Hmm... interesting suggestion...

[Paco500]

As you've said you're not looking, at this time, to make it a full-time occupation, go for it. As long as you are enjoying it and not losing money, it's a great way to spend your time. If you look at it as a hobby that brings yourself as well as others a good deal of pleasure (and has the potential to make a little income on the side) how can you go wrong.

The only thing I would caution is that you don't let it overwhelm you. Start out very slow, under-promise and over-deliver, both on the time it will take and the quality of the product. If you take on too much you run the risk of raising your own resentment in the venture and disappointment in your customers.

[BLAZN]

As you've said you're not looking, at this time, to make it a full-time occupation, go for it. As long as you are enjoying it and not losing money, it's a great way to spend your time. If you look at it as a hobby that brings yourself as well as others a good deal of pleasure (and has the potential to make a little income on the side) how can you go wrong.

I actually do rather enjoy making kilts. I also rather enjoy when someone wishes me to make something for them, especially in return for money.
Doing things for others is a big part of who I am. I have lost count how many brake jobs, tune ups, and oil changes I have done for people with only a 6 pack of Smirnoff Triple Black being my "payment." And never have I had an unhappy "customer."

The only thing I would caution is that you don't let it overwhelm you. Start out very slow, under-promise and over-deliver, both on the time it will take and the quality of the product. If you take on too much you run the risk of raising your own resentment in the venture and disappointment in your customers.

If there's one thing I have learned in my 12 years in the Navy, it's to ALWAYS overestimate time and to always deliver quality. That way, when a job I say will take 3 hours actually takes three hours, I'm fine. When the job takes 1 hour... I'm a stud!

[davedove]

If there's one thing I have learned in my 12 years in the Navy, it's to ALWAYS overestimate time and to always deliver quality. That way, when a job I say will take 3 hours actually takes three hours, I'm fine. When the job takes 1 hour... I'm a stud!

Ah, the Montgomery Scott (Star Trek) method of work estimates!

[Alan H]

I've crunched the basic numbers on my calculator about three-four times, Knowing what I need to make to make a living herein the San Francisco Bay Area....

No Way. It's next to impossible, unless you find a very dedicated niche market that will pay top dollar for whatever-it-is. As a part-time busines/hobby for friends and acquaintances, sounds like a great thing, though.

[way2fractious]

I actually do rather enjoy making kilts...

You have another thread on beginning to handmake a kilt. We will all be waiting to hear whether your enthusiasm waxes or wanes during the process. Maybe we could set up a betting pool on how long it takes and if you will ever do it again.

[mbhandy]

You have another thread on beginning to handmake a kilt. We will all be waiting to hear whether your enthusiasm waxes or wanes during the process. Maybe we could set up a betting pool on how long it takes and if you will ever do it again.

BLAZN... Go with how you feel!!!

MrBill

[BLAZN]

Ah, the Montgomery Scott (Star Trek) method of work estimates!

That would be it. It's almost the mantra of nuclear power.

I've crunched the basic numbers on my calculator about three-four times, Knowing what I need to make to make a living herein the San Francisco Bay Area....

No Way. It's next to impossible, unless you find a very dedicated niche market that will pay top dollar for whatever-it-is. As a part-time busines/hobby for friends and acquaintances, sounds like a great thing, though.

I'd defniately not xpect to live off what I'd make off of kilts. Uncle Sam pays me well enough for that. Money I made off of kilts would be used for silly stuff... like more kilts, or paintball gear, or go fast goodies for my as-yet unpurchased BMW, etc. Not to mention I would never live in the San Francisco bay area... I'm too much a midwestern guy for that.

You have another thread on beginning to handmake a kilt. We will all be waiting to hear whether your enthusiasm waxes or wanes during the process. Maybe we could set up a betting pool on how long it takes and if you will ever do it again.

That's funny. My wife called me crazy. We'll see how it turns out. It'll probably be a one time shot, though.