Today’s post was brought on in part by introspection, and partly due to the fact that I haven’t taken pictures for ANY of the 5 blog drafts that are in my queue. Oops. I swear, spandex 101 posts are coming! Anyway, I thought I’d take today’s post to let you guys know where I’m at in terms of my sewing/crafting and cosplay life.
I recently accepted a few “trial run” commissions to see how I like the process and if I’m willing to take it on in larger quantities next year. It’s been an interesting process so far. I’m about half finished with my first two, with plans of wrapping them up by the end of the month. I’m still a little flabbergasted that people are willing to pay me to make things for them. It’s funny how my nearly 10 years of customer service experience are helping me out, though there is a unique learning curve.
This week in particular has made me ask myself, “Can I do this and hold down a full-time job?” many, many times. I work in education, so the first few weeks of the semester are always the most hectic with the most last-minute schedule changes. I think it is possible, but I need to make a commission work schedule and stick to it! Sewing at 5a.m. before work and then hitting it again after work isn’t exactly my ideal 
To compensate for taking on more commissions next year, I’ll have to drastically cut back on my own costumes. I’m planning to limit myself to 6 or so costumes instead of this year’s 11 (so far). If only I could sew at work… Le sigh.
On that topic, I am investigating options to turn The Geeky Seamstress into a business. As of right now, I’m reading up on what I need to do (The Handmade Marketplace has a permanent place in my purse at the moment). Legalities and tax forms make my head swim, but fortunately having a boyfriend with a J.D. and an interest in intellectual property is a wonderful asset. My goal for early next year is to get a table to sell geeky bags and accessories at a smaller local con, possibly All-Con in March. I’ll be tapping you guys for feedback on what I should sell soon! Do any of you have online stores or sell at cons? If so, do you have any tips or resources that I should check out?
I’m also focusing on more of my garments instead of costumes since my con season is all but over. I have several knit dresses and skirts on my cutting table, along with some trousers and the Anise jacket. My Princess Jupiter materials are still hanging off my closet door, but I haven’t decided if I’m going to make her for a con in November or wait until Ikkicon in January (hello, birthday con!).
Otherwise, life is moving along as usual! If we were having coffee together this morning, what would you tell me?
The Geeky Seamstress 
Hope you have plenty of time to sew!!!
~Braixetta
I think starting with accessories is a great idea and I bet people would be interested in some of the dressed you’ve done (like Captain Marvel). I think there’s a big need for cute and nerdy outfits that aren’t cosplay. Good luck!
Thanks! I’m definitely planning to make more of those dresses soon.
Oh my gosh LULU! I can’t wait to see that Cosplay!! 😀
Jessica
the.pyreflies.org
Thanks, Jessica! She’s been on my wish list even before I knew about cosplay. I’ve put her off for years because I didn’t feel like my skill level was high enough to tackle her INSANE costume. I hope I can do it justice!
I wish you the best of luck! I’ve been very close to starting my own business several time, but never felt secure enough to give up on my fixed income. I’d say that you are on the right track. Sorting out all the paperwork is important, and doing a trial run at cons sounds like a good idea. Also places like Etsy can give you an idea on what sells. Think about what makes your stuff unique. Why should someone choose to buy a purse from you instead of the next stall over, or one of the hundreds of other sellers on Etsy? That is usually one of the hardest questions to answer, but also one of the most important.
Thanks, Kara! Yeah, I totally understand what you mean about the fixed income. It’s scary to think about. Wishing you the best for your future business endeavors as well!
Sounds like some interesting times! I’m actually on kinda a similar journey right now if you fancy a sounding board!
Love the look of those accessories, can imagine they’d be popular.
Thank you! I’ll definitely take you up on that once I get through this round of commissions.
Spandex 101! *flail*
Haha, soon! I’ve spent way too much time working with spandex lately. Might as well share the love! 🙂
I really hope you’re able to take on more commissions and maybe even do that full time! Let me know if you wanna chat about monetizing stuff, I have a definite interest in it, haha.
Oh man, full-time sewing is the dream! Maybe even teaching. And yes! We should definitely talk monetizing! I need to pick your grad school brain 😀