I love to knit. I really do love it. I love finding or designing new patterns. Picking out the right style, fiber, and color yarn can take ages, and I re-think my choices over and over. Knitting a new item for the first time is an act of discovery. Finishing an item brings a very strong sense of satisfaction. And having someone appreciate and enjoy something made for them is very gratifying.Knitting is my job. It's a blessing that I can do something I love for my job. In these times, we all have to do something to contribute to the bottom line in a family, and, aside from being a Mom (which is a full time job in itself), I decided that knitting would be my financial contribution to this family.
Other DIY'ers and hand crafters know what I'm talking about when I say that you can never really get paid for your time. You spend uncountable hours making something, and then it comes time to price it. If you try to give yourself a decent hourly wage, the item will be more expensive than anyone is willing to pay. If you try to give the item a reasonable price, then you're being paid slave wages. And then sometimes if an item doesn't sell, you're tempted to lower the price, and every price cut is painful -- not because you'll be taking ten percent less -- but because it's like you're valuing yourself and your work less.
DIY'ers and hand crafters will also recognize my frustration with people who don't realize how much time and effort goes into this vocation, who think it is just a pastime or a hobby. Nearly every waking minute not spent caring for my home responsibilities is spent on my work, just to make a few dollars. I pour my heart and soul into this. It is a labor of love. To those who understand this and who appreciate my work enough to spend a small amount of money on one of my items, you have my sincere gratitude. You will never really know how much it means to me. Thank you.
Come see my items on Etsy or my own site.
