Crochet FYI

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I’ve been working like crazy on some crocheted baby blankets and a few other items lately. Crocheting keeps my mind busy and the arthritis in my hands at bay. I can also make a little extra cash for the holidays and knock out a few gifts as well!

I came across a formula the other day for pricing my crocheted items to sell. Let’s just say I am still not a fan of any formula I have found thus far. This particular formula blew my mind.

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Time + Materials = Cost

Cost x 2 = Wholesale Price

Wholesale Price x 2 = Retail Price

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Holy cow. Let me use an example.

If I spend 2 hours on a “Messy Bun Hat” and I want to pay myself at least $8.00 an hour for my time, that’s $16.00. Let’s say my yarn for that hat costs me $5.00. That’s $21.00, right? Wholesale cost = $42.00 and Retail cost = $84.00. Wait, what???? $84 for a stupid hat? I would sell that hat to you for $20.00 plus shipping.

Of course, I’m not the only crocheter/crafter who thinks this way. It’s not that our time and work aren’t worth more, but we have to be realistic and we have to know our clientele. I know that I would never pay $84 for a crocheted hat, and I bet you wouldn’t either! It’s not because I don’t appreciate the time and skill that went into creating that hat, and it’s not because I don’t think the work is worth that much. It’s because I can’t afford to pay $84 for a stupid hat! I bet you can’t either!

Many crafters/crocheters bitch at those of us who sell our wares for less than they think we should. They say it makes them look bad, like price gougers. I don’t think that at all, just to be clear. I think perhaps they have a high-end clientele who would pay $84 for a crocheted hat. I do not. Simple as that.

So, if you purchase any crocheted item from me you are guaranteed to get a great price! If my price on a crocheted baby blanket is $80, you will most likely pay more it elsewhere.

Here’s my latest blanket, priced at $40 plus shipping. It’s about 30″ x 30″…and it has been sold! 

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You can check out my Crochet page for more — and I do need to add a few items so check back often!

I may have a contest later on with a crocheted prize! I’m open to contest ideas, so throw them at me!

Thanks for reading!

Friday’s Funnies – My Faves This Week

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I have had a really bad week, pain wise so I wasn’t online much. I didn’t collect as many funnies as I normally do nor did I find much of anything funny. I’m normally a positive person with a great (and sometimes weird) sense of humor but this week has really knocked me off kilter. I hope you’ve had a better week than I.

Enjoy!

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Sadly, this is me not because of lack of sleep but because my pain level makes everything a struggle and frankly, it pisses me off!

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I don’t have any more cats who liked boxes; they’ve all 3 passed away.  I don’t know why, but the others don’t care about boxes!

 

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Maybe next week I will feel better and have some of my sense of humor back! Fingers crossed!! Until then, have a great weekend!

Aunt Debbie

Emotions

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I have been trying to write all week. I just can’t seem to focus. I’m feeling overwhelmed with grief, sadness, depression, worry, gratefulness, and so many other emotions lately. It’s hard to concentrate when so many things are going through your mind, constantly.

Depression is probably my biggest enemy this week. Since my pain level has been so high, I’ve had a hard time getting around. It seems that it won’t be long and I won’t be able to walk at all. Then what happens? I try not to think about it. It doesn’t seem to matter to the doctors I’ve seen. They just don’t seem to understand the gravity of my situation. They see my situation on paper, Xrays, MRI’s, etc., but they don’t see ME.

I am still grieving the life I once had. The life that I should have had after my kids were grown has changed into a life of chronic pain, depression, and mobility issues. Not too long ago, I started seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I thought I was finally going to get some help. That idea was shattered like always.

I do have things in my life to be happy about and wonderful things to be grateful for. It’s hard to see those things sometimes because when you’re in constant pain, it over-rides everything. Your world seems to be THE PAIN. Everything you do revolves around THE PAIN. Getting groceries, going out with friends, hanging out with family, spending time with the grandkids….all revolve around the pain level of the day.

I’m very grateful to my friends and family who are praying for me. My circle is small but at least I know who my real friends are. Some of those friends are people I have never met but I trust them more than most people. They are not just friends; they are family and very close to my heart.

Only my friends and family who have chronic illnesses truly understand how difficult life can be. They understand how sadness can overcome you. They understand how much you want to do something and they know why you can’t. Those who do not suffer from a chronic illness have no idea how hard it is to stay positive — but yet they tell me to “Stay positive” all the time. Maybe it’s because they don’t know what else to say, but I wish they wouldn’t say anything at all. I know they mean well, so I don’t hold it against them.

All I can do at the moment is hope that next week is better.