Crochet

[PTree15]

Your work is just beautiful, GingerFoxx! I don't blame you for keeping the asymmetrical poncho. It's gorgeous! I haven't been able to crochet much the past week or so. I had a lot of work to do, plus I had company, plus Thanksgiving, so I'm hoping to finish the virus stitch poncho this weekend.

 

[PTree15]

I finished the virus stitch poncho at my parents' house today. I'm really pleased with how it came out. Fingers crossed that somebody buys it next weekend at the craft fair.

 

[GingerFoxx]

Gorgeous! Nicely done!

 

[PTree15]

Gorgeous! Nicely done!

Thank you, GingerFoxx. I really love it, so I won't be super sad if no one buys it, because I would totally be fine with keeping this for myself.

 

[GingerFoxx]

Thank you, GingerFoxx. I really love it, so I won't be super sad if no one buys it, because I would totally be fine with keeping this for myself.

How much are you asking for it? I have a coworker who wanted to commission me for one just like it once she has her baby next month. Then another coworker volunteered to pay for it as a gift for her surprise baby shower. Pricing things is so challenging sometimes!

 

[PTree15]

How much are you asking for it? I have a coworker who wanted to commission me for one just like it once she has her baby next month. Then another coworker volunteered to pay for it as a gift for her surprise baby shower. Pricing things is so challenging sometimes!

It sure is. There are many factors, such as considering the clientele who will show up at these craft fairs. I looked at some acrylic ponchos at The Paper Store recently, and they were charging between $30 and $50 for machine-made ones. That seems a little low for me, given that I spent $18 on the yarn (parts of six skeins).

I'm not sure what to charge. I go by that formula to triple the cost of supplies, and then I add a little extra for my time depending on the difficulty/fanciness of the pattern. I think I'd like to charge $70 or $75. If someone offers me $65 or so, I'll probably take it, because I could really use the extra money. But I won't go under $60, given what I spent for the yarn.

 

[shyvas]

It sure is. There are many factors, such as considering the clientele who will show up at these craft fairs. I looked at some acrylic ponchos at The Paper Store recently, and they were charging between $30 and $50 for machine-made ones. That seems a little low for me, given that I spent $18 on the yarn (parts of six skeins).

I'm not sure what to charge. I go by that formula to triple the cost of supplies, and then I add a little extra for my time depending on the difficulty/fanciness of the pattern. I think I'd like to charge $70 or $75. If someone offers me $65 or so, I'll probably take it, because I could really use the extra money. But I won't go under $60, given what I spent for the yarn.

I'd be curious to know if you can sell it for the amount you wish. How many hours did it take you to crochet the poncho ?

Please do let us know.

Is there no way that you can buy wool/yarn via a wholesale store ?

 

[PTree15]

I'd be curious to know if you can sell it for the amount you wish. How many hours did it take you to crochet the poncho ?

Please do let us know.

Is there no way that you can buy wool/yarn via a wholesale store ?

I will be, too, haha. I actually got that yarn on sale. There aren't any wholesale stores that I am aware of, but that would be great. I rarely pay full price for yarn, though. I usually wait for sales or coupons. Sadly, yarn shops are disappearing, so that leaves craft stores like Joanne's and Michaels for yarn, or Walmart or Amazon. I also don't buy wool or any animal-based yarn, so anything I use is either plant-based or man-made.

Do you think the price is too high? I am not sure how many hours it took me. If I were to guess, I would say 12 to 15 hours.

 

[GingerFoxx]

I was going to charge $40-$45 for the one I will be making, but if I were selling to a stranger or at a fair like you are, I'd ask more than for a friend/coworker. Based on the yarn I plan to use, it will likely be 2-3 times the cost of materials. The unfortunate part about this hobby is there is no way to charge a fair hourly rate for your time and get paid what you are worth.

 

[PTree15]

I was going to charge $40-$45 for the one I will be making, but if I were selling to a stranger or at a fair like you are, I'd ask more than for a friend/coworker. Based on the yarn I plan to use, it will likely be 2-3 times the cost of materials. The unfortunate part about this hobby is there is no way to charge a fair hourly rate for your time and get paid what you are worth.

Agreed. And yes, if I were to make this for a friend who commissioned it, I would probably charge in the same range as you. I think a lot depends on the clientele and area of the craft fairs. People in more wealthy towns are willing to pay more.

 

[GingerFoxx]

I made this cowl neck V-stitch poncho throughout the last week. I just finished it up yesterday and I am testing it out now. So warm!

 

[PTree15]

I made this cowl neck V-stitch poncho throughout the last week. I just finished it up yesterday and I am testing it out now. So warm!

View attachment 19317

Another gorgeous piece! Well done, GingerFoxx! I love those colors, too.


I did not sell my poncho at the craft fair, but I did receive a lot of compliments on it. I think I probably should have charged in the $50 to $55 range. I did sell the black shawl, though, for $35, so I was happy about that. Overall, I made more than $200, which will really help me with the rest of my Christmas shopping. I was really pleased. I need to work on my web page next. A friend who is a graphic arts designer is working on a logo for me. I would have loved to have had cards and whatnot, but I did at least print up a price list and put my side business email on it. One person took a picture of it, so maybe I will get an order for something.

 

[GingerFoxx]

I decided to make a poncho for my Secret Santa recipient at the office. She is a fellow crocheter and shares a lot of my other interests. I know she will appreciate the effort I put into it. I started last night. Hoping to finish it over these next 3 days.