Sewing in Jamaica....

[MsRastaRules]

I am trying to move to JA this year. I have collected 4 sewing machines and lots of accessories. I am considering opening a sewing school in Clarendon, near or in May Pen. Can anyone give me a little feed back on this idea? Do you think people will want a sewing class? Also, I am thinking about school uniforms which are a biggg business in JA. I want to see if I can get a contract with a few schools to make their uniforms, by order. Are these ideas worth persuing? Do you think folks will buy my uniforms? I want to make money doing something I enjoy, and sewing is it. Currently my husband has a juice route, we raise and sell fowl, and he does farming. I want to be able to contribute, but I know I dont want to farm or kill chickens. SO I want to sew..... What do you all think??
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[tsophra]

Re: Sewing in Jamaica....

I dunno..last time my Mom bought down material for someone..she was informed that people buy ready mek dresses now..and this was coming from a MUCH older person..my poor Mom was soo shocked [img]/forums/images/graemlins/704555_dwl.gif[/img] come to think of it I think she was told it was hard to find dressmakers [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70402-thinking.gif[/img]

also, when I was there it was up to the individual to acquire uniforms..was not done via the school

but people may still use dressmakers for special occasions. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70402-thinking.gif[/img].

I'm sure someone with more current info will be along to respond [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Gen]

Re: Sewing in Jamaica....

most if not all schools don't contract out the uniforms...

getting uniforms made is between the student/parent and the dressmaker (seamstress fi the lurkers)

check around to see if your services are needed ....

[Nanook]

Re: Sewing in Jamaica....

There is always weddings you could pursue, or accessories too. Or anything such as curtains, or bed spreads. It's worth a shot! Good luck with your sewing!

[CeaBee]

Re: Sewing in Jamaica....

[ QUOTE ]
most if not all schools don't contract out the uniforms...

getting uniforms made is between the student/parent and the dressmaker (seamstress fi the lurkers)

check around to see if your services are needed ....

[/ QUOTE ]

actually at my son's school...we did just goh buy dem...and tek in as necessary...so the uniforms were contracted out. I can't say if this is the same for every school though.

And I sure couldn't speak for how the schools in Clarendon handle the issue...

good luck though! (sorry mi caan offer more help [img]/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img])

[sistacaf]

Re: Sewing in Jamaica....

MsR-R, check your other thread for some good advice from JaMiss.... the Jamaican current will fry your machines' circuit boards if they are the modern computer kind. older style mechanical ones are apparently the order of the day -

don't know if you could also bring a current converter, or if that would even work, but make sure you check all that out before powering up the machines on JA current.

although [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70402-thinking.gif[/img] now that i think on it you did say you dont' have current at your yard.... maybe you're way ahead of us all! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

good luck with this... i personally think this is a great idea for a home-based business, as NannyN suggested not only for school uniforms, but general household sewing as well. You could also do tailoring & repairs..... i have a friend right here in philly who does this out of his basement. Although he is actually a 'proper' tailor who makes clothing, he also gets a good bit of side business doing general repairs, hems & fittings, as well as just starching & pressing people's work clothes.

[MsRastaRules]

Re: Sewing in Jamaica....

Thanks everyone for the input. I do realize that uniforms are obtained individually. What I am trying to do is START something new. I have a friend who is a headmistresss and she seems to think the idea could fly. Especially in terms of quality control. Since all uniforms are made by different dress makers, they tend to have little differences. My longterm vision is a factory that takes orders from schools or individuals. I think it is time for that since it is true that lots of folks now buy ready-made clothes. This idea of mine will make school uniforms ready-made. Maybe its just an impossible dream, but maybe not.

Right now I am scheduled to help a seamstress friend who says she has more work than she can handle. I guess that is a start.

As for the suggestion to sew household items... "get outta mi 'ead", I have business named Kitchen Kulture© that makes culturally themed household items: shower cutains, toilet seat covers, floor rugs, pillow shams, duvet covers, chair cushions, curtains, place mats, napkin rings, canister covers, dresser scarves, slip covers, etc., just about anything that can be sewn. My customers pick a material or pattern and I make anything they want. I have done a few coordinated packages (bedroom, bath) for wedding gifts. So I am going to pursue that also. I also make plain old fashioned clothes. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I want to thank everyone for your input. I am soooo glad I found this forum. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70371-jump.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70371-jump.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70371-jump.gif[/img]

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: Sewing in Jamaica....

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks everyone for the input. I do realize that uniforms are obtained individually. What I am trying to do is START something new. I have a friend who is a headmistresss and she seems to think the idea could fly. Especially in terms of quality control. Since all uniforms are made by different dress makers, they tend to have little differences. My longterm vision is a factory that takes orders from schools or individuals. I think it is time for that since it is true that lots of folks now buy ready-made clothes. This idea of mine will make school uniforms ready-made. Maybe its just an impossible dream, but maybe not.

Right now I am scheduled to help a seamstress friend who says she has more work than she can handle. I guess that is a start.

As for the suggestion to sew household items... "get outta mi 'ead", I have business named Kitchen Kulture© that makes culturally themed household items: shower cutains, toilet seat covers, floor rugs, pillow shams, duvet covers, chair cushions, curtains, place mats, napkin rings, canister covers, dresser scarves, slip covers, etc., just about anything that can be sewn. My customers pick a material or pattern and I make anything they want. I have done a few coordinated packages (bedroom, bath) for wedding gifts. So I am going to pursue that also. I also make plain old fashioned clothes. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I want to thank everyone for your input. I am soooo glad I found this forum. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70371-jump.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70371-jump.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70371-jump.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

You have some very interesting ideas. I hope your factory becomes a reality. Jamaica (as we all know) needs jobs.

[sistacaf]

Re: Sewing in Jamaica....

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img] right on MsR-R!

sounds like you have a good plan and a good head fi think with..... bigup to you and much blessings and luck with your move.

Must be so gratifying to have a good solid plan to reunite with your hubbie on Jamaican soil, and lay your dawta to rest in your own blessed yard. I wish you a life of good honest work and good blessings..... and come and leh we know how it all goes. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70384-praying.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70458-applaud.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Q3210]

Re: Sewing in Jamaica....

Very good idea. Your headmistress friend needs to introduce the idea to the PTA.
In Kingston, I know where some schools arrange for students/ parents to collect uniforms from a contracted establishment.
Make samples and have a few students fit and model so as to show your product to potential clients as practical as can be.
You can then approach other schools with all that as reference.
Be sure you can honour the amount of orders on time too.