The "home based" business of slipcovers!!

Creating custom fitted slipcovers for furniture could be one of the best kept secrets for a home based business says John French, professional slipcover craftsman, and instructor. Slipcovering is a specialized talent. John insists that it is not hard, it is just different. In fact, he insists that anyone armed with basic sewing skills can learn to do this successfully. He has produced a series of videos/DVD's called DIYSlipcovers.com created specifically for the non professional home sewer. John encourages anyone with an open mind to consider "the business of slipcovering" as an income source. John shares his journey on how he became a slipcover enthusiast:

In my own experience, I knew nothing about sewing and had the crazy determination to learn how to make a fitted slipcover for my sofa. At that time I didn't even know how to thread a needle! Well, I located a wonderful woman to teach me the basics of sewing and together with my own tenacity; I managed to complete a fairly successful slipcover!! Almost immediately, people were calling me to make one for them. With each job I learned something new and before I knew it, I was in business! It was clearly a case of earn while I learned or even better, learned while I earned! I literally started with no money. As I would complete jobs, I would purchase equipment such as an industrial machine for $800. I was unaware that one job would soon pay for more than that! Certainly, at first, I kept me prices soft until I became confident in my quality but in no time I was charging at the industry rate.

I could not have "fallen into" a more convenient business. Imagine being able to work from my own home or at the customers home, work according to my schedule , and work as hard or as little as I wanted. I have sense found out that people all over the country are doing this according to their needs. Some work full time and combine a full range of soft furnishings and others such as myself specialize in slipcovers and closely related products.

I was amazed at how this product I was making (slipcovers) would literally create it own market. Time and again I would deliver a finished slipcover and then get a call from a customers neighbour who had seen what a custom fitted slipcover looked like and then they would want one done!

Here is a product that will always be in demand regardless of the economy. They simply are too practical and versatile not to be. Families love them because they are washable and designers love them because they can change the look of a room in an instant!

I soon took my business, French Slips, beyond the practicalities. I actually fell in love with the look of a well crafted slipcover. Coining the phrase, "the art of impermanence." I insist that custom slipcovers are an intentional design element and not to be apologized for. They add that welcoming, subliminal look of "comfort". As I developed my clientele, I began to promote the use of custom details such as unusual buttons, ties, monograms and gussets to my covers. This certainly brought me upmarket as people love this sort of thing. I was guaranteed success as long as I created a quality product.

The greatest thing about "my job" is the enjoyment I get out of going to work! I absolutely love what I do !