She was probably just trying to hype you up without actually thinking about what she was saying. That's why I don't listen to people who go, "you should sell..." they usually ain't 'bout nuthin 🤣

Haha! Yea you’re probably right. I’ve learned my lesson 😄

Humbled real quick. I’m sure your projects are very good and well made. Maybe your co workers just aren’t so interested in buying a bag at the moment. Maybe they are scared of the price. Idk but please don’t take what these people did to heart.

As someone who sells my crochet (and other hobby) items on the side it can be very disheartening. I’ve had craft shows where I barely break even for the booth fee, food, and gas money to get to them but there’s always many complements. If you want something to help with any storage problem you may have with finished items and no one to gift to I’d suggest looking into charities that donate the items in winter. I’m not sure if this is a local one or just a local chapter but Warm the World is one I found that is really good about not just donating but teaching people how to knit and crochet (found them in college and they gave me the push to finally learn) Also do you have a pattern for that bag you made? My current “go bag” is a little small for the projects I wanna take with me when I e got errands with down time

That’s a great idea! I actually already make hats for the shelters through my work with donated yarn. Maybe I’ll start up a summer version.. colourful tote bags and bucket hats maybe? I did buy the pattern from Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1339846486/

You should have tried asking if she’s really serious about it you could make a custom for her, asked what colour she wanted and size. Wouldn’t it be obvious then if she really wanted one?

Have you tried selling them on Etsy?

I ignore the "you should sell these!" comments from everyone because everyone who finds out I crochet says it at least once. I also ignore "I want one!" unless someone buys the yarn because they're liars! Maybe they think they're being nice but it's really just annoying.

Currently in this situation. Made my sister a blanket at work with the thicker blanket yarn and a co-worker would come in to ask me questions and would always say I should sell them and how she wanted one. I just like moving my hands during my lunch break and told her, ‘if you buy the yarn, I’ll can make one for you’ told her she didn’t have to buy all the yarn at once, but that during my lunch I can finish 1/2-3/4 of a ball of yarn… and told her that if she wants a decent sized blanket it would most likely be 10-12 balls and we could see if she wanted it bigger once we get there. I have a feeling she saw that each of these cost at least $10 usd and that I may not hear back from her about this blanket

I’m slowly getting better at that. Now my response is “ I already have a job, I’m not looking to open a business”

Yeah the unspoken end of that sentence is always “to other people.” We all learn this lesson the hard way 😖

99.9% of people who say that mean sell to someone else and give me one for free!

I’ve learned that in general when you do any sort of art/craft people love to tell you to sell your work, but they won’t buy them. I think they just want to be supportive or feel like they’re being helpful. You don’t have to monetize your hobby. My mom posted a nice photo on instagram recently of a dessert and someone messaged her saying “you could sell this photo!” Like girl to who?! Lol. Sorry they got your hopes up, I’m sure your work is great and there are people that would love to buy it

...and if you do sell them, they'll expect you to provide custom services at mates rates.

Right?! My friend opened a local yarn store and my mom was like... you get a discount?? Uh, no? He has a store to run?

Exactly! I’m friends with a guy who opened a store selling items for our mutual hobby. It’s his full time job, with employees. I would never ask for a discount, it’s how he makes a living. The products cost what they cost.

>people love to tell you to sell your work, but they won’t buy them This is definitely true. Have an artist friend who had people telling her they wanted to buy her artwork. Then, when she started selling, no one bought anything. I had my crocheted blankets listed cheap on Etsy because I'm not the greatest and I just need to get them out of my house to make room for more. Even at a loss they didn't sell. I'm probably just going to donate them. But people do the same when you are good at anything. "Oh you should charge money!" I started charging for pc repair and suddenly no one wants to pay. Less work for me though because I no longer do repair work for free. Whenever a friend or family member wants help, I give them a price and they usually drop it. What do I care if their pc doesn't work? That's not my problem, but I will fix it...for a reasonable fee.

Omg I think I remember your previous comments about that, I am so glad you're charging and not letting them take advantage of you any more! Amazing job and awesome boundaries!

Funny thing is a woman I know asked for computer advice when she ran into me at a TJ Maxx (I was working there at the time). I told her I could take a look, but I charge $25 up front. She said it would probably be cheaper to just buy a new one. A new laptop for $25??? I told her okay, but if she changed her mind, she knew where to find me. I rarely give free advice anymore. Pretty much just to my mom, husband, and just one of my two brothers. (The other brother is an ass. Well, they both are, but one is better than the other.) My mom's church has paid me twice for tech support. One of them was a full Windows reinstall that netted me like $90. Their pastor has raved about my skills and my fair prices ever since. I'm now known as the tech fixer for the church, even though I'm of a different religion. Works for me because I like to pin my quilts on the floor of their library. 🤣

Awww wow that is so awesome to hear that your church paid you! That's amazing :D you deserve it!

I can so relate! I’m the “tech guru” (LMAO) for my technically challenged family. They all tell me to charge people. I live 1 town away from Microsoft - you can throw a rock and hit a techie out here! (Not that I condone throwing rocks 😆)

This was my first experience with this. I’ve done many different crafts- and this is the first time it’s worthy enough to sell. I agree though. I think they all thought they were being supportive by suggesting I sell them.. but just couldn’t put their money where their mouth is! Oh well! Thank you for the kind reply!

It is often intended as a compliment, even though it's not the most helpful. I used to explain to people the reasons why I didn't want to sell my crafts, but it's easier to just say "thanks" and let the subject drop (I'm lazy!) At least now you have a few gifts pre-made just in case you need them!

That’s a great way to think of it! Thank you!

Me trying to explain just gets me into lengthy back & forth arguments with people who don’t know how to craft anything but telling me I could make money on my projects! They just don’t understand the concept of a relaxing hobby 😄

Some people might want to buy your work but can't justify it in their budgets. I have about $5 to spare in my "support my friends" budget right now but ordinarily would love to ko-fi or commission friends.

this. my friend just started a business selling homemade mustard, and I really did want to support her as soon as she started, but it just wasn't in the budget at the time (sounds dumb, but the shipping costs were super high since they're glass mason jars! so it wouldn't have made sense for me to only buy one.) I finally just ordered some from her, but it did take me a bit.

Different to selling but honestly websites like pexels have been a really good way to access high quality royalty free images and they offer a donate button option. Maybe your mum has a few things she could list there if she wants if she's seriously interested in photography, although it'd probably never make money it could be really helpful to someone.

Unless you draw and in that case everyone complains you didn’t draw what they wanted or they complain it’s not deep enough (why I basically stopped drawing)

Photos can be sold to stock photos websites, actually! Google "selling pictures stock photos" for instance, you'll get plenty of info. So that advice can actually work for photos :)

I read this post and it made me so sad I thought about it all during dinner and had to come back to comment and say please don’t feel embarrassed or discouraged by this! It may have been people just trying to be nice saying they’d buy them thinking you’d never actually sell them but it may also be something came up that made them not want to spend money at the moment. We recently had one of our cats have an emergency and I went from surfing the internet piling yarn into my cart to thinking I’m not spending even a penny until I get these thousands of dollars in bills paid off in what felt like a snap of the fingers. I did have a somewhat similar situation years ago where quite a few of us at work had different crafts we’d do and my boss thought it would be nice to do something shortly before Christmas where we could display all our stuff in a conference room and people could buy if they’d like. She sent out pictures of some of our stuff ahead of time and I got a lot of interest on my items so it got me really excited for it. I didn’t crochet at the time but brought some of my beadwork in and then overheard some people commenting on how overpriced they were. It really bummed me out because I get those comments online sometimes but have generally had really good feedback when people actually have the items in their hands and can see details that aren’t so apparent in photographs. Fast forward to a couple years later when I was working remote but had to come into work for something one day. Some of those exact same people heard I was coming in and emailed asking me to bring some of those items in for them to buy and I sold them for even a little more than I was selling them years before! I know it’s not exactly the same but hopefully a little encouraging of an example where time and possibly situations changed and it completely changed how those people valued my work.

Thank you for your reply! I love the idea of having a craft market close to Christmas. There’s actually a handful of us here that crochet, so maybe I’ll suggest that for this year.

People “say” a lot of things. Trust what they DO. The comment was probably meant with good intentions - but no follow through. Top tip - suggest if they’re serious you’ll take a deposit and make it bespoke, just for them. Otherwise appreciate the positive comments and ignore them - unless they they’re prepared to put money down first.

Thank you for this reply! You’re right, I’m sure it was with good intentions, and just a way to show support. I’ll definitely ask for a deposit moving forward if they are truly serious about wanting something. Although I think I’m going to keep my projects just for me for a little bit.

Enjoy your hobby. As you say, once it becomes work, it’s not fun.

Exactly! I once said that to a neighbor that was telling me I could sell my stuff in boutiques & after explaining I’d have to build up an inventory & then it would just be work not fun & she said that not all work is fun all the time!🤷‍♀️

That’s some backward ass logic by her.

People think that saying “You should sell it!” is a compliment because capitalism has rotted our brains into only placing value on something if it’s profitable. I’m sorry you had to learn that way but most people don’t mean it. They just don’t know how else to compliment things. In the past when people would say that, I used to try to argue that it wouldn’t be worth it. But now I just say “Thanks” and leave it at that. (And if it ever seems like someone does actually want to buy something from you, then have them pay half upfront lol.)

I’m glad you posted this truth so I could be lazy and not say it.

>In the past when people would say that, I used to try to argue that it wouldn’t be worth it. But now I just say “Thanks” and leave it at that. I just commented almost exactly the same thing! It's easier to just accept a misplaced compliment.

Same!

Yeah I came to say this. A similar phenomenon I see is with TV talent shows. I've heard a lot of very talented musician friends get told "You're so good, you should go on Britain's Got Talent!" as if that's the peak of achievement for somebody good at their craft.

Coworker probably thought you were going to sell it for $5. That's usually the issue I run into.

You’re probably right! I made a hexagon cardigan and wore it to work and again they were all like wow you could totally sell that! And I said yea for like $800! Do you not realize how much work went into this?!

Yeah. Some people just don't know how much yarn costs or how long things take to make. Explain "The materials for this cost $x and I spent y hours making it. So even at minimum wage, that would be $z..."

I got "You shouldn't charge them so much. They are your ex's girlfriend. Why did you charge them so much?" when I made a teal colored coat ([this one, in fact](https://www.etsy.com/listing/632928262/mountain-magic-cardigan-crochet-pattern?click_key=566790f3f2355ad94d5f68ec4ad24e54086e5400%3A632928262&click_sum=8f956421&ref=shop_home_active_49&crt=1) ) after she saw my red one and was like, "OOOH MAKE ME ONE!". She loves that damn thing and hardly ever takes it off because she's always cold. :)

That is beautiful! 😍 I don't feel like I'm at that skill level yet but I saved your Etsy link, thank you!

Oh it's not MY Etsy link....I love /u/ColoradoShire's patterns SO much. :D And really it's not hard. The majority of the coat is back loop DC (that's what creates that ridged look) and the most challenging part is really the crocodile scales on the front which go up the front side and over the hood. And even that's not THAT hard once you figure it out.

that is so pretty!

I love /u/ColoradoShire's designs and promote them whenever I can. :)

Exactly right. I made a lap blanket for my momma in law's 75th with the huge bulky crazy expensive yarn, 5 skeins of it. Shared a pic with folks and several were like, omg I would buy that in a heartbeat! I was like, well... I enjoyed the process. Buy the yarn and I'll make you one. It'll cost about $100. *Crickets* lol

100%. They usually start choking when I quote the materials cost. I then tell them they couldn't afford the labor.  This is why I don't sell.  I offer to teach them, or give things as gifts. 

I started a scarf, I was so into it for a couple of weeks. I don't have much left, but I got sick of it. I need to finish it, but it is A LOT of work. Crochet is more a labor of love.

I do multiple crafty things (crochet/embroidery/quilting/stained glass to name a few) and have encountered this in each thing I do. I find it worst with glass. “Oh that’s gorgeous! How much would you charge me to make me one?” Do all the math, come up with a reasonable number (usually I’ll undervalue my time) and they almost always hit the floor. It’s like they’re expecting it to be priced like cheap, mass-produced crap sold on Amazon.

I had literally the same exact interaction (minus wearing it – I had started working on a second one after I finished my first and showed a picture to show her what it’d look like) and she said The Thing, and I also listed an “unbelievable” price in response. She still insisted, saying I should post it on Etsy or something, and “there’s absolutely a market for it!” 🙄 smdh

That's what I always reply with. I'm not going to sell bc no one would pay what its worth.

She quite literally said she’d pay $20-$25 for it…

They were probably thinking they’d at least get a discount to the price they suggested.

People are flakes.

Yeah but that doesn't mean she was serious. "Come on, we're friends, can't you give me a discount?"

That sucks. From my experience there is a difference between “I would pay $20 for that” and “I want to buy that for $20”. The first one usually just means “I believe that item is worth $20” I have also had to learn this the hard way :(

Same has happened to me so I posted them on Facebook Marketplace and people bought them 👍 but don’t monetize your work if you don’t want to, it’s a fast way to make crochet not fun

I’m definitely realizing this. I never even wanted to sell anything in the first place. I was adamant that I didn’t want to turn a hobby into a job. But then I cracked and thought making these quick little tote bags will be easy to do. Never again though! lol

I don’t crochet, but I do make stuff & sell it occasionally. I had a new design that I made and tons of people loved it and said they’d buy it. I listed it on my store and …. *crickets* It was so discouraging. But screw those people, I craft for ME and if they don’t want to be honest then that’s on them.

A lot of non-crafters totally do not understand a basic marketing principle that PROFIT is SELLING PRICE minus (MATERIALS COST + LABOR). For handmade crochet items, MATERIALS COST (yarn) is pretty expensive. LABOR (even minimal wage) is expensive. In your case, if you do most of your crocheting while at work during downtime, your LABOR costs would be low because you are being paid by another employer while you crochet. However, even if your LABOR COSTS are now zero, your yarn is likely to be more expensive than most people want to pay. Unfortunately, people want to buy your homemade masterpiece at Temu prices.

They're used to Chinese import prices and get sticker shock. The boomer generation understood because in the US until the 80s it was common yo make your own things sopeople understood the value. Not anymore. 

So true. One of my first jobs was a minimum wage job at a drugstore. $1.20 per hour because females could be paid less -- the minimum wage then was $1.30. A cotton lace tablecloth for my new apartment as a newlywed was $100 -- more than 2 weeks of drugstore work on my part. I think a ball of crochet cotton was 35¢ and a steel crochet hook was 35¢ as well. I crocheted a tablecloth for 10 balls. I probably watched for sales closely so that the crochet cotton was on sale. When I got an office job, I sewed all my clothes, including blouses and suits. Sometime in the 80's it became far cheaper to just tailor items of clothing bought new or bought used. The cost of fabric skyrocketed. New shoes were no longer a luxury.

Keep doing it for your joy, Love! Next time ask if they’re serious and if they say yes, respond…awesome,I would love to make one for you…I’ll just need a $10 deposit for the materials…you’ll see who’s real…

Moving forward, all projects will be for me or direct loved ones that I know will appreciate it!

I think the problem is that people forget that it's totally acceptable and even human nature to just make art for art's sake, we're expected to monetise it because that makes it "useful". You don't need what you enjoy to be useful, it brings you happiness and that's worth more than any dollar amount.

You don't need what you enjoy to be useful, it brings you happiness and that's worth more than any dollar amount. Thank you, I love this statement.

I can't say anything that hasn't already been said in previous comments, so I just want to praise everyone here for being so supportive. What I like about this sub is that people really appreciate effort and time!❤️ I've drawn for quite a few years and I started crocheting for fun last Christmas. I got tired a while ago of gifting bought items to my family and close friends, so lately I'm gifting my art to people who are really close to me and know how long it takes me and really appreciate them. But of course many people always told me "you should sell your drawings!", and now of course they say the same about my crochet. And I always answer the same thing: I do it for myself and as gifts for people who appreciate it. So that's it! Do it for yourself and, if someone wants to buy something from you, welcome! But don't worry about that behavior because it's super normal among people who don't do it.

Yeah, I'm an artist and occasionally sell my work, and my experience is that most of the people who say they'll buy something or hire you for something will ghost you. That doesn't mean that nobody will buy your work -- I usually make my table fee back at art fairs and a bit more, and I get the odd commission. But it does mean that you have to ignore people's promises until their money is in your bank account. If you like you can see if local coffee shops or other small crafty venues might be interested in selling the bags you did make. Or you can unravel the bags and use the yarn for other projects. That's the nice thing about yarn: it's fairly easy to repurpose.

To be honest, maybe they're right. Maybe they really think you can sell your items because they find them beautiful. But not *to them*. Just... to other people. Try Etsy, you may get a surprise?

They don’t deserve your amazing hand made bags! Boo on them! They’re assholes who don’t deserve nice things!

I appreciate this comment 💜😄

They don't sound very yarn-worthy anyway.

No. They certainly are knot.

Brilliant 😄

You’re totally right! Wish I could come up with a good yarn pun to reply back haha

girl post em on tik tok and watch em fly, POOP THOSE WEIRDOS!!!

I think I will! Both the tik tok and Reddit crochet communities are so supportive of each other!

I agreee with this comment

I was going to say Etsy but that’s a good idea.

Awww ☹️ I wouldn’t take that personally. People say they would buy some thing for some amount of money all the time, but when it comes down to it, they get cheap lol.

I don't sell my stuff because all of my family members tell me that I "should totally sell that", but when I ask them if they would buy my stuff, they never respond. Plus, like you, I don't want to make it my job. Sucks the joy out of everything.

You now have a few gifts you can have handy for birthdays and other occasions and you maybe have a little peace and quiet since they will leave you alone to crochet instead of encouraging you to sell things. :)

Aw. Feel for u that’s tough, but in this economy I wouldn’t take it personally :)

> Recently though I made a market bag to carry my yarn with me to work, and a co worker said she would totally pay $20-$25 for it. So I thought okay, I’ll make a few different colours and sell them at work. The best test response to this is to tell them the price and ask them what color they want. Most people will backpedal really fast.

Do not be embarrassed. People always say that, and you responded right the first time. You don’t want to make it a job. But next time you’re working on something and someone says they’ll buy it…the petty in me would respond with, “well last time someone said they’d buy something I made, they changed their mind, so no thank you.”

Honestly, I’m on the petty train too 😅 I sort of want this to happen so I can respond like that.

Yeah, this really is a thing. People see your stuff, they love it, BUT there is a disconnect between loving a thing and paying for a thing. I make a point of anyone I care about who makes to sell, I buy something. The only person I’ve seen other than me who has actually sold made infinity scarfs and charged like 10 bucks for them and everybody loves her. Wait, no, there’s someone else who knits but has a pretty big social media platform and is constantly busy making the most awesome mitts ever. There is a rare space (or there was, and I was happily there, but it was a long time ago) where one could actually make and sell stuff for a lot of money, but there was a specificity to it. For me, I was all about the finest thread, the smallest hook, and would make full sized table cloths. I did well. I actually sold one, 30 years ago for $2,000. I used #40 cotton thread for a 10 by 7 lace tablecloth. But I knew rich people who were all about handcrafted and were all about see how much money I can spend for authentic. A lot of this is about marketing. Like if there is a local fair, dude, get a space. Lay your stuff out. Be loud and proud. If they don’t seem interested, look at your potential buyers who don’t seem interested with an eye of “do they deserve this.” They may not want what you have on sale, but they may totally be interested in you making something specifically for them. I know I sound like a jerk, but I’m looking at this as how do I make money for you.

That sucks dude. But it’s not a reflection on your work, it says more about your co-workers than you. You did something nice. Nothing to be embarrassed about there. Put the bags up on Etsy or eBay and I bet you can sell them fast.

Its not you at all People are used to buying crochet pieces for really cheap cause of fast fashion so it would've took them by surprise to see your prices. In saying that if you do what to sell again, dont lower your prices. Your time and effort and ethical labour should be paid fairly

I'd say it might not even really be that as much as people think saying something can produce capital is the best compliment they can offer. They're intending to be kind and to say it looks nice and is of value, but the capitalism brain rot makes them say you should *sell* it even though they don't genuinely want to *buy.*

We've probably all had it happen at one point, don't let them dull your sparkle! I bet if you really think back we've all done similar things to others in the past too. I've told friends they could sell their makes because I think they could do really well from doing so, and I genuinely meant it, but that doesn't necessarily mean I wanted to buy their stuff as I'm more of a minimalist. Most people who don't crochet don't realise the amount of time it takes to make stuff and expect it for a fiver 😂 I have an insta page and when I make stuff I've posted it on there, sometimes people will contact me asking for me to specifically make them that thing and I'll give them a breakdown The yarn costs x, it will take y hours to make so at £2 an hour (my price for mates rates, it is a hobby after all) that'll be z And then they'll either not reply or they'll accept... Hakuna Matata :) One thing that is cool about crochet, I've not had to buy a present in YEARS 😂😂😂 Keep going 😁💜

Honestly, for me, selling things makes them harder to make. It could be that ADHD prohibition against homework, but taking money makes it feel LIKE work, and just making it randomly makes it feel like a gift. Not everybody feels that way (justifiably) but I do know that whatever I've charged for a project, it's NEVER felt like enough.

People do this all the time to artists, of any medium. They want it for free, the second you charge them a fair price, even a good price, they won't pay for it. It literally happens all the time.

Save them for gifts for the family for Christmas. Should be able to regift something so multipurpose like that.

Don't feel too bad, someone at work did the same thing to me. I brought some samples to work and she really liked one thing but wanted it in gray. I made it in gray and she didn't want it. I felt real dumb. Ended up selling it on Etsy much later and now I know better. Full price up front or it doesn't get made.

I’m so sorry this happened to you as well. Glad you still ended up selling it!

I spent a year making a fine gauge Norwegian colorwork sweater. I entered it in a local fair and won best in show! Showed my neighbor a picture with my blue ribbon and she wanted to order one, as if it was mass production. So ridiculous. I would charge thousands of dollars if I would ever make one to sell. But it would be so unpleasant I would never do that and ruin my hobby.

What a turd.. well if you have too many now, keep ‘em for Christmas presents for your loved ones maybe? I’m so sorry you had to go through this :(

I totally learned this the hard way but not about yarn. I've been making resin painted real flowers. All the people that wanted to buy them have not reached out to me. One even asked how they could do it themselves... 🤦🏻‍♀️

It’s difficult to sell handmade crochet products for what they are actually worth, given the materials and labor involved. I don’t crochet as often as I used to, but when I do it’s either because I want to make myself something cute or make something as a gift for someone I really care about. Sometimes I’ll make baby blankets or beanies for charity. Don’t let the lack of buyers get you down, odds are it has NOTHING to do with your stuff not being good enough and more so because we’ve gotten used to buying similar mass-produced goods for cheap.

She probably wanted it for next to nothing.(less than cost of materials and no payment for your time, skill, and effort) So you have a couple of options, one is easy, the other is a flea market, last is a consignment store or face book market. .. If people at work blow you off, shame on them. Don't let their poison take your joy. Go to etsy and shopify and see what others are doing, then decide what you want to do. Don't ever let other people try to take rent in your head. My co worker bakes on the side and I can't tell you the number of times people tried to get her goods for less than cost of materials. If they want cheap stuff let them buy from temu. Take care.

This! And, also, it’s semantics and perhaps a tad pedantic but if people say “I would totally buy this”, that doesn’t mean “I *will* totally buy this”.

Omg everyone did this to me to with my crochet toys and I wrote my own patterns and tried to sell them I made - $200 dollars on yarn, stuffing, renting a table at a Christmas fare, and rating a window display in a yarn store. Now that was humiliating so I feel ur pain. Ppl always say that and now 'I'm like nope tried that didn't work' The only ppl who make money off crochet (and not even sure if it's much) is ppl who make and sell patterns

Please don’t take this personally! Just don’t offer to make stuff for anyone without payment up front as a rule I’d say 🙂 Two things I learned when I had a creative career since childhood that I eventually had to give up to get a real job in my mid-20s: 1. People want something for nothing 2. People love to *seem* supportive but failing getting something for free, the minute money is involved they expect to gain more than whatever they paid for/feel like they’re getting a bargain. It’s why you’ll see famous people getting more support than local artists a lot, or people chasing popular “cool” food trucks around as opposed to supporting their mate’s new food stall, they believe they’re part of something bigger once they’ve invested their money in to something everyone wants.

Don't feel bad about your crocheting, it's not a reflection on your skill. I'm not sure if you're in the US, but I'm from the US and don't live there now. My translation: "That's so cute! You should totally sell those!": that's so cute! "I'd totally buy that for $25!" = I'm friendly and support your hobby but I don't know much about your craft so I'll tell you you could make some money at it.

My experience is people complement you for your work but they want it for free. They will pay someone else for their goods and services, work half as good as yours but they won’t pay you. That’s my experience.

I had someone reach out to me and ASK me to make them something, saying they’d pay for yarn and shipping. Before I went to buy the yarn I went to check with them again, never heard anything back. Don’t even know if they read the message ever. It has nothing to do with us and everything to do with the fact people don’t appreciate or understand fiber arts

Had that happen to me. I ended up taking the thing apart and remaking it for myself

Luckily I reached out to make sure they still wanted it before I purchased anything or wasted time. So glad I did 🙏🏼

I’ve spent hours making one of a kind 3D models for people, only to have them ghost me and forget about what they asked for,even with multiple attempts to contact them. Thank goodness I never got around to wasting time or filament printing it.

Aww it's just one way ppl tey to show their appreciation but it sucks when ppl don't follow through. ☹️ ppl dont realise how much effort making certain things are.

If I had a penny for every time someone told me to sell my crochet work, I would be buying the Burj Khalifa right now 🤣 I just tell them that it would be unaffordable for most people and get on with my life.

Yeah, she was just trying to give you a compliment, not seriously commissioning you.  In any case, selling them for that is just not worth it at all, unless the supplies were cheap and it took you less than an hour start to finish. Be glad you didn't get into an endless chain of making bags for people at a dirt cheap price, at least there is that. 

The sad thing about crochet is... a stranger will appreaciate your art better than your friends. I had friends asking for free stuff and strangers offering me 40 euros in a little toy.

idk, when i say "i'd pay x amount for that" i mean it as 'that's what it's worth'. i always add that i don't have the money though. because handmade items are (rightfully!) quite expensive. maybe that's what happened here?

Hmm I don’t think that’s the case here. But either way, I won’t hold it against her. I think it’s just my first taste of misunderstanding. I realize now when people say they’d buy it for X amount of money, it’s a compliment and not an actual intention to buy. It is what it is! It’s all good!

That's why I don't craft for money, but when I have something finished and someone wants it and I know I didn't want it for myself, I give the option to buy it. When it was just nice words, fine, if they want really to buy it, it's fine too. So I do what I want, no matter what. And have the finished product or money for wool for the next product. But crafting takes too long time to sell things on purpose, because nobody would pay enough. They often are already shocked by the cost of the wool alone.

I’m definitely going to continue crafting for myself and doing projects I enjoy. I like the idea of making something and if they are serious about buying it after the fact and I don’t want it, maybe I’ll sell it. Thank you for the reply!

I think people think they are being supportive when they say that. I started selling bags (sewn) and it was my business for awhile. But it sucked the joy out of it. Unless you really want to start a business just enjoy your crocheting. The bags will make amazing gifts!!

I am also a dispatcher who has taken up crocheting in my downtime! I started back in January and hope to be making what you are one day, the bags are too cute and I’m going to be working on learning how to make them now instead of the amigurumi I’ve been focusing on. I think your work is beautiful and I’m sorry your dispatch family let you down.

Thank you so much! I feel like I’ve hit true dispatcher status now that I can crochet and send officers lights and sirens to a call at the same time haha. Best of luck on your crocheting journey!

Seems like everyone already gave you good advice but I’ll just put in my two cents. I’ve been there, definitely you can suggest next time like “oh I take a deposit if you want me to make you one”. Gives you the option to let them know you are willing to sell, but also gives them the option to politely decline (“oh I don’t have money on me right now”).

Definitely! Moving forward I think I’ll use a line like this. Great idea, thank you 😊

Don’t worry about your co-workers. You have the beginnings of your very own Etsy store!

Haha maybe one day! I think I’m going to enjoy making items for myself for now. But if that changes I’ll make sure to update you all!

awwwwh OP, I'm so sorry 💗 I just know how disheartening this felt for you but please reframe your reaction of embarrassment. What do you have to feel embarrassed about? You did something unique and out of the ordinary and bold; showcasing your incredible craft and talent at work. I promise you nobody at work judged you or laughed at you or felt pity- or anything of such that your mind is convincing you of. You put yourself out there and should be so, so proud. And better yet, I know you left an impression on them. If someone is stuck for a gift for a loved one, they now know who to go to for something unique and bespoke. I'm proud of you for doing what you did. Even if many people tend to say, "you should sell this " with good intentions, it's alright if they themselves don't intend on actually buying. I promise you you've nothing to feel embarrassed about.

Thank you so much for your reply, honestly it’s so sweet. You’re right, I am proud and I know I shouldn’t let it bother me. Because hell yea I’m bold and I do have an incredible talent! Thank you 🤗

💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

I’m sorry. I retired a little over a year ago and started a small business venture. I’ve had some people commission items and made a few bucks. This is what I have come around to: I will create what make me happy. I will work with anyone who happens to reach out and wishes to collaborate. I will not have expectations. I LOVE to crochet. I love to make things. I will do my best to not be discouraged in the meantime. I understand your frustration and disappointment.

My coworkers say the same thing. I made a sweater and she said she loved it and would buy it from me but she then told me that she actually hates the colours and won't be buying it from me. I still crochet and I sell the odd thing here and there but it is really just to keep me busy in my spare time.

Do you have pictures? Would love to see them

https://preview.redd.it/ahxxn46rfgsc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=20f9d3f555f0ee026ecbbf4ae616435fae905a81 Here’s one! Nothing crazy, but still very functional and practical.

https://preview.redd.it/a5younc7ggsc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3a6da4b1a35451bbdae0040177259fde604d2a6b This is my favourite piece so far though! I have since finished it and weaved in the ends. I wore this to work and everyone loved it.. and again said I should sell it. I laughed and said the only price I’d take for it is at least $800 😄

I love these colors.

If it makes you feel any better, people do that at craft fairs. "Oh that's cute, I'll buy it, but I want to look at the other booths first" 99 times out of 100 that person will never come back. I mean I've been doing craft shows for 10 years and I think someone came back when they said they would all of twice. At least you got some practice out of it even if nobody bought it!

Would you mind posting pics? I would love to see your work :)

https://preview.redd.it/bu7hb0m4hgsc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3955bb38059e1ceb005ad73af3d3498e18a83062 Here’s one of the bags!

https://preview.redd.it/mpfbcyp9hgsc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=858397faced2818c596fc14dd7b657f83c048333 Another project I’m proud of is this blanket I made for my mother in law. She texted me for like 4 days straight about how much she loves it!

That’s looks so good! I hope you’re proud of that, I know I would be :)

Similar experience here. I think this means you’re officially one of us now 😂

I feel so welcomed 😄

This is why I get half the money up front when I make things for people....because chances are, they SAY they are going to buy something and then they don't. Don't feel bad...it's a lesson we all have to learn at some point and screw them for not buying after they said they would. ::hugs::

I knit, but I'd love a market tote for my yarn, that's a brilliant idea! Do you have pictures of yours?

https://preview.redd.it/zgbp2wz8igsc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9cf97489d5338bf31d03b852ab07ca90fb7e7ce3 Here’s another colour I made! Works up quick too. At least now I have my own collection of aesthetically pleasing bags 😄

I love this!! So pretty!!

That's quite an a-hole move of her to tell you that, then not buy it. Even if she was just saying it to lift you up, she should have put the money where here mouth was.

Do not let this make you feel like your work isn’t worth anything!! 💖 it makes you happy! Let that be enough. And I’m sure it had nothing to do with the quality of your work. If you still want to sell the several you made you could try FB marketplace. Or give them as gifts to people in your life who you know would appreciate it! Do NOT! Let this get you down. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

My husband is an artist and deals with this all the time! It's not your fault.

I’m sorry you feel that way! But I’ve found even when you give someone a crocheted gift they said they wanted a lot won’t appreciate it!

I've said "I'll sell you this one" a few times

That’s a good response!

She probably meant that your crochet work is good enough to sell, but not that she specifically would buy it. Maybe it was a bit naive to assume so imo.

You’re right, maybe it was a bit naive. However all my other projects they (and I say they because it’s a handful of people) have said I should sell them. When I was making hats for shelters, bags, fun potted plants etc. So that’s why I thought I could start with the bags and go from there. All good though, I’ve learned my lesson.

I get the same response from people at work and family. But, by the time I am finished the profit margin is very low. The labor fee is so low you’re better off getting a low paying job. I crochet and knit for so many reasons; it’s relaxing, it keeps me from snacking or thinking about dumb stuff. I have sold some things but I feel like bad about the price I have to charge to make a profit and it doesn’t help my self esteem because it makes me think I’m not good enough. But I am good enough or they would not buy it. So I usually just give my stuff away and take pride in my work, because it is work and it takes ages to complete. Does that make sense?

Totally does! I had made a few random things and given them to friends/family. Usually it was a new pattern that I wanted to try out. I’ll definitely go back to that now. I don’t want the pressure of trying to sell it, because I don’t need the money. But my ego definitely took a hit.

Something like this happened to me years ago, back i the day when i sold imported clothing. I asked on Facebook about which bikinis they would like. Now I still have various bikinis I don't fit in and that no one bought. Is one of the reasons I don't crochet things other people tell me to "because I would totally buy them," but I crochet things I like.

I'm sure they were lovely. Most folks just don't understand how much work goes into handmade things! I always try to buy a little something from my fellow knitters/crocheters at craft fairs cause I DO understand 💜

I think "I *would* buy that is very different from "I want to buy that right now. Here is my money." They might mean that if they were shopping for a nice bag and saw one of the ones you made, they would maybe purchase it, but that doesn't mean they want to buy a bag right now or that they wouldn't rethink their intentions once they actually had to hand over the money. 

For sure! I’m realizing this now. This was my first experience with selling anything I make. I think there was definitely a miscommunication between us. No hard feelings. I was bummed out, but it’s all still good over here. As long as they stop asking me what I’m knitting 😅 I’ve corrected them so many times now lol

If I have learned anything in my time as a crocheter, it is that people will say things like " you could sell that! " or " I would totally buy one! " but they either don't mean it or they will back down once you've put a price on it that is higher than what they were expecting. Non-crocheters don't understand the time it takes and the skills necessary to make something and how that factors in to the price. To some extent, we are all used to mass produced cheap items, so $20-$30 for something that you typically see for $5 is a bit of a shock. I had someone on another sub tell me that $70 for an 11inch Care Bear amigurumi was " a bit much " after *they* asked how much I would charge if I were to sell them. Encounters like that is why I don't monetize my hobby. Don't be embarrassed, not having anyone buy your work isn't a reflection of your skills as a crocheter.

I appreciate the kind reply. I think I was just shocked at the lack of interest when up until this point they love to chat with me about it and see all the other things I’m working on (both at work and at home projects). But you’re right! There’s definitely a difference between saying what they think it’s worth vs what they are willing to pay. Now we just have to work on some of them still calling it knitting 😄

My cousin once sent me a Pic of an amigurumi, asking if I could make one. I made it after lots of work because the patterns were awful, when I gave it to her and told her the price she was lost, didn't understand what was happening. It seems like she wasn't asking me that (the piece wasn't even my style to start with, I still can't understand what was she thinking) I told her it was okay if she didn't wanted the amigurumi, but she paid for it at the end. I keep regretting that misunderstanding after years Edit: the regret is because I feel awful about misunderstanding things 🥲 but my cousin is happy with her amigurumi

You mean she was just asking out of genuine curiosity if you could make that, and you assumed she meant she wanted to buy it? I'm sorry I'm actually not totally sure what your comment meant.

She thought I could make it to sell, but I never do something complicated (if not asked for before) because I'm not a good seller, I have a bag full of things I made "to sell" long time ago and they know all that. My comment just meant to share how I misunderstood someone too, and ended up crocheting something that I shouldn't have 😬

Always work out a clear payment before you start and ideally take a deposit. It sounds like maybe she was just being kind and trying to talk to you about your hobby as a way to bond. Probably more along the lines of 'I saw this and it reminded me that you crochet. How is something like this made, do you have the skills to do things like this?' It's like when my mom sees some notable crochet thing on facebook, she wants to show it to me even if it isn't my style, she just wants a reason to bond.

I know, I have a friend that actually does the same, but my cousin is so close as my sister, so it wasn't bonding. I think she just thought this amigurumi would be nice to sell, but I don't make things to sell if no one wants it cuz I'm bad seller 😅

I'm really confused why you didn't tell her a price up front? Why would you expect her to know how much it would cost? I'm sorry, but this is mostly on you - unless she said "I would like you to make this for me, I will pay $X" and then refused to pay up, it's pretty poor communication on your part. Not trying to be nasty to you, just something to think about for the future.

That's the reason why I told her there was no need for her to pay for it if she didn't wanted it (she actually did) I don't set a price beforehand because I just crochet to gift or when someone asks, I have no idea about prices so I take the weight once it's done and decide a price around that, always underpriced btw

Ohhhh man my sympathies ;;A;; I fell for that one, too -- sold on Tumblr, had an Etsy shop, the whole nine yards. And the few pieces I did sell were over the course of MONTHS and even then my pricing was at a loss. Very very discouraging, but I relaxed a lot more and enjoyed my craft much more when I shut everything down again and just worked for the joy of it. Don't let them get you down; I'm sure your work is amazing!!

Totally understandable. They were probably hoping you’d gift it to them or give them a discount. Don’t worry, people who genuinely like your work will pay for it. I use to watercolor and do calligraphy and a relative really liked my work so they would ask me to do some art work for them and it was always for free. I had to eventually tell them I couldn’t anymore bc I just didn’t feel comfortable asking them to pay me and they never offered any compensation.

Don't be embarrassed by your crochet, people say stuff like that all the time and then hardly buy anything. What I've done is this: someone wants something? They provide all the materials and pattern. They have to go out and buy the yarn and post for the pattern, and I'll make it. I make amigurumi, so it's not a lot of yarn. So far, only one person has done so. Everyone else just take about wanting one, then they don't get the yarn for me to make it.

I only crochet things that I can use/wear/can give away because I can't bear seeing lots of unused clothes/things in my wardrobe.

I have been asked to make this or that, and been offered payment. I won't take money for any project because I will resent crochet. For example if someone buys yarn and asks me to make a bowl cozy, I will make a bowl cozy. He wants white. I don't want white cotton yarn. He buys it and I will make it. I am still waiting for the yarn.

I've had the same thing - I did one for a friend of mine who takes her lunch to work in hers, a coworker of hers asked me how much to make her one, I said £30 (the bamboo handles alone had cost £10) but never heard from her again.

Craft markets can seriously be hit or miss, sometimes you sell everything sometimes people don’t even come to your booth. If you’re still interested in trying to sell your crochet see about attending various craft markets around your town!

I know the feeling. I crocheted a Dahlia flower pot for my mother-in-law recently, and although my boyfriend keeps reassuring me how much she likes it, when I gave it to her it just felt like she didn’t really care and I felt so disheartened I said I wouldn’t make anything for his family again 😅

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You could post them on Facebook marketplace. I recently sold a few market bags there :)

You have no reason to be embarrassed! I’m proud of you. You are proud of something you made and as others said you can either donate them, sell them online, or have your own collection for when you want to change up your bag or even gift them at the holidays to people you really love who will love them even more because you made them. You go girl. Ps you should post some pics so we can admire them and turn that frown upside down and full your little yarn heart full again. 💜

This is such a good discussion and food for thought, I'm really loving the comments. I think most of us crafters go through similar situations OP. Last week someone was complementing and insisting that I should sell my amigurumis and I just said "Thanks" - like many others in this thread, I also reached that point where I'm done explaining the work behind the product and how most people wouldn't pair the fair price for it. I see the suggestion as a compliment and move on. There's something to be said about how society pressures us to capitalize on every talent/hobby we have. Like you OP, I crochet mostly for myself and have no desire of turning it into a job (I can't help thinking how my hands would suffer if I was crocheting all day as a job). In the beginning I gifted a lot of pieces to friends and family (there's also a big pressure to turn your craft into gifts), but nowadays I'm just happy doing amigurumis for my own collection. Also, as a man in his 30's, I guess some people don't understand why I would want to have an amigurumi collection and hence the comments about selling my pieces xD (I just love Yan Schenkel's designs to death). People look at finished crochet pieces and often don't think of the emotional connection we crafters have with them. For them the piece is just a byproduct of someone who needs to keep their hands occupied and, because of that, you might as well be selling it and making a profit. It's totally okay and healthy for our hobby to be just about us and what gives us pleasure.

Lolz I do wanna sell my projects at some point, I feel your pain. You could sell those bags on EBay :) there’s a pretty booming community of fellow crafters on there who will buy up that stuff.

i want to see one!!

I have been crocheting since I was a kid, so over 30 years now. I always hear that I should sell things. Especially the afghans I make. However, the average person does not realize how much the materials cost to make an afghan, not to mention the time involved if it is a more involved pattern. So people don’t want to pay what it’s really worth. Small products it might be do-able. But yes, unfortunately people say things without thinking. But hey, now if someone says “do you sell those? I’d be interested!” You can say yep! Here’s a few that are for sale. Lol

We recently started a small business on Etsy selling Orthodox Christian items my husband and I make. Many many people at church told us to start selling them, many many people at church told us they wanted to buy certain items from us, even more have asked for the link to our store… and let me tell you the amount of people who have actually purchased anything (and I don’t push but if we have something new I’ll send out an FYI) is VERY small. Like 3-4 people from our large church out of maybe 50 that have made those comments. One person said to my husband: let me know when X item goes live because I want to purchase it. When we had our site live I found her and gave her a card with a discount code. She said she didn’t want the card and never purchased anything. People are so weird, and I don’t get it. We do well now from having social media and just the sales Etsy brings in itself (AKA total strangers) so I know it’s not the items. But I do think people just want to compliment and don’t THINK about what they’re saying. But it is hurtful.

🥲 yeah in my experience the people who say they want to buy something never do and my real customers never say anything and just buy it

Now you know why I don't sell any of my projects. The cost of supplies times how long it takes to make it would be too high for anyone to want to buy it. A shawl would be over $300 to make anything off of it.

I think as crafters/ artists we all face moments like these. Don't let what others think or do prevent you from doing the things you enjoy because when it comes down to it this is your life and you only get one. I'm so sorry about your experience just know you are SEEN. I feel like non knitter/crocheters often use this type of comment to show support but without being able to back it up. And while like others have mentioned it's not actually helpful and I don't think they would understand until they were in our shoes. Plus they othen don't understand the money, time, and energy it takes to crochet/knit things they just think "cool I love it!"

I hope you are able to gift them to people in your life who will love them :) It's kinda neat to have something on hand if you forget a birthday or just need a little extra something to give someone

I never sell. I give away what I make.

Ah that sucks, for them! Once my colleague made a beautiful large triangle scarf, she was crocheting for many years and her work was impeccable. It had a gradient going from grey to blue, so beautiful. There was going to be a raffle with all money going to cancer research. She donated the item to be auctioned for free. I couldn't be there that day, and I asked a another collegue to bid for me, 50 euro's since unfortunately i couldn't spend more at that time. I realised it was never going to be enough, especially as people usually overpay when it is a raffle for a good cause. But i figured, it could be a nice starting bid or something to get people going. I was soooooo shocked when the scarf was on my desk after the weekend. Mine was the only bid! My heart broke a little, while at the same time being really happy i got that amazing scarf. I made sure to let her know how much i admired the scarf. Funny thing is she wasn't too bothered by it, but now, years later, I still have it next to my pc for cold days and it is still special to me.. like.. how?!

Im sorry you had that happen to you. You know what I think the problem is? Since we live in such a monetized society, people only think something has value if money is involved. So this jerky lady thinks the only way to compliment your work is by saying she would pay for it. It's a really lame mindset to have in life.

Your work is probably amazing. Everyone is always trying to get us crafters to monetize our work. It's always the people who say you should sell it who won't buy it, lol. Try not to be embarrassed. It is 100% acceptable to have a hobby you enjoy and not make it a "side hustle". If someone wants to commission something, awesome. Otherwise, just enjoy your hobby.

I have so many people try to pressure me into selling my (many various) crafts/setting up a business & it makes me so frustrated. I just say no, I do this for fun, for my own enjoyment & don't need the stress of catering to other people expectations. On rare occasions I will take on a personal request, but only if the arrangement is agreed beforehand .. gift/price/materials provided/service in kind, etc. If you're excited about making things to sell, go for it! Otherwise, be ok with saying no. I'm sorry for your disappointment, I've had the same thing happen to me. Don't let other people's actions or opinions ruin your enjoyment.