Coverstitch Machine

A century and a half later, many women and men also earn a living from home sewing. The Small Business Administration estimates that up to 14 million Americans make their living from home. Couture has proven itself as a home business in dozens of niches, including upholstery, bridal wear, crafts and quilts.

Sewing machine manufacturers have responded by producing "prosumer" models, like the series Janome professionals, with professional performance, but consumer-friendly ease of use, which allows entrepreneurs to start more home sewing and craft businesses. In a world of mass products, consumers have the value of the custom made, and many are willing to pay a premium for them.

Dianna Grundhauser ran her own quilt shop in Maui, Hawaii. After five years, she decided long hours required to perform a retail location are not worth it and ran part of the quilt-making business at home.

"To do the kind of work I do, I need an industrial machine. But I have not had the room," said Grundhauser.

She bought a Janome 1600 Professional, a high-speed straight stitching machine with the performance characteristics of industrial design - speed, power and durability - and the size and convenience of a machine at home. Grundhauser now has a home business and sells its products online, which helps keep overhead low.

But the house sewing businesses do not always stay small. Scott Jones did not even know how to sew when he decided to make a fleece jacket custom-made for himself as a Junior College. His company, Beyond Fleece, now sells for serious outdoor enthusiasts around the world.

In addition to the 1600P, Janome's 6600P Professional Series includes the fully functional machine sewing machines coverstitch CoverPro.