Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Disappointment

So, I had been commissioned for some hats.  Nothing major, nothing super hard or fancy.  Well, once I sent the final bill to the client, they gawked.  The rate didn't change, but the time had.  In order to give the client what they wanted, the time was needed.  They were none to happy about it.  So now, I have 5 hats and the little bit of cash they gave up front.  At least I got that!


Here are some lessons that I learned. Number 1, it really is true that no one will pay you what a handmade item is worth.  No matter what they say.  I had said this before, but this client gave me a glimmer of hope.  It wasn't hope...it was wishful thinking.  It really is out of their budget, unless they're Warren Buffet, and then he's not going to pay because he could get it off Etsy for $30.  Number 2, do the work for yourself and those you love.  It truly is a labor of love, and it should go to those who appreciate it.  Number 3, I have more time to work on patterns than I thought I did.  No, really - I typed up 2 patterns pretty quickly and edited them (like in about 2 hours each, or less).  So, they are going on Ravelry.  Once I get them up, I'll post a link.  It's amazing how quickly you can write up a pattern in comparison to making an object.  So, if I have a design idea - write it up, have a test group knit or crochet it up, take down their notes, and post it.  That can go a lot faster than doing it yourself.  Ever experience something like this?  How did you handle it?

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Forever



It feels like it's been forever since I last posted, but there's been a lot going on.  Expecting a third child takes just as much, if not more, preparation than having the first or second.  The good thing is that I have plenty of clothes, no matter what the gender.  I've been working on a crochet commission project, and hope to have pictures of that soon.

I've ripped back my Skelf, mainly because the shoulders kept falling down, and it was annoying to be wearing it and pulling at it all day.  You can see my project page here.  I'm going to actually do what the book suggested, and knit it based on my actual measurements, rather than just pick a size that seems close to the size I want.  Ysolda is so smart that way.  But, before I can cast on, I have to take said measurements.  There's a lot of them to take, but once I have them, I can translate them to any pattern.  Like my Oatmeal pullover, that's still sitting in the floor of my closet unfinished.  I think it's going to be a long, hard winter this year, and I want to be prepared.

I'm also horribly behind on socks.  I have 49 days until Christmas, and I still have 2 and a half pairs left to go.  Well, I have almost to the heel on the second sock done, so maybe 2 and 1/3 pairs?  In any case, I have to get busy.  I think I'm over being tired so much, as I'm headed into the second trimester.  Wish me luck!  What are you working on?  Please share!