I turned my jewellery hobby into a business, so I really value knitting now as something just for ME :) I know firsthand how monetisation can kill the joy. But... without wishing to come across cheeky, isn't youtubing a form of monetisation? or is video making just an extension of the knitting hobby with the occasional perk of a sponsorship? Asking because I see that you put a lot of effort into these videos, you seem like a creator with goals/plans! x
Totally valid question which I could have talked more about! I am apart of the UA-cam partner program. I see that more as a passive part of monetizing my hobby vs doing knitting commissions, writing knitting patterns, selling knitwear etc. To me the ad sense is a perk, but let’s just say if I was only in YT for the money I would have probably given up a while ago.😅 If I didn’t enjoy the social media aspect of knitting I’d like to think that I’d stop sharing.
You are SO right about people not knowing what’s involved in handmade items, be they knit or quilted. Money invested, time choosing pattern and fabric or yarns, time spent in the actual making of the item, etc. when that’s all added up most people wouldn’t want to pay you for all that. So I think it is very important to love and really enjoy the whole experience. And it is so great to give a handmade gift to a person who actually appreciates its intrinsic value. I try to remember that when I’m making. Otherwise, it’s a chore or a job. Heaven forbid. Who wants more deadlines in life? Not this girl. I really enjoy your videos. You know so much for only knitting a couple of years. Impressive. 😊
Couldn’t agree with you more about the monetising aspect of hobbies. Every time people try to give me advice about making money with knitting I just roll my eyes in the back of my mind. It’s one of the most annoying topics. If I would take the same hourly rate as in my job (for what I studied 10 years) I would be selling garments probably the upper 1% could afford 😂 and first of all the thought of a hobby is to do something not to earn money. I don’t know. This topic aggravates me so much. And don’t get me wrong, No shade to anyone who wants to monetise their hobby. But just assuming and giving unsolicited advice goes on my nerves.
Exactly! I'm so glad if folks have found a way to monetize your hobby but why do people assume that is the default goal for everyone? I think the people that make money are often the exception and not the rule.
i agree 100 precent, also when people suggest that i sell my things i feel this kinda pressure that if i don’t make money of of this i’m just being lazy or i’m wasting my time
Ahhh you're so relaxing to listen to! I completely feel you on society's views on capitalizing on hobbies to make money. Every time I go out in a knit and someone comments on it it's the FRIST comment that they have to offer.
I love these kinds of conversations!! Doing things just because they bring you joy is so important to our wellbeing. I've been thinking a lot about this concept in the way I approach failure in my life and teaching myself that it's okay (and sometimes really good) to fail at things as long as I'm doing them for funsies, and a huge part of that is going against the anti-capitalist pressure to perfect and produce. Also...your cardigan is sooo gorg lol
i think it’s super cool that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone style wise, and i feel like you might like it even if it’s very different because you made it yourself! plus you could always style it with less traditionally feminine pieces like leather or dark denim, when i feel like a piece is "too girly" i always try to balance it with something more baggy or masculine
I loved that you shared these thoughts. I agree with you. I think it's great if you want to make your hobby a business, but you shouldn't feel pressured if that's not what you want to do. It's totally fine to do things just because you enjoy it!
I come for the knitting but I stay for the commentary on society 🖤 (another great video btw can’t wait to see what you share with us next! (but not in a “you owe me content” way, just in a “your work is good and so are you” way 😂))
Cant agree more about the hustle culture and not making your hobby a ‘job’! I used to be super passionate about illustrating and after a 4 year study I was just super burnt out and didn’t wanna do it anymore at all and had to find something else I wanted to do in life (and honestly I’m still searching 7 years later but atleast I have a job). Knitting for me has been the best hobby ever and I just love making things with yarn and needles and it brings so much joy. But I have heard many times from family and friends to start selling socks or knitted small items or something and I just…. Don’t even wanna think about doing that cause it’ll ruin my hobby. I always say to people my hobbies are just my hobbies and I’m passionate about it and it’s something I enjoy after work and other life things. I’m fine just going to my regular job and doing my thing and then coming home to relax with some yarny goodness. And I also only gift knit for the knit worthy people in my life 😂. Wow that was a long ramble 😅
I just stumbled upon your channel and yes, you are right, monetization and making everything a job CAN be a curse, hence the great reset. People aren't meant to work in cubicles 90 hours a week and have no lives for themselves, so some revision of our culture is necessary. That being said, I wish you and yours much happiness, health, blessings, success, millions of dollars, limousines, free Jacuzzis and everything else that you mentioned as well!
Yes! Everything you said. Though not a millennial, I’ve heard “you should open an Etsy shop”. Haha, if they only knew the price I’d have to charge. Also: gift knitting. I kind of want to give it up because people don’t always respond! I know the gift is condition-free, but occasionally there is just no acknowledgment and that’s weird. I agree that maybe it’s better if the receiver is “in on” the gift to help make decisions. Anyway, loved your video.
when someone tells me 'You could sell that' I take it as them saying 'wow, that's something I would spend money on because it's so high quality' and I leave it at that. If it's a close friend/relative, I explain that actually no, it wouldn't make sense because the cost of materials and labor are so high, but if it's an acquaintance I take it as a compliment and let it go. As for gift knits - I only knit for close friends/relatives/people who will really value handmade items now. i made a really neat homemade gift for a casual friend last christmas and they totally just 'didn't get it' so I have learned my lesson. I would much rather just buy them something.
I relate so much to what you said. I busted out laughing when you give the why you dont sell (materials, cost, time, etc.) explanation because I do the same thing lol. Peoples eyes get big and say its really THAT expensive? I also go down the rabbit hole explaining to them exploitation of commercialized knit/crochet items. The monetization of a hobby hit- I never even thought of that and really like the idea of just enjoying our hobby for funsies or podcasting for funsies.
I definately agree with your critique of capitalism! I usually just tell people that everything I knit is drenched in cigarette smoke and therefore unsellable. True, but I probably wouldn't sell it anyway. Too much perfectionism required. I have considered making patterns, but I'm not structured enough to do that. I might publish a free pattern in my size only some day (yes I know, everyone would hate me for that).
Mandy, it’s always so great to hear you talking about being anti-hussle culture and for me you’re such a breath of fresh air. It took my many years of being in my career (not knitting career lol, my “regular” job) to realise that it’s ok to just do the work and then also have the rest of your life and hobbies and family and friends. So glad to see that you got there already and are enjoying your career but also the rest of you and your life ❤
This was my first time watching your podcast and I'm really glad I did. I found my people. :) I gift knit but I do not knit by request or for money. I have anxiety and knitting/crochet is like therapy for me. I never want to feel rushed or pressured to finish. I do it for me because it calms me and I love it.
Great podcast! I always love to see your knits and to hear you talk about your knitting. I completely get what you're saying about the decision to sell your crafts. I prefer to enjoy the "make" and to have people compliment my stuff just because it's nice. I don't think I would enjoy my knitting as much if I was knitting under a time crunch or deadline. I have sold a couple scarves though - at the airport. Happened twice at different times I was wearing one of my hand knits and someone came over to ask if I'd sell it. I actually did on both occasions but that was totally organic. Happy Holidays! Hugs from Texas!!
That’s so weird, I was intensely involved with yoga for several years 4 years ago. I felt so pressured to learn to teach, post on Instagram, do all these crazy poses in crazy areas or whatever when I started yoga to just freakin relax and gain flexibility. Totally feel the same with knitting. I don’t want to feel pressured or overwhelmed, i just want to knit for fun and for myself. My parents and friends ALWAYS comment about monetizing my knots and I’m like nah…I would have so much anxiety over deadlines, service and criticisms. I think I’ve also grown to just do shit for myself now and not for others or to not just please others. Anywayyys wishing you a happy holiday and your cardigan looks so beautiful! It’s in my queue!
that's so interesting! I have the utmost respect for the practice but I think I got involved in an unhealthy way bc why was it so important for me to stand on my head and post on social media about it ??? Happy holidays to you too!
@@knitsbymandy hahaha I felt the same way!!! I’ve now retired from yoga after having a kid and now attend Pilates classes with grandmas. + knitting? I am in full grandma mode apparently
It’s crazy how many of these things I’ve been thinking lately. I think I am going to stockpile nice yarn to make one member of my immediate family a nice sweater each year. Aside from that, it’s a typical or super easy hand-made gift from now on. I also am completely on the same page about millennials being targeted to monetize their hobbies. I don’t know how people do it and keep the joy in it. I wrote professionally for a year and now I can’t write creatively anymore. I think I’m done ruining the things I love with the pressure of money and clients.
I have been feeling so stressed with my knits lately purely because of the amount of gift knits that have been happening in my life. Cousins and friends having babies I wanted to knit for, and of course me getting carried away with the amount of knits. Along side those are my knitting plans gir me, my husband, and my daughter. And lately it's been stressful. And knitting is what keeps me from going insane. So what do you do what your #1 relaxer is starting to stress you out? 🤔
When my friends tell me I should sell my knit/crochet stuff I tell them that I don't want the pressure that I have to make it perfect and that no one will be willing to pay the money it actually worth
Old video but wondering if you could recommend the whitmoore cardigan as a beginner lace project, I'm an intermediate knitter and want to knit this but wondering if it's too much for a firstie. ;)
This was my first time knitting a lace yolk and I really enjoyed the pattern! It was also my first time using a lace chart. I think you'll find that the pattern is easy to repeat once you get started. If you don't want to do purling, the designer offers a slipover option. I however didn't find the purling to be too difficult :)
I turned my jewellery hobby into a business, so I really value knitting now as something just for ME :) I know firsthand how monetisation can kill the joy. But... without wishing to come across cheeky, isn't youtubing a form of monetisation? or is video making just an extension of the knitting hobby with the occasional perk of a sponsorship? Asking because I see that you put a lot of effort into these videos, you seem like a creator with goals/plans! x
Totally valid question which I could have talked more about! I am apart of the UA-cam partner program. I see that more as a passive part of monetizing my hobby vs doing knitting commissions, writing knitting patterns, selling knitwear etc.
To me the ad sense is a perk, but let’s just say if I was only in YT for the money I would have probably given up a while ago.😅 If I didn’t enjoy the social media aspect of knitting I’d like to think that I’d stop sharing.
You are SO right about people not knowing what’s involved in handmade items, be they knit or quilted. Money invested, time choosing pattern and fabric or yarns, time spent in the actual making of the item, etc. when that’s all added up most people wouldn’t want to pay you for all that. So I think it is very important to love and really enjoy the whole experience. And it is so great to give a handmade gift to a person who actually appreciates its intrinsic value. I try to remember that when I’m making. Otherwise, it’s a chore or a job. Heaven forbid. Who wants more deadlines in life? Not this girl. I really enjoy your videos. You know so much for only knitting a couple of years. Impressive. 😊
Thank you so much for this sweet comment!! Who needs more deadlines, I completely agree.
Couldn’t agree with you more about the monetising aspect of hobbies. Every time people try to give me advice about making money with knitting I just roll my eyes in the back of my mind. It’s one of the most annoying topics. If I would take the same hourly rate as in my job (for what I studied 10 years) I would be selling garments probably the upper 1% could afford 😂 and first of all the thought of a hobby is to do something not to earn money. I don’t know. This topic aggravates me so much. And don’t get me wrong, No shade to anyone who wants to monetise their hobby. But just assuming and giving unsolicited advice goes on my nerves.
Exactly! I'm so glad if folks have found a way to monetize your hobby but why do people assume that is the default goal for everyone? I think the people that make money are often the exception and not the rule.
i agree 100 precent, also when people suggest that i sell my things i feel this kinda pressure that if i don’t make money of of this i’m just being lazy or i’m wasting my time
Absolutely what nobody understands in my world!!! So frustrating to try and explain 1000000 times!
Ahhh you're so relaxing to listen to! I completely feel you on society's views on capitalizing on hobbies to make money. Every time I go out in a knit and someone comments on it it's the FRIST comment that they have to offer.
I love these kinds of conversations!! Doing things just because they bring you joy is so important to our wellbeing. I've been thinking a lot about this concept in the way I approach failure in my life and teaching myself that it's okay (and sometimes really good) to fail at things as long as I'm doing them for funsies, and a huge part of that is going against the anti-capitalist pressure to perfect and produce. Also...your cardigan is sooo gorg lol
i think it’s super cool that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone style wise, and i feel like you might like it even if it’s very different because you made it yourself! plus you could always style it with less traditionally feminine pieces like leather or dark denim, when i feel like a piece is "too girly" i always try to balance it with something more baggy or masculine
Oooo I love these ideas! Especially the leather jacket. Thanks for sharing 🤗
I loved that you shared these thoughts. I agree with you. I think it's great if you want to make your hobby a business, but you shouldn't feel pressured if that's not what you want to do. It's totally fine to do things just because you enjoy it!
I come for the knitting but I stay for the commentary on society 🖤 (another great video btw can’t wait to see what you share with us next! (but not in a “you owe me content” way, just in a “your work is good and so are you” way 😂))
love this comment! so sweet :)
Cant agree more about the hustle culture and not making your hobby a ‘job’! I used to be super passionate about illustrating and after a 4 year study I was just super burnt out and didn’t wanna do it anymore at all and had to find something else I wanted to do in life (and honestly I’m still searching 7 years later but atleast I have a job). Knitting for me has been the best hobby ever and I just love making things with yarn and needles and it brings so much joy. But I have heard many times from family and friends to start selling socks or knitted small items or something and I just…. Don’t even wanna think about doing that cause it’ll ruin my hobby. I always say to people my hobbies are just my hobbies and I’m passionate about it and it’s something I enjoy after work and other life things. I’m fine just going to my regular job and doing my thing and then coming home to relax with some yarny goodness. And I also only gift knit for the knit worthy people in my life 😂. Wow that was a long ramble 😅
I just stumbled upon your channel and yes, you are right, monetization and making everything a job CAN be a curse, hence the great reset. People aren't meant to work in cubicles 90 hours a week and have no lives for themselves, so some revision of our culture is necessary. That being said, I wish you and yours much happiness, health, blessings, success, millions of dollars, limousines, free Jacuzzis and everything else that you mentioned as well!
Yes! Everything you said. Though not a millennial, I’ve heard “you should open an Etsy shop”. Haha, if they only knew the price I’d have to charge. Also: gift knitting. I kind of want to give it up because people don’t always respond! I know the gift is condition-free, but occasionally there is just no acknowledgment and that’s weird. I agree that maybe it’s better if the receiver is “in on” the gift to help make decisions. Anyway, loved your video.
also if only people knew how much etsy takes away from the seller!!
when someone tells me 'You could sell that' I take it as them saying 'wow, that's something I would spend money on because it's so high quality' and I leave it at that. If it's a close friend/relative, I explain that actually no, it wouldn't make sense because the cost of materials and labor are so high, but if it's an acquaintance I take it as a compliment and let it go. As for gift knits - I only knit for close friends/relatives/people who will really value handmade items now. i made a really neat homemade gift for a casual friend last christmas and they totally just 'didn't get it' so I have learned my lesson. I would much rather just buy them something.
I relate so much to what you said. I busted out laughing when you give the why you dont sell (materials, cost, time, etc.) explanation because I do the same thing lol. Peoples eyes get big and say its really THAT expensive? I also go down the rabbit hole explaining to them exploitation of commercialized knit/crochet items. The monetization of a hobby hit- I never even thought of that and really like the idea of just enjoying our hobby for funsies or podcasting for funsies.
I definately agree with your critique of capitalism! I usually just tell people that everything I knit is drenched in cigarette smoke and therefore unsellable. True, but I probably wouldn't sell it anyway. Too much perfectionism required. I have considered making patterns, but I'm not structured enough to do that. I might publish a free pattern in my size only some day (yes I know, everyone would hate me for that).
Mandy, it’s always so great to hear you talking about being anti-hussle culture and for me you’re such a breath of fresh air. It took my many years of being in my career (not knitting career lol, my “regular” job) to realise that it’s ok to just do the work and then also have the rest of your life and hobbies and family and friends. So glad to see that you got there already and are enjoying your career but also the rest of you and your life ❤
This was my first time watching your podcast and I'm really glad I did. I found my people. :) I gift knit but I do not knit by request or for money. I have anxiety and knitting/crochet is like therapy for me. I never want to feel rushed or pressured to finish. I do it for me because it calms me and I love it.
Love your perspective on things, totally agree with what you said.
Great podcast! I always love to see your knits and to hear you talk about your knitting. I completely get what you're saying about the decision to sell your crafts. I prefer to enjoy the "make" and to have people compliment my stuff just because it's nice. I don't think I would enjoy my knitting as much if I was knitting under a time crunch or deadline. I have sold a couple scarves though - at the airport. Happened twice at different times I was wearing one of my hand knits and someone came over to ask if I'd sell it. I actually did on both occasions but that was totally organic. Happy Holidays! Hugs from Texas!!
That’s so weird, I was intensely involved with yoga for several years 4 years ago. I felt so pressured to learn to teach, post on Instagram, do all these crazy poses in crazy areas or whatever when I started yoga to just freakin relax and gain flexibility. Totally feel the same with knitting. I don’t want to feel pressured or overwhelmed, i just want to knit for fun and for myself. My parents and friends ALWAYS comment about monetizing my knots and I’m like nah…I would have so much anxiety over deadlines, service and criticisms. I think I’ve also grown to just do shit for myself now and not for others or to not just please others. Anywayyys wishing you a happy holiday and your cardigan looks so beautiful! It’s in my queue!
that's so interesting! I have the utmost respect for the practice but I think I got involved in an unhealthy way bc why was it so important for me to stand on my head and post on social media about it ??? Happy holidays to you too!
@@knitsbymandy hahaha I felt the same way!!! I’ve now retired from yoga after having a kid and now attend Pilates classes with grandmas. + knitting? I am in full grandma mode apparently
@@thesquishstitch that is so funny because I have also gotten into Pilates!
It’s crazy how many of these things I’ve been thinking lately. I think I am going to stockpile nice yarn to make one member of my immediate family a nice sweater each year. Aside from that, it’s a typical or super easy hand-made gift from now on.
I also am completely on the same page about millennials being targeted to monetize their hobbies. I don’t know how people do it and keep the joy in it. I wrote professionally for a year and now I can’t write creatively anymore. I think I’m done ruining the things I love with the pressure of money and clients.
love your vids mandy! congrats on your move thats so exciting
I have been feeling so stressed with my knits lately purely because of the amount of gift knits that have been happening in my life. Cousins and friends having babies I wanted to knit for, and of course me getting carried away with the amount of knits. Along side those are my knitting plans gir me, my husband, and my daughter. And lately it's been stressful. And knitting is what keeps me from going insane. So what do you do what your #1 relaxer is starting to stress you out? 🤔
When my friends tell me I should sell my knit/crochet stuff I tell them that I don't want the pressure that I have to make it perfect and that no one will be willing to pay the money it actually worth
Old video but wondering if you could recommend the whitmoore cardigan as a beginner lace project, I'm an intermediate knitter and want to knit this but wondering if it's too much for a firstie. ;)
This was my first time knitting a lace yolk and I really enjoyed the pattern! It was also my first time using a lace chart. I think you'll find that the pattern is easy to repeat once you get started.
If you don't want to do purling, the designer offers a slipover option. I however didn't find the purling to be too difficult :)
I ve Started with the size m, but for the yoke 2 part i am trying tne b chart. Which chart did You use for the yoke 2nd part?
From my marked up pattern it looks like I did chart c!
@@knitsbymandy C!?😮 Ok i will try, thank you so much. ❤ Yours is beautiful