Since I've been retired, I worry about our budget constantly, and keep thinking I should make my embroidery more of a business. So I had joined several embroidery facebook groups, thinking I would learn new techniques and styles. All it did was stress me out. I'm not going to learn to digitize; I'd rather sew than design. So I finally got a little fed up with myself and left all those Facebook groups. My embroidery hobby is going to stay a hobby and my stress level has just gone way down. It still doesn't help my budget, but I'll manage.

I understand the worry. I retired 2 years ago and worried because I don't bring home a steady paycheck anymore. I took a part time job that I have cut back on a lot since February and will probably quit altogether in April. Even this part time work is too much stress with all the changes in the job. I still quilt for friends and referrals. It isn't much but I feel better doing that.

1 comment

by parkermom 18 Mar 2019

My part-time job right now consists of taking my elderly parents and my elderly mother-in-law to their doctor appointments. I'm thankful I have the opportunity to serve them in this way, but in April alone there are ten appointments between the three of them. I don't have time for another part-time job. I try to get to sew about one day per week.

I do occasional sewing jobs for people, for payment, but it always causes me stress when I have a deadline to meet..

On the other hand I have one friend who keeps bringing jobs for me, who never even asks how much, which is really annoying as each project requires that I not only stitch it out, but I also need to digitise a custom design for each one. So far I have embroidered 4 quilt labels and ten towels for her and even at $10 each it would be a blessing to have the money to help replace thread, or pay for machine upkeep, or electricity usage.

I love embroidery and sewing and making things for others when I am well enough and I never ask for anything, but I think I prefer to just make gifts and not do jobs for people, other than digitising, which gives me the greatest pleasure and costs me nothing but my time.

Life is far too short to be stressed.
Hugs n roses, M

2 comments

by pennifold 18 Mar 2019

Hi Meg, I think I know who you are talking about and I would suggest to her that maybe she can offer some money towards the towels you are embroidering for her. It's so time consuming and you deserve recompense. Love Chris

by parkermom 18 Mar 2019

I don't think I'm creative enough to learn to digitize, which is fine. But when someone asks me to embroider something, I try to make an understanding with the person that I will charge a certain amount for the thread and stabilizer, and they provide the item. If they're not willing to do that, I don't need to do any work for them.

I totally understand. I am emptying my house of all the stuff I think I no longer need and am posting an unpaid internship with my alma mater. I have tried already posting items and it is hard to give stuff away. I am just not a merchant.

1 comment

by parkermom 18 Mar 2019

I just don't want or need the stress of others' expectations on me I guess, and then in our area people won't pay for what it's worth. So bad feelings and resentments can build up and I just don't want to do that. Not worth it at all

I know and understand exactly how you feel. I also wanted to make a bit of pocket money with my embroidery but it just didn’t happen. I now just make a few orders for friends. I also make loads of things for sale at a pug sanctuary but that is all charity work. I still rather my embroidery stays a hobby - far less stressful

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by parkermom 16 Mar 2019

I think we are on the same wavelength. When I was working and saw more people, I would stay busy with sewing jobs for them. It wasn't worth it for my health or stress or that of my husband's! Now family and friends keep me busy, and I love it that wa

I have fun just stitching for our family and friends and I do one or two small neighborhood craft fairs. I am lucky that my hubby is very encouraging and likes to help me with those few craft fairs that I do. We do them together and meet so many nice people. I refuse to let it stress me out - I would quit stitching before I let that happen. My family is large so I spend most of my time stitching for them and our friends. We are retired too and I try to budget how much I spend on my hobby.

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by parkermom 16 Mar 2019

I do enjoy stitching for family and friends. And now that my budget is so limited that whenever someone in our church asks me to make something, I just tell them to make a donation to a fund in the church. Everybody wins that way.

I ask family and friends that request special designs or embroidery/sewing work to reimburse for the fabric, supplies, sometimes machine wear etc. It allows me to buy more supplies with my limited budget. I've found I can make more money (in my area) working a part-time job than doing any embroidery.

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by parkermom 16 Mar 2019

I do that sometimes too. It keeps me in stabilizer and thread.

Well, glad you have reduced your stress level...and I have found that many who turn their hobby into a job do not enjoy their hobby anymore! One of the reasons I don't sell my designs or items I make is that with that comes bookkeeping and taxes...

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by parkermom 16 Mar 2019

I don't want to lose my love for embroidery and a well-digitized design.

Perhaps the way to go is to start small, for instance with family and friends. Tell them what you are willing to do and ask them to spread the word. Make up some samples even. That way there is no stress level. My friends know I sew (my payment is wine!) and I always up front say that if it is something I can't or don't want to do I will let them know that. Good luck. Hugs. Nan W

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by parkermom 16 Mar 2019

thank you. I've even turned down a few alterations jobs because I hate them so much. Wedding dresses are the worst!

just have fun. no stress !

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by parkermom 15 Mar 2019

It just isn't worth all the worry and angst.