Why It is Important to Invest in Good Fabric

Invest in Good Fabric - EcoPak Textiles Spools of Cloth

Want to know why it’s so important to invest in good fabric? We’re covering the answer in this guest post by Rockywoods Fabrics.

TLDR: Good quality fabrics provide numerous benefits including sustainability, longer-lasting clothing, better fit and drape, comfort, professional sewing results, customer satisfaction, and the ability to purchase all necessary materials from a single quality retailer.

The Many Advantages of Choosing Quality Fabrics

Finding the right fabric can often feel like an exciting treasure hunt when you love to sew. Or, you might be someone who needs soft fabrics for sensory challenges, and it’s always a struggle to find what you need in a general clothing store. While you’ll find lots of inexpensive fabrics at big box retailers, the truth is that you do get what you pay for sometimes. Choosing to purchase good fabric provides you with many benefits that are worth knowing as you plan your wardrobe. 

Choose the More Sustainable Option

Fast fashion might help you stay on top of the latest trends, but all of those trendy outfits are wreaking havoc on the environment. Sadly, cheap fabrics are often made from materials that don’t last long, which means that they end up in landfills. Low-quality fabrics also use up unsustainable resources, but you can do your part to lower your environmental footprint by opting for higher-quality clothing whenever you can. 

Extend the Life of the Clothing You Wear 

There’s a reason why fast fashion earned its name. In many cases, those trendy shirts and dresses won’t last as long as the latest styles. Cheap fabric pills, tears and stretches out of shape fast, which can lower the life of your clothing. Since having to toss out a shirt that you love is never fun, it’s worth paying a little more for quality fabric that lasts long enough to still be good the next time the trend rolls around. 

Enjoy a More Flattering Fit 

If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite performers look so good in their clothes, then you may just discover the answer in the type of fabric their designers use. Nicer fabric hangs and drapes properly on your body which makes a difference in how it looks. If you’re sewing clothing for yourself or your family, then you’ll also find that it’s easier to achieve the ideal fit when the fabric doesn’t move out of place as you cut out the pattern. 

Feel Comfortable In Your New Clothes 

Well-fitting clothing also feels as amazing as it looks. You shouldn’t have to feel awkward stretching out your arm because a shirt sleeve keeps moving out of place. Nor, should you have to worry about the waistband of your pants constantly shifting around. Quality fabric feels soft against your skin, and you’ll notice the difference in its breathability or warmth as you go about your day. This is especially true with winter wear such as sweaters that tend to be overly heavy and scratchy if you don’t choose the right fabric. 

Achieve Professional Results While Sewing 

Cutting out perfect pattern pieces helps them to fit together better, which is only possible with quality fabric. Plus, you’ll find that good fabric also holds a crease better when you press it to create a hem, and the thread will glide through the layers when the weave is just right. Whether you sew clothing for your family or have a custom-sewing business, working with quality fabric is a true joy that makes your job easier. You’ll also find that you can whip out projects faster when the fabric doesn’t snag.

Ensure Customer Satisfaction 

When you sew for others, you know that every aspect of a piece of clothing matters. Customers can often tell the difference between cheap fabric and quality types, even if they don’t sew themselves. Low-quality fabric tends to be thin, which can pose a problem for your customers if they expect an outfit to be professional enough to wear to work or out in public. When you choose quality fabric, you know that your online reviews will also be positive and beneficial for your business. 

Know Where to Find the Best Fabric 

Figuring out where to shop for fabric is important. Ideally, you’ll want to buy good fabric from retailers that prioritize quality. For instance, buying fabric from a shop that sources fabric and notions from American companies allows you to know that they recognize the importance of quality and sustainability. You can also choose to buy your fabric from a retailer that supplies everything you need for a project. Being able to buy patterns, zippers, and buckles at the same place makes it easier to match them to your fabric and get started on your project. 

Investing in good fabric pays for itself over time. Not only will you spend less money on clothing when your new outfits last, but you’ll also look and feel better every time you put on your new shirt or dress. Now, all you need to do is start searching for the perfect fabrics to round out your wardrobe. After all, everyone deserves to love their clothes.

* Header Photo via the Rockwoods Fabrics Page

5 Halloween Safety Tips for Pets – Keep Your Furry Friends Safe and Stress-Free

How to Keep Your Pet Safe – 5 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe and Calm this Halloween: Top Medical Director Weighs In

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While Halloween can be a fun night for humans, it can often be a stressful time for our pets. Ringing doorbells, spooky masks, and strange decorations can mean sensory overload for our four-legged friends. When it comes to planning a safe and stress-free Halloween, it helps to plan ahead. Here are five tips to keep them safe and happy this year from Medical Director Dr. Sarah Machell – Vet from Hamilton, ON – Vetster (CA):

  1. Designate a Safe Space

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Whether it’s a crate, a bed, or even a specific room in your home, make sure that your pet has a safe space where they can retreat if things get too scary. With trick or treaters coming and going, it’s important to make sure that your pet is secure and can’t bolt through the door once the night gets underway.

  1. Opt For Pet-Friendly Costumes

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If you plan on dressing up your pet, it’s important to make sure that their costume fits well and doesn’t pose any choking hazards, visibility issues or mobility restrictions. Costumes that make noises or have noisy components such as bells can be scary, so try to avoid them. Just like people, not all pets are excited to wear a costume. You know your pet best and should always check in to make sure that they’re having fun too. 

  1. Keep Decorations Out of Reach

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Jack-o’-lanterns and candles can set a spooky scene, but can become fire hazards if knocked over by a curious cat. Pets can get tangled in decorations like cobwebs and lights, so it’s best to ensure they are kept out of reach and secured in place. Lastly, motion-activated decorations can scare skittish pets, so it’s best to turn them off when pets are around.

  1. Hide The Loot Bags

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Be sure to keep Halloween candy far out of your pet’s reach. Chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs, and can lead to seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea, and depending on the type and how much was consumed can even be fatal. Xylitol, a common ingredient found in hard candies, can also be fatal to dogs. Opt for treats from your local pet store or make your own at home using pet-safe ingredients.

  1. Leave Trick Or Treating to the Kids

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Taking your dog trick or treating might seem like a good idea in theory, but strange noises, costumes, and darkness can cause stress and anxiety, so it’s actually best to leave them at home. If you do decide to take them with you, it’s important to make sure they are wearing an ID tag and that their information is up to date and easy to read.

Huge thanks to Vetster for sending this post to us! This post is not sponsored!

Seven Steps to Becoming Your Own Boss, From Business Experts

Seven Steps to Becoming Your Own Boss
The following is a guest post from ZenBusiness. If you would like to have a guest post published on this blog, please contact me directly at famousashleygrant @ gmail dot com.

A staggering 4.3 million quit their jobs in August this year, according to new reports

Whilst this could be seen as indicative of Americans sensing both opportunity and better pay elsewhere, Gregory P Smith, an expert at business formation providers, ZenBusiness, believes poor management is the main reason someone would hand their notice in.

With ​​more than 4.4 million new businesses created in the U.S during 2020, entrepreneurship is perenially on the horizon. Therefore, Smith has put together a seven-step plan on how you can cut ties with the big boss, and become your own boss today. 

Step 1: Develop your business strategy

Once you have a solid business idea in your mind, it’s time to do some strategic planning. Doing research upfront will help you plan the details of your business. Establishing those details will help you avoid some costly mistakes and start seeing success quickly.

It is important to conduct some solid research into your target market and competitors. There are several ways you can conduct your research;

  • Online: These resources help find your competitors. Look at their online presence, advertising, and product pricing. Conduct keyword searches to find your customers. Narrow your search down to the right location and find the most popular terms in your area.
  • Surveys: You can conduct surveys online or in person. Use your survey to find your customer and get their demographic information, what they buy from your competitors, and how they feel about the experience. Make sure you carefully craft your questions to get the best information possible.
  • Focus Groups: You will need to recruit between 10 and 20 people to participate (remember, recruitment is easier with some form of compensation or remuneration for people’s time). Make sure you have plenty of questions to determine if your product will be useful, who they currently get the product from, how they feel about the experience etc.

Step 2- Create a business plan

Spending a good amount of time to create a business plan doesn’t just help you find  investors; it helps you find and keep to your path through each phase of opening, running, and growing a business.

When creating your plan, there are some key elements you will need to include;

A company description is important as it will help you provide details about your business, why consumers need your business, and who your consumers are. Here you can also include advantages and strengths you have over competitors.

Market analysis helps you establish what your competitors do, why it works or not work, and hot to avoid the ones that don’t.

Having a business structure and management will help you describe your plan to form a corporation, LLC, or sole proprietorship. If there are multiple people involved in your business, you should include each person’s role and responsibility.

A marketing and sales plan is key here and should be highly individualized for your specific business. Here you cant talk about how you will bring customers in keeping them coming back and repeat purchasing.

One of the most important elements to establish is your financial needs and projections, and here you can discuss the funding needed to start and operate your business and what it will be used for. Following this, establish your financial projections to show that your business can be successful. 

Step 3- Determine your start-up costs

Knowing your startup costs will allow you to prepare and avoid unexpected expenses that can cause early damage to your business. 

Your costs will be different depending on if you have an online presence or a brick-and-mortar space. The types of goods or services you offer will also impact your expenses.

It is important to use something like Google sheets or Excel to map out all of your expenses so you can see exactly where they will be going, allowing you to make any necessary changes as you go.

No matter what type of business, these are the most common types of expenses you need to prepare for:

  • Equipment and supplies
  • Website design
  • Fees for filing, licenses, and permits
  • Insurance
  • Marketing services/materials
  • Utility costs
  • Professional services like a lawyer or accountant

Step 4- Raise startup capital

Once you have determined how much funding you need, you will need to determine how you will put that funding together. Here are three basic ways to fund your business startup, including self-funding, investors, and loans:

  • Self-funding: Choosing to self-fund your business means you will be using your own resources and/or those close to you. The advantage of self-funding is having full control over your business. The downside is that you are taking on all the risks. If you choose to self-fund, plan out how much you are willing to invest and, if you are thinking about using retirement income, make sure you consult with a financial adviser.
  • Obtaining outside investment. Investors will provide funding for your business in exchange for a share of the ownership and, sometimes, a role within the organization.

To find investors you can firstly research potential investors or a venture capital firm. Once you have your list, let them review your business plan. 

Investors want to make sure your business fits with their priorities. They will also want your organizational chart, products, and financial statement. If they are interested, you will work with them on the agreement’s terms before receiving the investment.

You can also get a loan from a bank or credit union. A loan, like self-investing, will allow you to maintain control over your company. If you decide to go this route for funding, it is helpful to put together your business plan, expense sheet, and financial projections. 

These documents need to be looked at over the next five years. Approach several banks about the loan, then compare and contrast the offers to get the best deal for your business.

Step 5- Choose a business structure

Deciding on the type of structure of your business is an important decision and you need to look at the pros and cons of each option before selecting one. 

The structure you choose will determine your tax liabilities, how you organize and run your business and the amount of liability protection available to the owners.

There are six main structures to choose from and ZenBusiness have weighed the pros and the cons of each one.

Sole Proprietorship

Also known as a sole tradership or individual entrepreneurship and is a type of enterprise owned and run by one person and in which there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business entity.

Pros of a Sole Proprietorship

  • Startup costs are lower
  • Taxes are filed on individual returns
  • Simpler financials

Cons of a Sole Proprietorship

  • High personal liability
  • Lack of accounting controls
  • More difficult to raise funding

Partnership

If you have at least two people starting a business together, you can form a partnership. A partnership allows for a company’s profits to be passed through to the owners, which means taxes are reported on the individual tax returns only.

Pros of a Partnership

  • Less red tape to start
  • Fewer state fees
  • Collaborative, easy decision-making

Cons of a Sole Proprietorship

  • Varying degrees of personal liability
  • Conflicts between partners
  • More difficult to raise funding

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC is set up as its own legal entity, but its profits pass through to the owners or members and are taxed only on their individual tax returns. There are no shareholders and no stock.

Pros of an LLC

  • Individual taxation
  • Member liability protection
  • Less red tape than a corporation

Cons of an LLC

  • More fees than a partnership or sole proprietorship
  • Does not have all the benefits of a corporation, like selling stock

C Corporation

C corporations are owned by shareholders who elect a board of directors. The board leads the decision-making. C corporations are separate entities from the owners, protecting their liability.

Pros of a C Corporation

  • Owners’ personal assets are protected from liability
  • Benefits may be deducted as expenses
  • Ownership is easily transferred

Cons of a C Corporation

  • Requires more funding than other options
  • More red tape
  • Taxation on both the business and its shareholders
  • Slower decision-making as the board has to be involved

S Corporation

An S corporation is different from a C corporation in an important way; taxation. S corporations are taxed more like most LLCs, with the income distributed to its shareholders, who are then taxed individually; the business itself is not taxed.

Pros of an S Corporation

  • No double taxation
  • Shareholders can reduce their tax liability depending on the amount the company retains in income each year

Cons of an S Corporation

  • Must have strict management of cash flow
  • Built-in gains tax

B Corporation

B corporations are for-profit companies that are also driven by a mission to benefit the public. Often they have B Corp certification which shows they meet a certain standard of ethical and sustainability responsibilities.

Pros of a B Corporation

  • Structured requirements
  • B corporations have a strong brand identity and can use their public benefit as a marketing tool
  • Investor interest

Cons of a B Corporation

  • Accountability standards and scrutiny
  • No tax breaks
  • More resources needed to incorporate as a B corporation and maintain annual reporting requirements

Step 5- Choose a business name and location

Deciding on your business’s name and location is one of the most important decisions you will make. You want a name that helps you build and then protect your brand and the wrong location can make it difficult to attract customers. 

When choosing a business name, you want it to be unique and descriptive. There are a few requirements you will need to meet when selecting a name and you need to make sure you aren’t mimicking another business name too closely. 

That can be avoided by researching available names in your state. Visit your Secretary of State’s website and use their searchable database.

When searching for a location, there are a few things to consider. Does the location meet the operational needs of your business and growth strategy? What will the location cost (think about rent, utility, and any other costs you will incur from being in the space)? 

Some businesses need to consider things like demographics, for example, retailers will want to consider the kinds of foot traffic and parking that a location affords. 

Step 6- Register your business in your state

Before you can officially begin your business, you need to file formation documents with the state where you will do business.

For most states, this will require visiting the Secretary of State website, but before you do, there are a few decisions you need to make.

First, get a registered agent, a person or entity who is the point of contact between your business and the state. They accept legal notices on behalf of your company and make sure you get them on time.

Filing the Articles of Organization, again you can visit your Secretary of State’s website and find the correct form and information on filing fees. Most application will include:

  1. The name of your business
  2. The address of your business
  3. Your registered agent and their contact information
  4. The start date of your business
  5. Signature

Step 7- Register for Federal and State Taxation

Businesses must know and follow the laws around federal, state, and local taxes, therefore to make sure you are collecting and paying the right taxes, start by obtaining your identifying numbers.

The first thing you need is an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is usually assigned to your business by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). You can apply for this number online here.

Next, you need to get a State Tax ID Number. What taxes apply to your business and the tax system will vary from state to state, therefore you will need to register with your state.

Different types of businesses may be required to pay different taxes. Some of the most common taxes include:

  • Income tax
  • Sales tax
  • Property tax
  • Excise tax
  • Industry-specific taxes
  • Environmental-impact taxes
  • Employment taxes, such as unemployment insurance and employee withholding tax
  • Self-employment tax on business shares for sole proprietors, partners, and LLCs

To learn more about the taxes your business is subject to, reach out to your state Department of Revenue or its equivalent.

Home Services: Which to Spend Money on, Which to Add to Your DIY List

By Lee Campbell

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Owning your own home is a major achievement on the stepladder of life. Maintaining this investment takes money and sweat equity because household chores won’t get done by themselves. Some tasks are relatively easy if you’re the do-it-yourself type, but when it comes to the more technical tasks, it is best to hire a professional. 

Which home services should you pay a pro to do, and what can you add to a DIY list?  Check these out.

$pend the Money

HVAC

Heating and air conditioning are nothing to fool with if you’re not professionally trained and certified. Technicians understand heating systems and know what to look for — and what NOT to touch. In furnaces, pipes transferring toxic gases may become rusted, causing them to leak. Duct systems gather dust and debris. The combustion chamber develops residue, which might cause a system to shut down. When it comes to furnaces, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you may cause more harm than good.

Same thing for central air conditioning systems. The AC’s coils, filters, and fins need regular checkups. Maintaining window air conditioners is a bit easier for DIYers, but for a central air system, certified HVAC techs will:

  • Test for refrigerant (and the correct amount of it)
  • Measure airflow through the evaporator coil
  • Inspect seal ducts for leakage
  • Make sure the heating and cooling systems work simultaneously
  • Clean and tighten electric terminals and connections
  • Lubricate motors and check belts for wear and tear
  • Adjust the thermostat.  

Don’t know what this stuff means? Hire a professional. Have the AC serviced in winter, so it’s ready for hot spring and summer weather.

Electrical Work

Electrical circuitry varies, especially in older homes that may use low and high-voltage systems.  Before hiring an electrician, get a cost estimate in writing. The actual job may be more or less, depending on what the electrician finds, but there are ways to save on the cost of labor.

  • Be specific as to what problems you’re finding so the tech can go right to the source.
  • Make sure the electrical panel box is easily accessible.
  • Be ready to pay the bill at the time of service (or make prior arrangements).
  • Get the final bill in writing.   

Plumbing

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Fixing a water faucet screen or toilet innards is a DIY job (for some people). But extensive plumbing issues like broken pipes, heavy clogs, no hot water, sewer smells, and water leaks are not a job for the weekend warrior fix-it crew. If you want to know when to hire a plumber, that time is now.  

Downspouts and Gutters  

Yeah, you could do this one yourself but climbing ladders and cleaning out gutters isn’t an easy job, especially for houses higher than one level. One solution? Purchase a protective system to keep fallen leaves and debris out of the gutter alleys. With various types of gutter products on the market, consider the costs and decide if they’re worth it. Otherwise, you can hire a handyman for the job. (Or, if you’d rather DIY, make sure your health and disability insurance is current — just in case).

Roof and Chimney Repair

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Unless you are a bonded and insured roofing professional, even the slightest tasks can be dangerous. Roof inspections include checking (and repairing) missing mortar, loose rubber, damaged flashing, and shingles. Hire a chimney sweep to clean soot and ash buildup.  

DIY

Depending on how big the property is, lawn and garden upkeep takes just a few hours to do on weekends. Yes, you can hire out for lawn care to enhance the property’s curb appeal, but save some money and DIY these tasks:

  • Weed flower beds. Prune trees and bushes
  • Plant trees, native shrubs, and flowers on your property
  • Paint or stain woodwork
  • Clean indoor carpets
  • Replace furnace filters (that’s one furnace task you can do by yourself)
  • Clean out the attic and crawlspace. (Check for bugs, mold, and leaks)
  • Inspect smoke and carbon dioxide detectors (change batteries twice per year)  
  • DIY with the design! Your home décor awaits.   

Organization

Keep track of all the projects you do. Good record-keeping is helpful for future maintenance needs and useful when it’s time to put the house on the sales market. Buy a couple of notebooks and an alphabetical accordion folder to store repair receipts, insurance documents, and other paperwork about your house. Having it all in one place is a convenient way to keep track of everything.

Lee Campbell is a house flipper, landlord, handyman, and freelance writer. He loves to remodel and refurbish older homes and, like most aspiring writers, is working on his novel.