There has been a lot of great advice from the members. Thank you all for responding. I have vacillated back and forth for some time and wanted input from the Pro's here. You helped, probably more than any of you know. I enjoy stitching by hand, and take pride in my stitching But, while stitching, I have often wondered if it wouldn't be smarter to just go ahead and get a machine to help crank things out a little faster. I know if I choose to do more work for hire that I will need to be a lot faster with my projects. The common sense advice you have given has helped me decide to continue with hand sewing and trying to offer a truly unique bespoke item until such time as my choice of projects and the demand for them requires I move to a more production oriented model. (Maybe never).
Thank you all again. This is a wonderful forum with some exceptionally talented individuals who also happen to be kind and generous people.