I sold some handspun at a local fibre festival - I was friends with the organizer and had a three year backlog, so I made up a formula and went for it. But now they are asking if I’ll do it again and I don’t have the same amount I want to part with 😂 I’m a slow spinner and probably won’t ever become a production spinner.
When anyone asks me to spin and/or knit something for them and ask how much it will cost I usually say I couldn't justify the time it would take and end up very expensive. Someone we knew had some Alpaca and, after they had been sheared, she asked me if the spinners in my guild would spin it all up for her!! I had to tactfully tell her that there is a lot of work involved before the fibre can be spun and, as a lot of the guild members were pensioners, they wouldn't be in a position to undertake such a mammoth task. She sent it away to a mill and when she had the bill she realised what I was saying. It is a difficult situation as people, through no fault of their own, don't realise the work and time involved.
A very relevant topic for crafters. To me the first and most important question is do you really want to turn your hobby into a job. If yes, then you need to pick a very narrow niche market and do not under charge. For myself I've kind of chosen to keep my fiber a hobby. I make things for gifts. Since I'm new to the fiber arts, I don't have a high out put. As I advance I will start making a back stock. If I ever get enough inventory together I might see about doing the occasional farmers market. But I won't be selling things cheep. My time is valuable. Becca this was a very good video and an important topic. Thank your.
I was interested in this subject as I’ve long said I only knit for love! Life is too short to knit for people who won’t really appreciate the hours I put in……and therefore I also only knit for knitworthy folks. Years ago I knit a beautiful gansey in 5 ply yarn for my brother-in-law on size 2.5mm needles. The next time I saw it it was covered in paint!!! Not doing anything for him again! Re the adverts…….I’ve been a Prime UA-cam watcher now for about 6 months…..£16.99 a month. Cheaper than Sky TV and with everything I like to watch…..and more…..advert free. It’s brilliant. So I’m sorry that you are not getting anything from my views. (I try to remember to ‘like’ when I’ve watched an episode, but senior brain means I sometimes forget….sorry!) Thanks for the video today…..it’s always a pleasure to find a new one from you.
What a perfect topic. I tell all my friends and family that I simply couldn’t imagine being able to sell my work because the yarn alone is so expensive. It’s impossible to estimate what to charge for my artwork.
I think if you want to sell your art there will be a market for it at a price that is fair for you as an artist . The hard part is finding it . But once you find your people they will look after you . Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment here I really love to hear form other makers .
Wow, very informative episode! Thank you Becca! I never had a grasp on how to get numbers. I'm always annoyed if people laugh at my spinning and knitting hobbies and then want me to make them something.
I spin to get something done and talk to people about how wonderful wool is. I am often asked if I sell my yarns. I explain how long it takes to fill one bobbin, how many I need to ply (3) and them how many skeins it will take for a sweater to make for my size. A L to XL. I am slow and spin fairly fine so I am not sure I could ever get up inventory. I do have fun though and love to compare wool to polyester! Hee Hee
One source of income for handcrafters that I feel is often overlooked is working for movies and commercials on sets and props. It requires being able to come up with your own patterns, sourcing materials, and working to a hard deadline with little lead time, as well as living in a major city where filming is happening. But, it pays what handcrafting is really worth. For example, I charged $4,000 for a knit sweater over 10 years ago. If I remember correctly, I rented a custom made doll quilt to a shoot for $400. I did set my own wage. Since I wasn’t supporting my family and my income was more discretionary, I decided that I wanted to be paid enough to be able to hire a housekeeper: she got paid $20/hour so I asked for $40. It was a great deal for me since I got to do something I loved and avoid something I’m not so good at. Your discussion of all the hidden costs is quite informative! These days I’m back to just making for my family and friends. And if asked to make something by someone who doesn’t have ANY idea what that really means, I usually reply that I don’t sell things anymore but am always happy to give a lesson at no charge if they’d like to learn to make it themselves.
Very interesting thankyou Becca. It’s nice to see the comments here too so thankyou to those who have. About the bees …. Knowing so little about them (perhaps we all should know more ) how well would they do without keepers are they dependant? How much time would you say you have to give them? I have much lavender and it attracts many bees one particularly hot year I found someone had left a teaspoon of water beneath the bush would this have been the keeper?
Hi, great video thank you. I sell my handspun yarn and woven shawls and other bits, covering products that range from low to high so then they are open to all shoppers. I sell on folksy (like etsy but the British version) but unfortunately I’ve hardly sold a thing in over year and have 3 boxes full of made things! When it comes to pricing i look at what other sellers are selling similar items for and base my prices around that. It’s obviously not working 😬. Sometimes I think I shall just gift it all away and give up - very frustrating! But I love making 💕loved the bees too 🤩
Before you chuck it in, try different platforms or even do in person sales, like farmers markets. Another sales venue is arts and craft fairs. If you don't like dealing with people face to face see if you have a friend who would be willing to man booth for you for a cut.
Interesting discussion about pricing. I’ve seen some sellers price their work far too low because it is just a hobby and I do think it then impacts on people who are trying to make a living and pay the bills. 4.5 x cost of materials sounds a good starting point as some will be way below the VAT threshold in the UK, and will have varying ‘selling’ costs. I think at the moment selling online and face to face is hard until we know where our economy is going. Also I think it very much depends on where you live in the country if you’re selling face to face at Open Studios etc. There’s a lot of people out there who are just after a bargain and don’t always understand the amount of work that goes in to anything handmade, even after you tell them! I don’t really know what the answer is ……
Location location location, I do you with the idea of selling physical products again from time to time but I don't think it's the right time at the moment. I really miss the hustle and bustle of a busy farmer's market. I'm very glad you found the video interesting.
Hi Becca, I hope you and Andrew are both OK xx ❣️❣️❣️❣️ Thankyou so, so much for sharing this very interesting video podcast ( not that your video podcasts aren't interesting, they very much are). There's a UA-cam channel that I watch and she actually did an interesting video podcast about pricing Handspun Yarn ( her channel is Mijn Wolden), she's in Belgium, she'd got a Fleece for free, basically she she washed some, spun it up and then priced it up, it was a staggering amount of € 530... Sirry that I can't remember the exact weight of the Handspun Yarn that she'd done. That video podcast was from Wednesday the 29th May 2024. Goes out at 7pm UK time every Wednesday. I'm not sure if anyone from here watches her, besides me. Hope you don't mind me giving her channel a plug, but it really does how much Handspun Yarn can actually cost Happy Spinning and Creating Fibre Friend 🎡🎉🐑🥰 Take care and stay safe Lots of love, Blessings and Big Hugs to you both and a Cuddle for Millie Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🫂🫂🫂🫂🐕🫂
I loved this episode! So interesting. I have been toying with the idea of selling something fiber-y. A lot to ponder. It is probably best left to being my hobby so I don't ruin it with a business. Lol. It's fun to dream that all work would be so pleasant as fiber crafting! Can't wait to see the video on making lip balm. Some 'Christmas gift making in July's would be nice to see. I would love some ideas and tips. I am Thinking of weaving mug rugs or kitchen towels for Christmas presents. Lip balm is now another thing I hope to add. Keep the ideas coming. Love them.
@@bybeccalewis Hi Becca, I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️ Thankyou so much for sharing your video podcasts and your expertise, they're very much appreciated. 🌟🌞✨️ I'm glad that you don't mind me giving a plug to another UA-cam channel. 🐑🐑 Thankyou so much for the Heart ♥ Sending Heart ♥ back to you ❤️💞 I hope you have a Wonderful Week 🔆🌞🌟✨️ Happy Spinning and Creating Fibre Friend 🎡🎉🐑🥰 Take care and stay safe Lots of love, Blessings and Big Hugs and a Cuddle for Millie..Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🫂🫂🫂🫂🐕🫂 We've not had any bees in our garden, so maybe they're all a bit behind. 🪲
I sold some handspun at a local fibre festival - I was friends with the organizer and had a three year backlog, so I made up a formula and went for it. But now they are asking if I’ll do it again and I don’t have the same amount I want to part with 😂 I’m a slow spinner and probably won’t ever become a production spinner.
I think being a production spinner takes a lot of discipline which I don't know 🤣🐏🧶🙏
When anyone asks me to spin and/or knit something for them and ask how much it will cost I usually say I couldn't justify the time it would take and end up very expensive. Someone we knew had some Alpaca and, after they had been sheared, she asked me if the spinners in my guild would spin it all up for her!! I had to tactfully tell her that there is a lot of work involved before the fibre can be spun and, as a lot of the guild members were pensioners, they wouldn't be in a position to undertake such a mammoth task. She sent it away to a mill and when she had the bill she realised what I was saying. It is a difficult situation as people, through no fault of their own, don't realise the work and time involved.
People really don't understand and say no to people can be very hard. 🙏🐏🧶🌸
A very relevant topic for crafters. To me the first and most important question is do you really want to turn your hobby into a job. If yes, then you need to pick a very narrow niche market and do not under charge. For myself I've kind of chosen to keep my fiber a hobby. I make things for gifts. Since I'm new to the fiber arts, I don't have a high out put. As I advance I will start making a back stock. If I ever get enough inventory together I might see about doing the occasional farmers market. But I won't be selling things cheep. My time is valuable. Becca this was a very good video and an important topic. Thank your.
Thank you for your excellent advice 👍. I'm glad you enjoyed the video 🐏🧶🌸
Loved the video! I came for the yarn pricing but my favorite bit was the bees and the walk by the water!
I'm so pleased you enjoyed the video. I do love sharing the beautiful countryside where I live.
I was interested in this subject as I’ve long said I only knit for love! Life is too short to knit for people who won’t really appreciate the hours I put in……and therefore I also only knit for knitworthy folks.
Years ago I knit a beautiful gansey in 5 ply yarn for my brother-in-law on size 2.5mm needles. The next time I saw it it was covered in paint!!! Not doing anything for him again!
Re the adverts…….I’ve been a Prime UA-cam watcher now for about 6 months…..£16.99 a month. Cheaper than Sky TV and with everything I like to watch…..and more…..advert free. It’s brilliant.
So I’m sorry that you are not getting anything from my views. (I try to remember to ‘like’ when I’ve watched an episode, but senior brain means I sometimes forget….sorry!)
Thanks for the video today…..it’s always a pleasure to find a new one from you.
What a perfect topic. I tell all my friends and family that I simply couldn’t imagine being able to sell my work because the yarn alone is so expensive. It’s impossible to estimate what to charge for my artwork.
I think if you want to sell your art there will be a market for it at a price that is fair for you as an artist . The hard part is finding it . But once you find your people they will look after you . Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment here I really love to hear form other makers .
Wow, very informative episode! Thank you Becca! I never had a grasp on how to get numbers. I'm always annoyed if people laugh at my spinning and knitting hobbies and then want me to make them something.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I am just getting started with my little knitting/crochet business. Thank you for the advice! ❤
You are so welcome! . I wish all the luck in the world with your business 🙏🌸🐏🧶
I spin to get something done and talk to people about how wonderful wool is. I am often asked if I sell my yarns. I explain how long it takes to fill one bobbin, how many I need to ply (3) and them how many skeins it will take for a sweater to make for my size. A L to XL. I am slow and spin fairly fine so I am not sure I could ever get up inventory. I do have fun though and love to compare wool to polyester! Hee Hee
if you are having fun not much else matters really ,
One source of income for handcrafters that I feel is often overlooked is working for movies and commercials on sets and props. It requires being able to come up with your own patterns, sourcing materials, and working to a hard deadline with little lead time, as well as living in a major city where filming is happening. But, it pays what handcrafting is really worth. For example, I charged $4,000 for a knit sweater over 10 years ago. If I remember correctly, I rented a custom made doll quilt to a shoot for $400. I did set my own wage. Since I wasn’t supporting my family and my income was more discretionary, I decided that I wanted to be paid enough to be able to hire a housekeeper: she got paid $20/hour so I asked for $40. It was a great deal for me since I got to do something I loved and avoid something I’m not so good at. Your discussion of all the hidden costs is quite informative! These days I’m back to just making for my family and friends. And if asked to make something by someone who doesn’t have ANY idea what that really means, I usually reply that I don’t sell things anymore but am always happy to give a lesson at no charge if they’d like to learn to make it themselves.
Wow amazing information thank you so much for sharing your knowledge 🌸🧶🐏
Very interesting thankyou Becca. It’s nice to see the comments here too so thankyou to those who have.
About the bees …. Knowing so little about them (perhaps we all should know more ) how well would they do without keepers are they dependant? How much time would you say you have to give them? I have much lavender and it attracts many bees one particularly hot year I found someone had left a teaspoon of water beneath the bush would this have been the keeper?
Hi, great video thank you. I sell my handspun yarn and woven shawls and other bits, covering products that range from low to high so then they are open to all shoppers. I sell on folksy (like etsy but the British version) but unfortunately I’ve hardly sold a thing in over year and have 3 boxes full of made things! When it comes to pricing i look at what other sellers are selling similar items for and base my prices around that. It’s obviously not working 😬. Sometimes I think I shall just gift it all away and give up - very frustrating! But I love making 💕loved the bees too 🤩
I think selling handmade online is tough at the beginning. I have my fingers crossed for you 🤞🐏🧶🌸
@@bybeccalewis thank you so much 💕
Before you chuck it in, try different platforms or even do in person sales, like farmers markets. Another sales venue is arts and craft fairs. If you don't like dealing with people face to face see if you have a friend who would be willing to man booth for you for a cut.
@@sonjanordahl3158 thank you - great advice ☺️
Interesting discussion about pricing. I’ve seen some sellers price their work far too low because it is just a hobby and I do think it then impacts on people who are trying to make a living and pay the bills. 4.5 x cost of materials sounds a good starting point as some will be way below the VAT threshold in the UK, and will have varying ‘selling’ costs. I think at the moment selling online and face to face is hard until we know where our economy is going. Also I think it very much depends on where you live in the country if you’re selling face to face at Open Studios etc. There’s a lot of people out there who are just after a bargain and don’t always understand the amount of work that goes in to anything handmade, even after you tell them! I don’t really know what the answer is ……
Location location location, I do you with the idea of selling physical products again from time to time but I don't think it's the right time at the moment. I really miss the hustle and bustle of a busy farmer's market. I'm very glad you found the video interesting.
Great episode. The pricing discussion was very eye opening!
Thank you 🙏🐏🌸
Hi Becca, I hope you and Andrew are both OK xx ❣️❣️❣️❣️
Thankyou so, so much for sharing this very interesting video podcast ( not that your video podcasts aren't interesting, they very much are).
There's a UA-cam channel that I watch and she actually did an interesting video podcast about pricing Handspun Yarn ( her channel is Mijn Wolden), she's in Belgium, she'd got a Fleece for free, basically she she washed some, spun it up and then priced it up,
it was a staggering amount of € 530...
Sirry that I can't remember the exact weight of the Handspun Yarn that she'd done.
That video podcast was from Wednesday the 29th May 2024.
Goes out at 7pm UK time every Wednesday.
I'm not sure if anyone from here watches her, besides me.
Hope you don't mind me giving her channel a plug, but it really does how much Handspun Yarn can actually cost
Happy Spinning and Creating Fibre Friend 🎡🎉🐑🥰
Take care and stay safe
Lots of love, Blessings and Big Hugs to you both and a Cuddle for Millie Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🫂🫂🫂🫂🐕🫂
I'm always happy to find new fiber artists to follow so no problem put it here . 🙏🌸🐏
I loved this episode! So interesting. I have been toying with the idea of selling something fiber-y. A lot to ponder. It is probably best left to being my hobby so I don't ruin it with a business. Lol.
It's fun to dream that all work would be so pleasant as fiber crafting! Can't wait to see the video on making lip balm. Some 'Christmas gift making in July's would be nice to see. I would love some ideas and tips. I am Thinking of weaving mug rugs or kitchen towels for Christmas presents. Lip balm is now another thing I hope to add. Keep the ideas coming. Love them.
@hopefortruth Thank you Hope . So glad you enjoyed the video . It's so important not to turn a hobby you love into a job you hate. 🙏🧶🐏🌸
@@bybeccalewis Hi Becca, I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️
Thankyou so much for sharing your video podcasts and your expertise, they're very much appreciated. 🌟🌞✨️
I'm glad that you don't mind me giving a plug to another UA-cam channel. 🐑🐑
Thankyou so much for the Heart ♥
Sending Heart ♥ back to you ❤️💞
I hope you have a Wonderful Week 🔆🌞🌟✨️
Happy Spinning and Creating Fibre Friend 🎡🎉🐑🥰
Take care and stay safe
Lots of love, Blessings and Big Hugs and a Cuddle for Millie..Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🫂🫂🫂🫂🐕🫂
We've not had any bees in our garden, so maybe they're all a bit behind. 🪲
Somebody who has a shop who sells such things asked me if I wanted to sell my yarn in her shop. I had a panic! I couldn't let my babies go. LOL
🤣 I get it. 🙏
Sorry! I meant to add I spin at the weekly farmers market with my husband potter. He has many repeat customers so we have met many lovely people!
That is awesome!