Ever since I recognized that my retirement was going to be upon me quickly (about 10 years ago), I was planning to do something with all that free time that was interesting, fun and hopefully, profitable. At the same time, I discovered machine embroidery.
I cannot sew a stitch - well maybe a stitch or two can be acceptable - but when I saw the possibility of selling my embroidery, I was doubly hooked. Along the way I found Etsy. If you have not looked at Etsy, you are missing some interesting things.
Etsy is a selling venue for crafters of all types. Your item must be hand made in some fashion. For instance, I sell hankies for brides. I don't have to make the hankie, but I must create something crafty with that hankie.The hankies are not expensive and I sell them for $25 each.
Here are examples of the embellishment(s):
Here is a photo of the very lovely and elegant gloves I sell. The one
drawback to this design is that it must be done in cotton thread, both
top and bobbin.
(Photos courtesy of Advanced Embroidery)
Cotton, while an excellent thread, is full of lint. See the lint gathered just above foot attach. Here is what happened to my machine - - -
By the time I was done, it was a lot worse! So I did have to do some cleaning, that cotton was throwing lint everywhere.
I love them and hope that brides and prom attendees will love them too.
And, since it is nearing the holiday season, I started putting together my FSL mini ornaments that I attach to bows, small decorations and in cards. I love doing them, but they can be a problem because of their size. They tend to curl up and when they dry, they remain in that position so use this method, sandwich the FSL between a folded towel for flat designs and faster drying.
If you would like more information on FSL, check my original blog on stabilizer and FSL.