Selling Your Crafts

[DarceyK123]

I know a lot of you knit, crochet or do other crafts, was just wondering if you ever sold anything?

Obviously a lot of people do but sometimes when i consider the hours i put into each item its hardly worth it.

Any thoughts woukd be appreciated.

[Rockrose]

Have a look at Etsy my mate sells her crochet on it.

[gness]

Many years ago as a single mum I did, Darcey....soft toys and it was very successful.....
I sold crocheted items when I lived in Canada....they were more than willing to pay top dollar for handmade things.

Now I just charity knit and sew....like you say it's difficult to make money for the hours put in....x

[Mamyalynne]

I' have sold knitted toys over the years, mainly to acquaintances - rarely made anything on them though.

[DarceyK123]

Thanks ladies x

[237SJ]

You could try selling them at local markets. A friend of mine started off like that and buyer from Harrods saw her and they now sell her goods there. If you display them, you never know who is looking

[Curvylady]

Last winter I knitted my son a chunky Aran sweater which he loved, then along came the orders, his friends, mates at the pub and even his girl friend. Ended up making 9 of them. Only charged for the wool but took me over 6 months.

[ferlew]

Just a small example, I make socks for friends - family. Proper sock wool, cost approx £9 for a pair.
Each pair takes me at least 20 hours, 4 ply wool with 2.5 mm needles.Even longer if I add beads.
Like I say mostly as gifts, but on being approached one day for some she had seen, a lady offered me £5 for a pair, which she thought was hugely generous, quoting that she could get 3 pairs for a fiver in cheap shops.
Enjoy making, and giving your gifts, there is most certainly no profit to be had as far as I have found out Darcey.

[rowanwitch]

I estimate the hours at minimum wage add material costs plus 10% most people recoil in horror. When I sold painted glass years ago it was only in certain areas that I came close to making a real profit. Swallowed up by the costs accrued elsewhere. I now just do the odd thing as a gift.

[pastafreak]

I used to...first bead jewlery, then hand painted papier mache bowls and mirrors. I never made a profit. As others have said, buyers would be aghast at prices...even though I charged much less than even my time was worth. But I did it because I really enjoyed it.

[Rockrose]

Considering when in Scotland the other week it £115 to buy an adult arran sweater surely you could make a profit on that?

[hc4361]

Rockrose, have a read of this fascinating article from 2013, a genuine hand knitted Aran sweater is blooming hard work

https://thewildgeese.irish/profiles/blogs/the-guardian-of-the-aran-knitting-tradition

[Rockrose]

Hc I know my mother used to knit and sell them back in the 80’s to the othe wifies on the base

[hc4361]

I reckon the professional knitters will take 10 - 20 hours per adult sweater so £100 is a bargain.

[DarceyK123]

Yes its true, people dont realise how much work and hours go into each piece, a few people have asked me about the pom pom rug i made but i refused as just the wool alone cost more than its worth to them thats not even taking into account my time.

To them they can buy a rug at the market for £10.

I do enjoy crafts but think i will just stick to giving them as presents.

[Mamyalynne]

Hi Darcey, I finally finished and hung my Pom Pom Wreath, I think this picture may come out sideways (if I've done it right at all).


http://www.upl.co/uploads/DSCI05931545007857.jpg

[TonyV]

Lynne that's pretty x

[Mamyalynne]

Thank you.

[DarceyK123]

Oh thats lovely Mamy, really pretty x

[Rockrose]

That’s lovely Mamya.
I have that people are happy to pay extra for a true handmade item.

[rowanwitch]

Love the puddings, they would make lovely tree baubles.