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3/15/2004 1:46:18 PM
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carrie
Posts 285
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I am trying to get into a career in knitting and would like some advice.What part of knitting or crocheting is the most demanded?Patterns?garments?hand dyed yarns?shops?Any experience or helpful hints would be appreciated.
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3/15/2004 7:20:57 PM
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Guest
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I know a woman in NY state who started by dying yarns. This was 35 years ago when few were doing it...then she designed sweaters and had them knit by local women at home, who were paid by the job. She sold the sweaters to specialty shops. Eventually she made enough money to open a yarn shop, and her shop is one of the very best in the state.
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3/16/2004 6:40:04 AM
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Guest
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Judging by all our reactions to White Lies - those types of designs seem to be popular (especially lingerie). Good luck - starting a new endeavor can be scary but stick it out. The rewards far outweigh any problems along the way (my DH and I have started two within the past 6 years and both are now doing very well)
There`s a saying I once heard. I don`t remember who said it or exactly how it goes but it goes something like this - Do what you love so that you love what you do. You will do it well and people will come to you.
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3/16/2004 9:06:25 AM
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ScullyKnits
Posts 2451
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I think you need to consider the local market. What it in demand in downtown New York is not likely to be the same in rural Georgia. I think many locations don`t have enough knitters to maintain very many shops. San Antonio has a population of over 1 million and only 1 yarn shop. Many have taken the selling of yarn on-line through the likes of eBay. As for garments, they are very labor intensive. I think there are few markets that could support the prices that would have to be charged if one were making a living. That said, I think many of us have sold a scarf or two. I see vendors with crochet hats and slippers at some craft fairs and farmers markets.
Good luck
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3/16/2004 9:20:00 AM
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Guest
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I think it also depends on whether you mean this to be a part-time business or your sole means of support.I think it also matters how much effort you are willing to put into the business end of the deal, how much you need to live on and what stage in life you are.
If you are a person who can live on almost nothing if you are happy doing what you do, then obviously it is going to be easier to make a living in a creative field than if you are the sort of person who really needs a luxury car to be happy. One friend of mine who makes a living quilting does it by living in a small apartment, having a very small store, not owning a car, and doing a lot of alterationns for individuals and stores in the neighborhood. She has a commercial sewing machine that is probably as old as she is and she does not travel much. I have no idea what she does about health insurance.
A couple I know has a wife with a not terribly exciting job and a husband who consults - they pay over $800 a month for their health insurance.
I guess what I am saying is that it depends on how much money you need and how much you want to work on less creative aspects of the business. Someone who works making one of a kind garments could choose to live in a very inexpensive area, and then sell long distance to craft stores, etc, but that takes a lot of time spent on the buisiness.
One thing I am certain is that reading The Crafts Report - as many back issues as you can get and then every new one as it comes out - will definately give you an education in the business of being creative.
I wish you lots of luck!!
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3/16/2004 10:43:43 AM
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benne
Posts 19258
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Hi Carrie,
I saw an article at www.knittersreview.com about this subject. It`s an interview with someone who started her own knitting business/shop. Because of the limited market and the extensive competition for each knitting dollar, I have noticed that most persons and shops do offer more than one service or type of item. It`s a wonderful dream and I hope you achieve it. Good luck.
Benne
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3/17/2004 10:13:10 AM
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carrie
Posts 285
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Thanks for the web site I will look into it.
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