and now just do things as people see and want hem. It can be very rewarding.

I knew a lady some years ago that did this. She helped decorate several business and got the exposure this way. It really helped get her started. She had a terrific business.

Right now I am making the two tiered topper curtains and am having a hard time keeping up. They sell for $40.00 a window and up in some of the craft books. I watch the sales and use the coupons at fabric stores to help keep my cost down. I get rave reviews on them. I am trying to get some made for myself. We have a cabin in the Southern part of our state and I made them for all the windows. They turned out so cute....

I wish you well in you new venture. It sounds like you are well on your way. Keep us posted...

Good luck to you! I have always wanted a small business myself.

My DIL is about to spend a small fortune on drapes for their new home, so you are on the right track. Her decorator will have the drapes made - maybe you should talk to decorators, or cold-call on bare-windowed businesses.

I love window treatments and have several windows that need them, but I prefer garment-making. I can't figure out how to handle such large pieces of cloth easily, though I have done it many times.

Good luck!

-Sherry

Sherry, I thought extensively about becoming a dressmaker and alterations specialist but when it came down to it I am just not comfortable working so closely with people (taking measurements, pinning, etc.) although I'm sure it feels more normal the more you do it. Nor did I want to bother my family with people coming in and out of our home (I don't have a separate entrance for my workroom). I LOVE sewing for myself and my kids, however!!

Thanks both for your suggestions on how to practice and get my name out there.

Before you buy a bunch of books, go to your local library and see what they have in the way of how-to books for the home decor items you want to make.

Also, do an online search on the internet for pillow making, curtains, table toppers/runners, valances, etc. I would suggest you research duvet covers as these are easy to make and are less expensive for your customers than quilts or comforters. A duvet is like a pillowcase for your bed comforter so you can change colors, designs, or change for the seasons or so you don't get tired of the same comforter year after year.

You can get help with pricing from visiting other home decorating businesses or researching custom work advertised in your local area or on the internet.

A simple information sheet done on your home computer and printed out on nice paper can list the items you make and the prices. You can even print your own business cards from card sheets that you buy from Office Depot or the like. I did both the info sheet and business cards for my custom quilts business.

Good luck!

If you live near a big city, go to a professional drapery workroom. There is also a professional drapery production school in North Carolina I believe. Do a google search for drapery or home decor sewing schools. Never, never compromise on quality. Do it right. Find out what are the industry standards for inches as to hems, side hems, headers, etc. Don't do "crafty" type drapes that look inexpensive. The detail and quality of your work will set you apart from the amateurs! You MUST have an industrial blind hemmer, a serger, an industrial sewing machine. Use M'Fay patterns.

I ran across the CHF Academy in NC while researching. Wow, it's expensive... But it would be nice to learn everything in such a condensed period of time. I am in agreement on quality, I definitely would like to target more upscale clinetele. Also good advice on the equipment, a serger is on my list to investigate.

I'd look around in your area for any 'Home Shows" happening. Rent a booth & display your items & fabrics & take custom orders/appointments. Also-maybe stop in at any NON-chain kitchen & bath stores-most always have a mock window over the sink, etc. Ask if you could display some of your valences in their displays.
Also-consider talking to model home companies-they always need to 'stage' a home for open houses, etc. I'd bet if you could get 'in' with 1 of these companies..and have a placard on each counter or table near your curtains/draperies, along with business cards..you'd be on the Success road of your new business! Good luck to you!