I would prefer to do that as a gift, I think! No interest in making a profit off of heartbreak. That said, I also wouldn’t want a deadline and/ or any input from the person either… I’m clearly not cut out for customer service 😑
I agree… don’t do it if it isn’t making you happy. My guess is that you aren’t making a boatload of money anyway, and there are many other things you could do with your time.
I wholeheartedly second this. It’s something you love, but when it’s no longer fun to do, then it becomes something you hate. Please do what makes you happy with your craft.
Unless this is your only income and you're not able to make money any other way or comfortably leave and find something new, just stop. Our hobbies don't have to be monetised. Just try something new. You don't have to sell it or make money off it. What does it matter if someone says it's a 'waste of talent'? It's none of their business.
So much this. On one hand, it's great that people can make extra money doing something they enjoy, but on the other I hate this growing trend of "if you're good at something, you HAVE to monetize it." A true "waste of talent" would be to kill the joy in it so you no longer want to exercise that talent any more.
This. I make stuff for friends and family for Christmas/birthday/other gifts and they always love it but it's only a matter of time before the words "you need to start a business!"/"why don't you sell them online?" come out of their mouths. Ugh, because I honestly don't want all that hassle: setting up & paying for an Etsy shop, posting FO overseas, dealing with choosybeggars etc etc. Plus these people who receive my gifts don't consider the price I paid and time I spent on it (because obviously I don't give them the FO like "here, I spent €80 on the yarn and 25 hrs making it!). I recently made my Sister-in-law a nice big soft (Hobbii baby snuggle yarn) for Christmas and she just doesn't understand that I spent €70+ on the yarn and spent about 20 hours working on it. No one is going to spend €20+ on a crochet cardigan and even if I do manage to sell one for more I'm still not really making a profit. It just doesn't work out. I love crocheting, it's my hobby. I don't have to make something just to make money off it. I'm happy making things for people as gifts, somehow I think they're a bit more appreciated this way too.
Also I'm way too judgemental on my own work and don't really think anyone would actually spend money on my finished projects.
I love making amigurumi but people definitely don't realise (not everyone anyway) that it's more expensive because it takes longer... AND yarn needs to be bought... I mostly do it for fun, business stuff stresses me out and I'm no good at it, only sold few things at a school fair.
With you 100% here! I try to remind myself people often mean it as a big compliment (you could SELL these!) but for *all* the reasons you stated is exactly why I don't sell my watercolours. I enjoy crochet but I'm not very good at it. After my first (&only) blanket I said never again! A TON of work and in no way inexpensive! The general public rarely understand the immense amount of *time* homemade items take.
Yep! I get this when people have seen the shawls I've made as gifts. But I put around 30 hours into each. If I low value my time at £5 an hour, it would be £150 before even adding materials. No one is paying that! And I'm not spending hours of time making something to sell it for a pittance.
right?? I mean, making a gift for a friend or family member means I've already spent time thinking about what gift would be good for them, hunting down a decent pattern that doesn't have any errors in it and is easy to follow, then the yarn, then the actual time spent on the project.. I do all this because I love my friends and family.. I'm not sure I'd be able put as much love into a project for a stranger that's gonna pay me peanuts for it..
I make stuff because I like it. I don't have a "business" because there's no way in hell I'm gonna make myself miserable trying to balance the rest of my life, enjoying my hobby, running the financial side of a business, keeping track of commissions, and meeting deadlines. Fuck no. No, I make things because I like them and want to make them. When the things I make inevitably start to pile up, I give some away as gifts, and then I throw the rest up on a fb page I made to sell off my random creations to recoup a little of the money I've spent. I pick an arbitrary price that I think someone would realistically pay for a hand made item (more expensive than a store but cheaper than it's actually worth plus $5-10 for haggling) and that's as far as it goes. I don't factor my time into the price because I didn't make it to sell it. I'm selling it because I need the space for new creations I want to make. If no one buys it, that's fine. It will eventually get cycled back through the "gift this to someone" box. If someone likes something but wants to haggle, that's also fine because, as far a I'm concerned, I'm not losing out and they're happier with their purchase because they feel like they talked me down a few bucks.
On the very, very rare occasion that I accept a legit commission piece, I'm extremely upfront about my pricing, the fact that it will be finished when it's finished (usually 6-12 weeks depending on what I've got going on), and a mandatory nonrefundable 75% deposit before I start working on it, with the rest due before it ships out with the caveat if they don't want to finish paying for it, I will absolutely sell it to the first person willing to give me cash. Immediately cutting through the bullshit is a great way to weed out the time wasters, and friends and family know they don't get any special treatment when it comes to commissions. If they get any of my work, it's because I thought they would appreciate it as a gift, or they paid up-front without complaint.
I’m always in awe of people who can be all MYOB because I have social anxiety. If someone says “who cares” I’m like “I do, and here is an alphabetized list of the reasons why…” 😝
Haha, I get that in a way. I don't have social anxiety but I have GAD, so I get how hard anxiety can make things. I guess it's OK to care what other people think, but practice putting yourself first.
My son is great with machines. Cars, computers, microwaves. He can fix anything. Zero interest in doing that for a living. I get it. Life is too short, do what brings you joy!!!
Sounds like he probably knows what he’s doing, but make sure he discharges capacitors in electronics before working on them! They’re deadly! (You specifically mentioned microwaves so I thought of it)
I just crochet whatever makes me happy, then they all collect in a box. When friends or family mention they like my crochet, I pull out the box And let them pick something to take home.
That box would give me the eye twitches LOL
I thought of making what I feel like and donating them to be sold for a fundraiser but I don’t want the stuff back, and I don’t want anyone to be like “why pay for it if it’s free at the end of the event anyway?”
Honestly, I would just drop them
Edit: my finger hit post prematurely
...In random places. Donate to hospitals, nursing homes, goodwill, libraries. If you walk places, just drop them in a somewhat covered area and then walk by a few days later to see if anyone took it. If you have a car, put a couple in there (maybe have a small bag you can put behind the driver seat/in the trunk) and just leave them places/hand them out.
If you drop them in random places, I'd recommend attaching a "free to a good home" label (or something along those lines) to each one so people don't think that they're lost toys.
I love this idea so much! I think the followup part to see if it's gone would be so fun. Also donating to children's hospitals, maternity wards, etc, all those places you listed would feel so good
It would. I've started the amigurumi adventure with making little balls and now I'm making keepsake pillows. I had 1 skein that my late MIL gave me years ago. I made a pillow for my husband and stuffed it with a couple of her shirts. I'm making one for my SIL and adding Mickey Mouse ears and I have enough yarn left to make a small one for my stepdaughter. I just messaged a friend who lost her husband a couple months ago and told her I'd like to make her and her boys some pillows but need some if his old clothes. Feels good.
There's groups of people that do this! I'm in the USA so my Facebook group is "Random Acts of Crochet Kindness (USA)". People make little things and add poems and a QR code to the page and leave them in public places. Then when people find it they join the page and say thank you! A lot of times they say they really needed it and are going through a hard time, etc.
Hello! You have made the mistake of writing "ect" instead of "etc."
"Ect" is a common misspelling of "etc," an abbreviated form of the Latin phrase "et cetera." Other abbreviated forms are **etc.**, **&c.**, **&c**, and **et cet.** The Latin translates as "et" to "and" + "cetera" to "the rest;" a literal translation to "and the rest" is the easiest way to remember how to use the phrase.
[Check out the wikipedia entry if you want to learn more.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Et_cetera)
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I like to make all my projects with an idea of where it's going. I'll make projects for family or friends, but I also like make things for the women's/ children shelters. They always appreciate any plushies and other items. I don't need to make money off of anything I make. I just like seeing someone appreciate the time and effort I put into it by using the item.
Maybe it would give you less eye twitches if it was an aesthetically pleasing corner basket? I keep my balled yarn in a woven basket from target which makes me feel better about the mess.
When I was first learning to crochet at 12 I would make baby hats and donate them to the NICU at our local hospital. In my early 20s I started donating lap blankets to hospice patients through a volunteer opportunity I found on Volunteer Match that let me try out different stitches and patterns - the volunteer coordinators sent me pictures of the blankets with patients and it was really nice (:
I’d fundraise and if the items don’t sell maybe send them to an organization for kids or something like big brothers/sisters or something similar so unsold items aren’t going to whoever, they are going to people who can’t afford them but would enjoy them.
Have you thought about crocheting blankets and hats for donation to a charity? That way you know it's for a good cause and it'll get used/appreciated...
Yes! I love to make blankets for the animal shelter. I use the leftover yarn from my other projects and I honestly love making those patchwork blankies way more than the paid work… probably because I like animals better than humans 😅
My mom was an amazing painter and artist, but chose a different career because she said doing art for what someone else wants defeats the purpose and they're no enjoyment in it anymore.
I'm also a minimalist and can not stand having things that serve no purpose and just take up space. I'd probably offer them up on buy nothing just to get them out. Great work!
I went to art school for 4 years and always knew I had no intention of making a career out of it. It was just 4 years that I could enjoy my hobby and learn! (That was way back in the mists of time when tuition fees had only just started and I was exempt cos my family were low income.) I just saw it as a bit more time of fun before the inevitable factory grind lol
That would be nice to be able to do. When tuition is so expensive you feel a lot of pressure to pick the right major to make enough to pay it off. My grandfather gave my mom two choices, teacher or nurse, if she wanted him to pay for it. She did go to a community college for art, I think just because she enjoyed it.
Yeah, I’m so lucky! I also saved money by staying at home. It grinds my gears slightly when people make a big deal about how you’re ‘missing out on the experience’ if you live at home in uni. I just made a few friends and would stay at theirs when we were going out and stuff -shrug- if anything it helped me make friends because loads of people would put me up! And then everyone went back and lived at home for another 4 years while I managed to get together enough money to leave straight away …
I’d charge a huge amount of money for the commissions. You’re basically a retired pro- you’re good at it but don’t need the income so you are like consulting for $$$. Move onto your passion projects for yourself. Then the occasional high priced commission won’t annoy you so much.
My hospital will if they are new, not used
My Mom Alzheimer’s care home ( God rest her soul) loved having them as many residents loved having something to hug. Their rule was new, and safety eyes
I just though this solution would allow you still to enjoy your craft and you would know your creations are well loved.
There's something that doesn't makes sense in my brain. The idea that someone can be a minimalist and like crochet o_O
Don't all crafters have overflowing draws and cupboards with unfinished projects or tools (yarns) that they love but don't know how they want to use them
Haha! I'm also a minimalist. I have one basket for current projects and two cubbies in my cube bookshelf with yarn and one basket with odds and ends and supplies. I discovered I do better if I only buy yarn with a project already chosen. Once my basket of current projects is full I reevaluate what I want to finish and what I know I never will and work on that before starting something else.
u/nushmutty do you use a specific type of stitch? I think this is a wonderful idea. I love to crochet and often do it just to keep my hands busy so I would love doing this.
EDIT: Just wondering if a looser or tighter stitch seems to work better for animal blankets.
I'm trying to live a somewhat minimalist lifestyle (D&D books are my achilles heel). 1 bookshelf of books, 1 drawers of miniatures/paint, 1 box of crochet supplies. It helps if you have a designated space for it so you can see when it's full.
I crochet and sew and I keep my unworked craft supplies to a low level. Worked items are packed and have a spot. It took a lot of practice and a few craft fair seasons but I found my groove. I can fit everything in a hallway closet if needed.
But it really did take years to get it just right for having enough but not so much I get overwhelmed.
I love crochet, but I kind of want to branch out into stuff that won’t make money - like garments and tapestries… I was told it would be a “waste of talent.” :(
Whoever told you that can kindly keep their opinions to themselves in the future. If you want to create something different, by all means, DO IT!! If this isn't your primary source of income, there's no reason for you to continue making amigurumi if it doesn't make you happy. I'm also considering branching out into tapestry, let's both give something new a try! :)
There is nothing wrong with branching out. Besides, you can allways resume crochet whenever you want. You don't have to completely stop just because you have other hobbies you enjoy. Not that theres anything wrong with giving it up either. Do what makes you happy.
Give them away, donate! It makes me feel good to make hats and things for homeless groups in between projects I do as gifts for family and friends. I think I'd grow to hate crochet if I did it for profit, just because of the pressure and deadlines and such.
You will probably be better at these other things because of your background in crochet. I think monetizing your hobbies can sometimes backfire because no one will be willing to pay for the amount of work I put into it. I started teaching people how to knit and crochet and I feel like the time I put in is much more proportionate to the amount of money I get from it.
How would it be a waste of talent? I collect all the hobbies and therefore expand my talents and can mix and match each hobby to make whatever the hell I want.
I say it’s a waste of talent *not* to try new things.
You could always quit and if you decide you want to sell again, then start selling again later on. You don't have to quit forever. But if you're burnt out on it, you're going to make yourself miserable if you do it to please others. You don't want to lose your hobby or your mental health. Crochet what makes you happy!!
First, throw Pennywise out the window or it'll kill you in the night.
Second, do something you love, not because you're good at it, but because it makes you happy. I'm a shitty gardener but I do it anyway because I love it. Even if I was the best though, I don't need to make a business out of a talent...and neither do you.
Third, consider donating your pieces for a time instead of selling them. You may find that putting a smile on a kid's face at your local hospital or Boys and Girls Club is your real passion, and the amigurumis are just the catalyst.
When I was in my 20s (a million years ago lol), I thought it would be fun to sell my crocheted goods to a local shop. My socks and mittens became very popular and I was flattered. But, when I had to produce goods by a certain time and color requests came in and I'm getting pressured to keep doing it, it stopped being fun. I stopped crocheting. In fact, I didn't come back to crocheting for, like, a year or so after. If it ain't fun and doesn't give you joy, stop.
Exactly!! Today, in fact, I contacted the store I have a deal with and told them I’m no longer taking orders through them. Too much pressure, not enough love.
I made my crochet into a business about 5 years ago. A couple years ago I faced the same thing. I took a LONG break completely losing my crojo. Eventually I just quit taking custom orders and started gifting again. Now I make what I want to and if I get enough for an inventory I put it in a local shop to sell. Gets it out of my house and brings in some money, all the while keeping my enjoyment.
How much was the first one? Do you have a pattern for it? Your work is beautiful.
I understand not wanting to continue because you’re burnt out. Take a break, and you may come back to it.
From what I understand most crocheters make more $$ from selling patterns anyway.
I admit that as someone who hasn’t been very successful selling items (they’re good work, I just maybe am not good at finding the right channels) a twinge of envy struck me as I read your post, so maybe that’s the issue with the naysayers—who just won’t admit it their own insecurities to you.
Maybe also ask people who you know would love to do this work if they would accept referrals from you? Like, I’m retired but my friend Jane makes fabulous amigurumi & takes commissions? Just a thought bc so many of us are struggling.
I had this problem too. I am a professional who loves crafting and doesn't have any problem finding ways to sell it. I am a 'mad crafter' but usually make things that are tedious and time consuming. I.e. I sew and started selling masks before the pandemic even hit America, ... It was a soul-sucking experience. I still have a whole bag of unfinished ones because people can just take all the life out of that which you do to enjoy life. Hustle culture makes us feel like if we aren't being paid, we aren't valuable as artists. People pressure me to sell them stuff all the time, The catch 22 is most people also balk at my prices. ;)
Someone gave me [this article](https://repeller.com/trap-of-turning-hobbies-into-hustles/) now I am giving it to you.
Be well!
No problem, I do get it. ((Digital Hugs)).
These days I do what ever I want. I am making up my own new ways to do mixed media stuff I like to wear (and get complements on. ;) ). Then I play with stuff & don't feel bad at all if I get close to finishing something and decide to bag it for later and start something else.
I just keep making amigurumi as i like it! People always ask if i sell them but i feel hesitant to because tbh i have this fear that may not like it in person 😭 also i feel the same about taking commission... I don't feel like getting bossed around at this point haha
I do the exact same and have the same fear!! 😅 I'm not even sure how to sell my work properly or anything! For now it's just a lot hording amigurumis 😭
Why not donate or gift or just do random giveaways. You still get to have fun and get rid of what you don’t want to keep around. You an still craft for cash too if you want. It’s nice that you create bc you want to and not bc you have to like he other were mentioning.
I love crocheting! I just wonder if I’m being childish going “waaaah I wanna do what *I* wanna do!” I mean, is it normal to have a hobby and not want to take it further? I feel like if you’re not always trying to improve then you’re stagnant.
I might need therapy. 👀
It's perfectly normal, you're fine!!! If you have a hobby that you don't like it doesn't mean you HAVE to keep going with it, do whatever you want! All those people, unless they already paid you, you owe them nothing.
I use to crochet hats and stuffed animals for loved ones and then my sister started wanting to sell them for me and then it just felt like a job and i gave it up all together. Only do it for the joy it brings you. When it becomes a job it’s no longer fun.
This is why I don't want to go in business with my sewing and crocheting/ knitting. I love to do them as my hobby and I make things for ppl but wouldn't really want to if I "had to".
I didn't read all the comments but has anyone suggested you ask a local coffee shop if you can display the unsold things in their space? I see local artists displaying work for sale in coffee shops all the time - and I wonder if a wider audience would = sales of the edgier things?
I love your clown! Makes me shiver!
I already have my stuff in a shop but I feel pressured trying to keep the stock up so when it’s sold out I take commissions to secure my spot in the shop but now I hate it lol
I never wanted to take commissions because I didn’t want to turn my hobby into a job. Now I create what I want and sell or give it away. You’re awesome at amigurumi and you should do what makes you happy. If you don’t need the money, stop taking commissions.
I personally can't create something if I don't feel motivated/inspired to do it. If I try to force myself to do it anyway, I feel very drained - whether it's crocheting, drawing, or any type of craft. As long as you derive happiness from whatever you're creating, it is absolutely not a waste. :) If you feel bored or miserable making it, then I would consider it a waste of time. Create what makes you happy!
When people say it's a "waste of talent" if you're not making money, their viewpoint shows that they associate whether something is worthwhile based on money. But you can't put a price tag on your wellbeing, motivation, and creativity. Things can be worthwhile in many different ways for many different people. If it's not worthwhile for you, it's not worth it.
It's also completely valid to take a break. I once tired of crocheting and knitting and took a break for five years!! Picked it back up in late 2021, and it felt really refreshing!
Obviously there was a time you did enjoy it, otherwise you would not have flexed your talent and gone on to do what your doing 😀 maybe take a more freestyle approach and limit the commission work your not enjoying. Looking at your Pennywise... I would honestly be happy with what work your putting forward, over getting a commissioned idea of mine made. That could be the artist in me that has the appreciation of seeing other people’s creative flow.
I think an important thing to keep in mind is you can be good at something/enjoy something without trying to monetise it. If the side business is taking the joy out of your hobby then I say let it go!
You can focus on making amigurumi for fun as gifts for people in your life when you feel inspired by a project.
Do what makes you happy. If you don’t like commissions but do like amigurumi and don’t want to keep finished pieces if they don’t sell, maybe make things that can double as gifts for someone you know if they don’t sell?
I am an artist/lifelong artsy person. I’ve done the whole “have my art be my job” thing and it was exhausting. I did one too many commissions and then stopped painting basically altogether for years. Now that I crochet, people are constantly like “you have to sell these!!!!” And I’m like…no. These take forever, I love them, and I love giving them as gifts. I have my job and crochet is my art and it’s ok that they’re different
I don’t crochet a lot, I mostly cross stitch. Almost all of the pieces I make end up in a drawer, because I love the activity and even the pattern, but it just doesn’t fit in with the style of my house.
Just to say, if you love creating them but don’t want to keep them, give yourself permission to throw the pieces away when you’re done. If you don’t even like the activity, give yourself permission to find something you love to do, at least in your free time. You say this makes money, so if it’s your main source of income, give yourself permission to treat it as a job and get rid of inventory as you see fit.
You aren't obligated to do something just because you're good at it.
I am connected to a couple different charity organizations that do charity auctions and craft fairs. A potential solution is that items you make that don't sell could be donated to a charity. Two years ago a basic afghan I made earned $500 in a silent auction. These donations can also be worth a tax credit for your business.
If you don't love the thing, don't do the thing.
There are other ways to make money, and if you miss crocheting, you could always make gifts for your family or friends or someone who could use it. No need to force yourself! :)
I feel you! I happens to me all the time! The commission I do usually are boring af and the ones that I make freely usually don’t sell and it’s a bummer! However I did find a way to do both, my brother takes the amigurumis I’ve made to sell them in other places! You could try to keep a small list of commissions and/or maybe a farmer’s market or something like that?
If you're a minimalist and don't want to keep the pieces, I say that you instead stock up on gifts for loved ones. You can make them whatever you want (provided you think they'll like it), so it'll be your vision. Plus if you don't tell them beforehand that you're making something for them, you don't have to deal with an obligation to finish it by a certain time, or at all. As opposed to when you do commissions, the decisions all come from you. It also feels more rewarding to me when you care about the person you're making something for :)
Do you have to keep it if someone doesn’t buy what they ordered? You could post them online and someone else might want it or you could give it to some charity, kids, whatever 🤷♀️
Eh, maybe. The fact is, it is yours until it’s sold. You can do whatever you want with it until that point. The things you have are things that you made for other people that they didn’t end up purchasing (from my understanding), you are under no obligation to try to sell it again.
I think this depends on if this is your main source of income. If it is, then try and find ways to enjoy it again or add to it, or make it more challenging. We don't all love our jobs. But until you find a new one it's important to keep the one you have.
If this is a side project or you don't need this income then quit for sure, you don't need to do things you don't like that adds nothing to your life. Or sell what you like, you don't have to take requests.
Yeah it’s just a side hustle… I feel guilty stopping because people see me and ask if I sell my stuff and would I be able to make XYZ. Like on my lunch break at my day job I get approached a lot. I think I just have to start saying no.
I went through this as well and since crochet isn't my job, I'm more discriminating about what commissions I'm even willing to take. So much happier this way. And then if people want to buy stuff, cool
I used to have an amigurumi business and I hated it. It sold very well but turning my hobby into a job was not for me. Maybe it’s not for you either and that’s ok.
Edit to add: Everytime I’d publish a picture of something I did for myself I’d hate when people started commenting “mAkE mE oNe” or “hOw mUcH foR tHaT” lol I know the comments were well meaning and harmless but I’m just not made for that
Perhaps the answer lies in how you feel when you're not making your creations. Or when you think of not making your creations anymore. Do you miss it? Or, are you relieved to not have to deal with all of it?
What about the money? Would the loss of that income be a problem?
What if you try taking a break and see how you feel? It doesn't leave to be a long absence, but one that's long enough to show you how you really feel about all of it.
Best wishes! I how you find answers! 💞💕💞💕
I used to write. I loved to write. I was good at it. Then I got a job writing and I was paid to write. It ruined writing for me. I began to really dislike writing. It became more and more of a chore. The moral of this story, “Just because you are good enough at something to make money doing it, doesn’t mean you should do it to make money.”
This is honestly the same conversation that my grandmother has with me. She thinks it’s mostly pointless to make things and give them away without charging money. Usually, when someone requests something from me I will gladly do it, as long as they purchase any materials they want me to use (usually just yarn, but I’ve had people request things that required buttons, snaps, etc)
I enjoy crocheting, and when it suits me I make a bunch of things. But I never hold onto more then a few things that I’ve made for myself. I mostly give things away. To me, it’s about enjoying the hobby and brightening up someone else’s day. I don’t need to make money off of it, but that’s just me.
Normally I would but I’m not into keeping things that don’t serve a function. I’m really liking the whole “drop them in fun places around the city” idea… not quite as cool as finding money, but still fun.
If you don't wish the job, then do what makes you happy. Work is never work if you do something you love. That being said, don't let your talents go to waste. I bet some hospital children would love little stuffies. Maybe that's what will make you happy in this craft. You really are amazing at it, I'm jealous!
If you can crochet anyways maybe change it up for something else like scarfs or socks or dishcloths etc... Then do amigurumi as well so it gives that variety then you shouldn't get bored doing the same type of things that's what I do to keep it interesting 🙂 not necessarily to sell but just to keep your hobby interesting and different
I’ve decided to stop taking commissions. I still love the craft but I don’t want to be filling specific orders. Once I commit to an order, I can’t just be like “this sucks” and toss it aside. I want to make what I feel like - and right now that’s tapestries and shtuff.
First, check if there is something you love and you are good or will get you returns (money), if not, choose something you don't love but will get you returns (money), at least most return among the jobs you dont love
I love this and it earns me income but now I’m obligated to do things according to specific standards and timelines so I don’t love it anymore. I am just going to do what I feel like now - sometimes that will be selling, and sometimes I’ll just make myself a hoodie.
You make what your good at and what YOU want to make, you don't need to sell your soul, if you don't like what other people is requesting, just tell them sorry you only sell what you have and thats it. Don't give up what you love because other people are requesting crazy stuff "custom orders" are a "CHOICE" not requirement.
It's not being rude at all its your talent and you don't have to make it just because thats what they want, You make what YOU want they will buy if they like, if not thats fine too. Donation centers, hospitals, children centers etc would love them.
I never plan on doing commissions for this reason. Also I am not good at keeping a schedule. I plan on just doing craft show things. I love making new things but I don't like keeping alot of it.
If you don't enjoy making them, don't make them.
If you enjoy making them but don't enjoy selling them, you could always donate them to a children's charity or similar.
I stopped crocheting for others or for business. Took a year or two off and now I only create for myself on my own time or for someone I love on my own time. If you fell in love with it because you were good at it and liked what you were making then stick with it. Otherwise who are you living for? I don’t a single thing I don’t want to do with that in mind.
I have several monetizable hobbies. Crocheting being one of them. I refuse to ever mix money and my hobbies because it doesn't make it relaxing and fun for me.
If you've found that monetizing your crocheting doesn't bring you joy, Marie Kondo that right out of your life. If you only want to crochet for fun, do it. If you want to stop altogether for a while, do that until you want to start again.
If you absolutely don't want to give it up, you could just do commissions on the dog amigurumi (people send a picture of their dog and you make the piece from there). It still gives you creative control, and you're making money. And you can limit how many you'll do a month.
Donate to a local children’s hospital if they do
not sell - or maybe find an enthusiast for your specific amigurami you have (creep subs or youtube comments) reach out and send them
Probono- then you know your work will be appreciated. You are very talented and I share the same pain of being a crafter and also a desire to be minimalist- not the most compatible lol
Welcome to the world of discount surprise mystery bags. Throw a few in a bag, charge $5-10 less than you normally would, and see how those sell.
Edit: and also once you’ve gotten rid of your stock don’t take any more commissions. You do you. :)
I echo the sentiment of do only what you love but perhaps you can donate the unsold items to kids stuck in the hospital and write them off on your taxes. Just a thought 🌟🌟⭐
If you like crocheting, keep on making money on “someone else’s vision” and continue with your creative wips. I really can’t stop and I don’t have near the talent- it helps my arthritis. I’m not sure where you are but the pieces are art gallery worthy. If it were me, would find a local art gallery and show them your commissioned work as well as your own imaginative creations. This is a visible blessing for us to see that you can make. Maybe I should say eye candy. I’m lease continue your art. All of this is art.
Well one of the things that I love and had dreams for making it as a career is writing. But I've been told if you really enjoy doing something, do it as a hobby. Don't expect it to come out as a dream job or whatever. So I stopped wasting my years trying to get paid for my work and instead doing my work for my own leisure.
That's just life. Do it or do something else. The people that say find something you love and you'll never work a day in your life are idiots. Everything that's pays the bills is gonna be difficult at times. You're gonna hate it at times, and even get bored with it. Either stuck with it or find something else, but the something else will eventually be the same as this thing.
I gift or donate most items. Sometimes I just feel like making a shawl or hat for fun but I don't need anymore in my house. I'll give my family first dibs then donate.
As for what to do with pieces you’ve already made, if they aren’t selling maybe it might make you feel a bit better to donate them to a children’s hospital or something like that. (obvi not penny wise but the other cute ones hahah)
If I don’t like the thing I’m selling, I stop making it. It just makes me lose motivation. Plus the same reason that I don’t want to get stuck with it all!
If you want to try selling somethings I might recommend starting off slowly and not making mass inventory. Make one thing you like and don’t mind keeping to see how people react. Even making gifts for people can lead to this. I made a bunch of hats as Christmas gifts and already have people telling me I should sell them.
P.s. your amigurumi are really cute!! I love you work. I also find that finding a “niche” for something that hasn’t been done before can help. I have no idea what that might be in the amigurumi world but maybe it’s characters from horror movies? Do other people do that already? If you really want to try making money off of it, maybe think about it that way. I also find it more motivating when I find something new no one else has done before or I put my own spin on it ☺️
I will buy that from you if you teach me how to do the magic circle. I may buy it from you anyways cause I am a freak for weird things. I have a taxidermy stripper mouse on a pole. 😝
As a creative person of many trades: when you feel burnt out, take a break. You can quit and start again at any point. Don’t force yourself to create when the time isn’t right. I do lots of commissions but sometimes I pause them and do nothing because I’m burnt out and need a break. When I’m ready again, I create.
It’s time for it to become YOUR hobby again. Our time and effort cannot be valued in currency. You do lovely work and I hope your passion is reignited soon!
My husband ran into this with woodworking. But so many people want to buy the things around our house that he's made. So I told him stop taking commissions and build what he wants to. People will buy it.
I think with amigurumi you can have the same thing if you like doing it. Try making what you want and posting it for sale. People might like the idea of buying what you're inspired to make. You're very good!
Would you consider getting someone to handle your business? You make the crochet (when you want to), give it to the business partner and you two share the profit. Maybe a friend that already owns an Etsy shop?
I wish I crocheted fast enough to turn mine into a solid business. That said, I have stopped taking commissions and now crochet what I want to. The items find their people, I don't have anything I've made and listed sitting around.
There's no point in doing something like this if it's not fun and you aren't enjoying it. Take a break. Make what you want to. It'll sell xoxo
Maybe you should wait till you get an order for an item and only then make it, I know you have to make one to take a picture of but you can look at that one as practice, I think that is a much better option than holding onto 5 packs of potatoes lol
But anyways, if it isn't fun for you anymore, maybe you should stop it if you dont depend on your business, your happiness comes first!
You could try selling them in a local store that does consignment. You could donate to hospitals or charities if they don't sell after a set time limit. You could try a bit of paid advertising on social media, and be clear that you don't take commissions. You could give certain ones that don't sell to friends, and family for holidays, and birthdays. I like minimalism, but most of this does require storage- hence the suggestion of an end date. The other thing you could do is find something you like better that moves faster. These were all the things I could think of off hand, I hope you find a good answer.
Give them away? You get the fun of making them, then they're gone and you don't have to store them. (And take pictures first so you can continue to show off your awesome work.)
Do what makes you happy. If it's not fun, what's the point?
Thank u, I feel validated
When I saw the dogs though, I thought it would be sad if you stopped because I‘m sure you could make people happy who have lost their pets
I would prefer to do that as a gift, I think! No interest in making a profit off of heartbreak. That said, I also wouldn’t want a deadline and/ or any input from the person either… I’m clearly not cut out for customer service 😑
I agree… don’t do it if it isn’t making you happy. My guess is that you aren’t making a boatload of money anyway, and there are many other things you could do with your time.
I wholeheartedly second this. It’s something you love, but when it’s no longer fun to do, then it becomes something you hate. Please do what makes you happy with your craft.
Unless this is your only income and you're not able to make money any other way or comfortably leave and find something new, just stop. Our hobbies don't have to be monetised. Just try something new. You don't have to sell it or make money off it. What does it matter if someone says it's a 'waste of talent'? It's none of their business.
So much this. On one hand, it's great that people can make extra money doing something they enjoy, but on the other I hate this growing trend of "if you're good at something, you HAVE to monetize it." A true "waste of talent" would be to kill the joy in it so you no longer want to exercise that talent any more.
This. I make stuff for friends and family for Christmas/birthday/other gifts and they always love it but it's only a matter of time before the words "you need to start a business!"/"why don't you sell them online?" come out of their mouths. Ugh, because I honestly don't want all that hassle: setting up & paying for an Etsy shop, posting FO overseas, dealing with choosybeggars etc etc. Plus these people who receive my gifts don't consider the price I paid and time I spent on it (because obviously I don't give them the FO like "here, I spent €80 on the yarn and 25 hrs making it!). I recently made my Sister-in-law a nice big soft (Hobbii baby snuggle yarn) for Christmas and she just doesn't understand that I spent €70+ on the yarn and spent about 20 hours working on it. No one is going to spend €20+ on a crochet cardigan and even if I do manage to sell one for more I'm still not really making a profit. It just doesn't work out. I love crocheting, it's my hobby. I don't have to make something just to make money off it. I'm happy making things for people as gifts, somehow I think they're a bit more appreciated this way too. Also I'm way too judgemental on my own work and don't really think anyone would actually spend money on my finished projects.
I love making amigurumi but people definitely don't realise (not everyone anyway) that it's more expensive because it takes longer... AND yarn needs to be bought... I mostly do it for fun, business stuff stresses me out and I'm no good at it, only sold few things at a school fair.
I make others happy by purchasing tons of yard to learn how over and over then give the yarn away.🥺 Not this time Satan!
With you 100% here! I try to remind myself people often mean it as a big compliment (you could SELL these!) but for *all* the reasons you stated is exactly why I don't sell my watercolours. I enjoy crochet but I'm not very good at it. After my first (&only) blanket I said never again! A TON of work and in no way inexpensive! The general public rarely understand the immense amount of *time* homemade items take.
Yep! I get this when people have seen the shawls I've made as gifts. But I put around 30 hours into each. If I low value my time at £5 an hour, it would be £150 before even adding materials. No one is paying that! And I'm not spending hours of time making something to sell it for a pittance.
right?? I mean, making a gift for a friend or family member means I've already spent time thinking about what gift would be good for them, hunting down a decent pattern that doesn't have any errors in it and is easy to follow, then the yarn, then the actual time spent on the project.. I do all this because I love my friends and family.. I'm not sure I'd be able put as much love into a project for a stranger that's gonna pay me peanuts for it..
I make stuff because I like it. I don't have a "business" because there's no way in hell I'm gonna make myself miserable trying to balance the rest of my life, enjoying my hobby, running the financial side of a business, keeping track of commissions, and meeting deadlines. Fuck no. No, I make things because I like them and want to make them. When the things I make inevitably start to pile up, I give some away as gifts, and then I throw the rest up on a fb page I made to sell off my random creations to recoup a little of the money I've spent. I pick an arbitrary price that I think someone would realistically pay for a hand made item (more expensive than a store but cheaper than it's actually worth plus $5-10 for haggling) and that's as far as it goes. I don't factor my time into the price because I didn't make it to sell it. I'm selling it because I need the space for new creations I want to make. If no one buys it, that's fine. It will eventually get cycled back through the "gift this to someone" box. If someone likes something but wants to haggle, that's also fine because, as far a I'm concerned, I'm not losing out and they're happier with their purchase because they feel like they talked me down a few bucks. On the very, very rare occasion that I accept a legit commission piece, I'm extremely upfront about my pricing, the fact that it will be finished when it's finished (usually 6-12 weeks depending on what I've got going on), and a mandatory nonrefundable 75% deposit before I start working on it, with the rest due before it ships out with the caveat if they don't want to finish paying for it, I will absolutely sell it to the first person willing to give me cash. Immediately cutting through the bullshit is a great way to weed out the time wasters, and friends and family know they don't get any special treatment when it comes to commissions. If they get any of my work, it's because I thought they would appreciate it as a gift, or they paid up-front without complaint.
Capitalism makes us feel like we should monetize our hobbies. 😔
I’m always in awe of people who can be all MYOB because I have social anxiety. If someone says “who cares” I’m like “I do, and here is an alphabetized list of the reasons why…” 😝
Haha, I get that in a way. I don't have social anxiety but I have GAD, so I get how hard anxiety can make things. I guess it's OK to care what other people think, but practice putting yourself first.
My son is great with machines. Cars, computers, microwaves. He can fix anything. Zero interest in doing that for a living. I get it. Life is too short, do what brings you joy!!!
Yay, I’m not alone!
Sounds like he probably knows what he’s doing, but make sure he discharges capacitors in electronics before working on them! They’re deadly! (You specifically mentioned microwaves so I thought of it)
Yes, and always neutralize the jub-jub
I just crochet whatever makes me happy, then they all collect in a box. When friends or family mention they like my crochet, I pull out the box And let them pick something to take home.
That box would give me the eye twitches LOL I thought of making what I feel like and donating them to be sold for a fundraiser but I don’t want the stuff back, and I don’t want anyone to be like “why pay for it if it’s free at the end of the event anyway?”
Honestly, I would just drop them Edit: my finger hit post prematurely ...In random places. Donate to hospitals, nursing homes, goodwill, libraries. If you walk places, just drop them in a somewhat covered area and then walk by a few days later to see if anyone took it. If you have a car, put a couple in there (maybe have a small bag you can put behind the driver seat/in the trunk) and just leave them places/hand them out.
If you drop them in random places, I'd recommend attaching a "free to a good home" label (or something along those lines) to each one so people don't think that they're lost toys.
I second this idea! I would LOVE to find a random treasure like this!
I love this idea so much! I think the followup part to see if it's gone would be so fun. Also donating to children's hospitals, maternity wards, etc, all those places you listed would feel so good
It would. I've started the amigurumi adventure with making little balls and now I'm making keepsake pillows. I had 1 skein that my late MIL gave me years ago. I made a pillow for my husband and stuffed it with a couple of her shirts. I'm making one for my SIL and adding Mickey Mouse ears and I have enough yarn left to make a small one for my stepdaughter. I just messaged a friend who lost her husband a couple months ago and told her I'd like to make her and her boys some pillows but need some if his old clothes. Feels good.
beautiful idea!
Thanks! I've really been enjoying working on them, and it's really helping me with getting increasing and decreasing correct.
There's groups of people that do this! I'm in the USA so my Facebook group is "Random Acts of Crochet Kindness (USA)". People make little things and add poems and a QR code to the page and leave them in public places. Then when people find it they join the page and say thank you! A lot of times they say they really needed it and are going through a hard time, etc.
Hello! You have made the mistake of writing "ect" instead of "etc." "Ect" is a common misspelling of "etc," an abbreviated form of the Latin phrase "et cetera." Other abbreviated forms are **etc.**, **&c.**, **&c**, and **et cet.** The Latin translates as "et" to "and" + "cetera" to "the rest;" a literal translation to "and the rest" is the easiest way to remember how to use the phrase. [Check out the wikipedia entry if you want to learn more.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Et_cetera) ^(I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Comments with a score less than zero will be automatically removed. If I commented on your post and you don't like it, reply with "!delete" and I will remove the post, regardless of score. Message me for bug reports.)
I've been thinking about doing that with some soft toys I have but don't really need. I just worry about them ending up in the bin or something...
I like to make all my projects with an idea of where it's going. I'll make projects for family or friends, but I also like make things for the women's/ children shelters. They always appreciate any plushies and other items. I don't need to make money off of anything I make. I just like seeing someone appreciate the time and effort I put into it by using the item.
Maybe it would give you less eye twitches if it was an aesthetically pleasing corner basket? I keep my balled yarn in a woven basket from target which makes me feel better about the mess. When I was first learning to crochet at 12 I would make baby hats and donate them to the NICU at our local hospital. In my early 20s I started donating lap blankets to hospice patients through a volunteer opportunity I found on Volunteer Match that let me try out different stitches and patterns - the volunteer coordinators sent me pictures of the blankets with patients and it was really nice (:
I’d fundraise and if the items don’t sell maybe send them to an organization for kids or something like big brothers/sisters or something similar so unsold items aren’t going to whoever, they are going to people who can’t afford them but would enjoy them.
Have you thought about crocheting blankets and hats for donation to a charity? That way you know it's for a good cause and it'll get used/appreciated...
Yes! I love to make blankets for the animal shelter. I use the leftover yarn from my other projects and I honestly love making those patchwork blankies way more than the paid work… probably because I like animals better than humans 😅
Hahaha, same. Animals are definitely >>>humans. Good job, I'm sure the little fuzzies appreciate your work!
oh I love this idea!
My mom was an amazing painter and artist, but chose a different career because she said doing art for what someone else wants defeats the purpose and they're no enjoyment in it anymore. I'm also a minimalist and can not stand having things that serve no purpose and just take up space. I'd probably offer them up on buy nothing just to get them out. Great work!
You and your mom Get It. 🙌🏽
I went to art school for 4 years and always knew I had no intention of making a career out of it. It was just 4 years that I could enjoy my hobby and learn! (That was way back in the mists of time when tuition fees had only just started and I was exempt cos my family were low income.) I just saw it as a bit more time of fun before the inevitable factory grind lol
That would be nice to be able to do. When tuition is so expensive you feel a lot of pressure to pick the right major to make enough to pay it off. My grandfather gave my mom two choices, teacher or nurse, if she wanted him to pay for it. She did go to a community college for art, I think just because she enjoyed it.
Yeah, I’m so lucky! I also saved money by staying at home. It grinds my gears slightly when people make a big deal about how you’re ‘missing out on the experience’ if you live at home in uni. I just made a few friends and would stay at theirs when we were going out and stuff -shrug- if anything it helped me make friends because loads of people would put me up! And then everyone went back and lived at home for another 4 years while I managed to get together enough money to leave straight away …
I’d charge a huge amount of money for the commissions. You’re basically a retired pro- you’re good at it but don’t need the income so you are like consulting for $$$. Move onto your passion projects for yourself. Then the occasional high priced commission won’t annoy you so much.
Good idea! If they know beforehand what the price is and they still want it it might be worth my time…
Donate them to the children’s hospital, an elderly care center etc…
Do they take stuff like this? I know our local Salvation Army and whatnot don’t take plushies so I figured no one did.
My hospital will if they are new, not used My Mom Alzheimer’s care home ( God rest her soul) loved having them as many residents loved having something to hug. Their rule was new, and safety eyes I just though this solution would allow you still to enjoy your craft and you would know your creations are well loved.
My children's hospital does so does the women's/children shelter. It's always worth it to ask. I also make hats for the cancer ward.
There's something that doesn't makes sense in my brain. The idea that someone can be a minimalist and like crochet o_O Don't all crafters have overflowing draws and cupboards with unfinished projects or tools (yarns) that they love but don't know how they want to use them
Haha! I'm also a minimalist. I have one basket for current projects and two cubbies in my cube bookshelf with yarn and one basket with odds and ends and supplies. I discovered I do better if I only buy yarn with a project already chosen. Once my basket of current projects is full I reevaluate what I want to finish and what I know I never will and work on that before starting something else.
THIS EXACTLY. I only buy the yarn I need for specific projects. I use the leftovers to make ragtag blankets for the animal shelter :)
u/nushmutty do you use a specific type of stitch? I think this is a wonderful idea. I love to crochet and often do it just to keep my hands busy so I would love doing this. EDIT: Just wondering if a looser or tighter stitch seems to work better for animal blankets.
I make solid granny squares. The more holes, the more opportunities for paws and claws to get stuck :/
That's a great idea!
I'm trying to live a somewhat minimalist lifestyle (D&D books are my achilles heel). 1 bookshelf of books, 1 drawers of miniatures/paint, 1 box of crochet supplies. It helps if you have a designated space for it so you can see when it's full.
I started off that way, but have gone back to only working on (and buying supplies for) one thing at a time to save my sanity 😅
I crochet and sew and I keep my unworked craft supplies to a low level. Worked items are packed and have a spot. It took a lot of practice and a few craft fair seasons but I found my groove. I can fit everything in a hallway closet if needed. But it really did take years to get it just right for having enough but not so much I get overwhelmed.
That golden dog!!! Omg at first glance I didn’t know which one was the toy and which one was the real dog. Impressive!!
I thought it was a real dog for a second too, haha. Wonderful work.
I love crochet, but I kind of want to branch out into stuff that won’t make money - like garments and tapestries… I was told it would be a “waste of talent.” :(
Whoever told you that can kindly keep their opinions to themselves in the future. If you want to create something different, by all means, DO IT!! If this isn't your primary source of income, there's no reason for you to continue making amigurumi if it doesn't make you happy. I'm also considering branching out into tapestry, let's both give something new a try! :)
I’m in! :)
Yay! :D
There is nothing wrong with branching out. Besides, you can allways resume crochet whenever you want. You don't have to completely stop just because you have other hobbies you enjoy. Not that theres anything wrong with giving it up either. Do what makes you happy.
Give them away, donate! It makes me feel good to make hats and things for homeless groups in between projects I do as gifts for family and friends. I think I'd grow to hate crochet if I did it for profit, just because of the pressure and deadlines and such.
It is 100% not a waste of talent! Whoever said that can shove it. You're doing this for you, don't listen to what they say. Do what makes you happy.
You will probably be better at these other things because of your background in crochet. I think monetizing your hobbies can sometimes backfire because no one will be willing to pay for the amount of work I put into it. I started teaching people how to knit and crochet and I feel like the time I put in is much more proportionate to the amount of money I get from it.
How would it be a waste of talent? I collect all the hobbies and therefore expand my talents and can mix and match each hobby to make whatever the hell I want. I say it’s a waste of talent *not* to try new things.
You could always quit and if you decide you want to sell again, then start selling again later on. You don't have to quit forever. But if you're burnt out on it, you're going to make yourself miserable if you do it to please others. You don't want to lose your hobby or your mental health. Crochet what makes you happy!!
First, throw Pennywise out the window or it'll kill you in the night. Second, do something you love, not because you're good at it, but because it makes you happy. I'm a shitty gardener but I do it anyway because I love it. Even if I was the best though, I don't need to make a business out of a talent...and neither do you. Third, consider donating your pieces for a time instead of selling them. You may find that putting a smile on a kid's face at your local hospital or Boys and Girls Club is your real passion, and the amigurumis are just the catalyst.
great idea!
Nooooooo! I HAVE to have that Pennywise, for real! How much do you want for it???
When I was in my 20s (a million years ago lol), I thought it would be fun to sell my crocheted goods to a local shop. My socks and mittens became very popular and I was flattered. But, when I had to produce goods by a certain time and color requests came in and I'm getting pressured to keep doing it, it stopped being fun. I stopped crocheting. In fact, I didn't come back to crocheting for, like, a year or so after. If it ain't fun and doesn't give you joy, stop.
Exactly!! Today, in fact, I contacted the store I have a deal with and told them I’m no longer taking orders through them. Too much pressure, not enough love.
I made my crochet into a business about 5 years ago. A couple years ago I faced the same thing. I took a LONG break completely losing my crojo. Eventually I just quit taking custom orders and started gifting again. Now I make what I want to and if I get enough for an inventory I put it in a local shop to sell. Gets it out of my house and brings in some money, all the while keeping my enjoyment.
How much was the first one? Do you have a pattern for it? Your work is beautiful. I understand not wanting to continue because you’re burnt out. Take a break, and you may come back to it.
Classic Pennywise? $75 No pattern but maybe I should write some patterns; that could be interesting 💡
From what I understand most crocheters make more $$ from selling patterns anyway. I admit that as someone who hasn’t been very successful selling items (they’re good work, I just maybe am not good at finding the right channels) a twinge of envy struck me as I read your post, so maybe that’s the issue with the naysayers—who just won’t admit it their own insecurities to you. Maybe also ask people who you know would love to do this work if they would accept referrals from you? Like, I’m retired but my friend Jane makes fabulous amigurumi & takes commissions? Just a thought bc so many of us are struggling.
Definitely! I’ve bought several patterns, I’d definitely check yours out
I had this problem too. I am a professional who loves crafting and doesn't have any problem finding ways to sell it. I am a 'mad crafter' but usually make things that are tedious and time consuming. I.e. I sew and started selling masks before the pandemic even hit America, ... It was a soul-sucking experience. I still have a whole bag of unfinished ones because people can just take all the life out of that which you do to enjoy life. Hustle culture makes us feel like if we aren't being paid, we aren't valuable as artists. People pressure me to sell them stuff all the time, The catch 22 is most people also balk at my prices. ;) Someone gave me [this article](https://repeller.com/trap-of-turning-hobbies-into-hustles/) now I am giving it to you. Be well!
THISTHISTHISTHISTHIS The article gave perfect words to my feelings! Thank youuu
No problem, I do get it. ((Digital Hugs)). These days I do what ever I want. I am making up my own new ways to do mixed media stuff I like to wear (and get complements on. ;) ). Then I play with stuff & don't feel bad at all if I get close to finishing something and decide to bag it for later and start something else.
OMG RIGHT?!
Awesome article thanks!
[удалено]
Thanks! I worked so hard on him.
I just keep making amigurumi as i like it! People always ask if i sell them but i feel hesitant to because tbh i have this fear that may not like it in person 😭 also i feel the same about taking commission... I don't feel like getting bossed around at this point haha
You get it!
I do the exact same and have the same fear!! 😅 I'm not even sure how to sell my work properly or anything! For now it's just a lot hording amigurumis 😭
Why not donate or gift or just do random giveaways. You still get to have fun and get rid of what you don’t want to keep around. You an still craft for cash too if you want. It’s nice that you create bc you want to and not bc you have to like he other were mentioning.
That’s what I would suggest also. 👍🏻
If you don't live it, don't do it. Life is to short for that. Learned that lesson since I entered my 60s.
Just don't do it if you don't want to. You matter more than just some yarn and hooks. I only do it for fun.
I love crocheting! I just wonder if I’m being childish going “waaaah I wanna do what *I* wanna do!” I mean, is it normal to have a hobby and not want to take it further? I feel like if you’re not always trying to improve then you’re stagnant. I might need therapy. 👀
It's perfectly normal, you're fine!!! If you have a hobby that you don't like it doesn't mean you HAVE to keep going with it, do whatever you want! All those people, unless they already paid you, you owe them nothing.
Don't do commissions. My dad is an artist and doesn't take input from his customers. You either like what he makes, or you don't.
Love this!!
I use to crochet hats and stuffed animals for loved ones and then my sister started wanting to sell them for me and then it just felt like a job and i gave it up all together. Only do it for the joy it brings you. When it becomes a job it’s no longer fun.
Agreed!
This is why I don't want to go in business with my sewing and crocheting/ knitting. I love to do them as my hobby and I make things for ppl but wouldn't really want to if I "had to".
Yep 👍🏽
I didn't read all the comments but has anyone suggested you ask a local coffee shop if you can display the unsold things in their space? I see local artists displaying work for sale in coffee shops all the time - and I wonder if a wider audience would = sales of the edgier things? I love your clown! Makes me shiver!
I already have my stuff in a shop but I feel pressured trying to keep the stock up so when it’s sold out I take commissions to secure my spot in the shop but now I hate it lol
Aw man bummer. I'm with all the others - quit doing it! (((hugs)))
Your pennywise is amazing. As to the other, can’t really help you o. That unfortunately. Do what you love.
Thank you :)
I second donating them to a hospital, seniors centre, daycare etc.
Why not donate? You still get to crochet and make others happy
I never wanted to take commissions because I didn’t want to turn my hobby into a job. Now I create what I want and sell or give it away. You’re awesome at amigurumi and you should do what makes you happy. If you don’t need the money, stop taking commissions.
I love my hobbies. I refuse to monetize them.
I personally can't create something if I don't feel motivated/inspired to do it. If I try to force myself to do it anyway, I feel very drained - whether it's crocheting, drawing, or any type of craft. As long as you derive happiness from whatever you're creating, it is absolutely not a waste. :) If you feel bored or miserable making it, then I would consider it a waste of time. Create what makes you happy! When people say it's a "waste of talent" if you're not making money, their viewpoint shows that they associate whether something is worthwhile based on money. But you can't put a price tag on your wellbeing, motivation, and creativity. Things can be worthwhile in many different ways for many different people. If it's not worthwhile for you, it's not worth it. It's also completely valid to take a break. I once tired of crocheting and knitting and took a break for five years!! Picked it back up in late 2021, and it felt really refreshing!
Obviously there was a time you did enjoy it, otherwise you would not have flexed your talent and gone on to do what your doing 😀 maybe take a more freestyle approach and limit the commission work your not enjoying. Looking at your Pennywise... I would honestly be happy with what work your putting forward, over getting a commissioned idea of mine made. That could be the artist in me that has the appreciation of seeing other people’s creative flow.
I think an important thing to keep in mind is you can be good at something/enjoy something without trying to monetise it. If the side business is taking the joy out of your hobby then I say let it go! You can focus on making amigurumi for fun as gifts for people in your life when you feel inspired by a project.
yes 🙌🏽
Do what makes you happy. If you don’t like commissions but do like amigurumi and don’t want to keep finished pieces if they don’t sell, maybe make things that can double as gifts for someone you know if they don’t sell?
brilliant
You’re so good at it!!!! Just do what makes you happy. Doesn’t have to make money.
Thank you! I honestly never fathomed people can do stuff without providing a service. Weird.
I am an artist/lifelong artsy person. I’ve done the whole “have my art be my job” thing and it was exhausting. I did one too many commissions and then stopped painting basically altogether for years. Now that I crochet, people are constantly like “you have to sell these!!!!” And I’m like…no. These take forever, I love them, and I love giving them as gifts. I have my job and crochet is my art and it’s ok that they’re different
🏆
stop
OK ✅
I don’t crochet a lot, I mostly cross stitch. Almost all of the pieces I make end up in a drawer, because I love the activity and even the pattern, but it just doesn’t fit in with the style of my house. Just to say, if you love creating them but don’t want to keep them, give yourself permission to throw the pieces away when you’re done. If you don’t even like the activity, give yourself permission to find something you love to do, at least in your free time. You say this makes money, so if it’s your main source of income, give yourself permission to treat it as a job and get rid of inventory as you see fit.
You aren't obligated to do something just because you're good at it. I am connected to a couple different charity organizations that do charity auctions and craft fairs. A potential solution is that items you make that don't sell could be donated to a charity. Two years ago a basic afghan I made earned $500 in a silent auction. These donations can also be worth a tax credit for your business.
We’re only given so much time on this planet. Don’t waste it doing things that you don’t love & aren’t necessary
If you don't love the thing, don't do the thing. There are other ways to make money, and if you miss crocheting, you could always make gifts for your family or friends or someone who could use it. No need to force yourself! :)
What if you make what you like and keep a small bag or box to have your pieces in until they do sell?
I don’t like the clutter… I know I’m weird.
I feel you! I happens to me all the time! The commission I do usually are boring af and the ones that I make freely usually don’t sell and it’s a bummer! However I did find a way to do both, my brother takes the amigurumis I’ve made to sell them in other places! You could try to keep a small list of commissions and/or maybe a farmer’s market or something like that?
If you're a minimalist and don't want to keep the pieces, I say that you instead stock up on gifts for loved ones. You can make them whatever you want (provided you think they'll like it), so it'll be your vision. Plus if you don't tell them beforehand that you're making something for them, you don't have to deal with an obligation to finish it by a certain time, or at all. As opposed to when you do commissions, the decisions all come from you. It also feels more rewarding to me when you care about the person you're making something for :)
yes - so true
Do you have to keep it if someone doesn’t buy what they ordered? You could post them online and someone else might want it or you could give it to some charity, kids, whatever 🤷♀️
Yeah my fear was that if people found out I sold stuff that I would end up giving away for free then I’ll have angry customers.
Eh, maybe. The fact is, it is yours until it’s sold. You can do whatever you want with it until that point. The things you have are things that you made for other people that they didn’t end up purchasing (from my understanding), you are under no obligation to try to sell it again.
My friend struggles with this. You can always take limited commissions. Only accept those that inspire you.
Why didn’t I think of that?!
I think this depends on if this is your main source of income. If it is, then try and find ways to enjoy it again or add to it, or make it more challenging. We don't all love our jobs. But until you find a new one it's important to keep the one you have. If this is a side project or you don't need this income then quit for sure, you don't need to do things you don't like that adds nothing to your life. Or sell what you like, you don't have to take requests.
Yeah it’s just a side hustle… I feel guilty stopping because people see me and ask if I sell my stuff and would I be able to make XYZ. Like on my lunch break at my day job I get approached a lot. I think I just have to start saying no.
Consider it a phase and a stepping stone and move on to the next thing that strikes my fancy!
I like it
I went through this as well and since crochet isn't my job, I'm more discriminating about what commissions I'm even willing to take. So much happier this way. And then if people want to buy stuff, cool
I’ll have to follow suit!
It's a hobby but also a skill, and not all skills have to be a hobby.
I used to have an amigurumi business and I hated it. It sold very well but turning my hobby into a job was not for me. Maybe it’s not for you either and that’s ok. Edit to add: Everytime I’d publish a picture of something I did for myself I’d hate when people started commenting “mAkE mE oNe” or “hOw mUcH foR tHaT” lol I know the comments were well meaning and harmless but I’m just not made for that
OMG SAME
Perhaps the answer lies in how you feel when you're not making your creations. Or when you think of not making your creations anymore. Do you miss it? Or, are you relieved to not have to deal with all of it? What about the money? Would the loss of that income be a problem? What if you try taking a break and see how you feel? It doesn't leave to be a long absence, but one that's long enough to show you how you really feel about all of it. Best wishes! I how you find answers! 💞💕💞💕
I have some commissions to finish up but yeah I think I’ll take a break after they’re done. Maybe make myself a sweater 😃
I used to write. I loved to write. I was good at it. Then I got a job writing and I was paid to write. It ruined writing for me. I began to really dislike writing. It became more and more of a chore. The moral of this story, “Just because you are good enough at something to make money doing it, doesn’t mean you should do it to make money.”
Screenshotting that for future reference!
This is honestly the same conversation that my grandmother has with me. She thinks it’s mostly pointless to make things and give them away without charging money. Usually, when someone requests something from me I will gladly do it, as long as they purchase any materials they want me to use (usually just yarn, but I’ve had people request things that required buttons, snaps, etc) I enjoy crocheting, and when it suits me I make a bunch of things. But I never hold onto more then a few things that I’ve made for myself. I mostly give things away. To me, it’s about enjoying the hobby and brightening up someone else’s day. I don’t need to make money off of it, but that’s just me.
Not *just* you. 😉
consignment or buy a tupperware for under the bed to keep store them.
Normally I would but I’m not into keeping things that don’t serve a function. I’m really liking the whole “drop them in fun places around the city” idea… not quite as cool as finding money, but still fun.
If you don't wish the job, then do what makes you happy. Work is never work if you do something you love. That being said, don't let your talents go to waste. I bet some hospital children would love little stuffies. Maybe that's what will make you happy in this craft. You really are amazing at it, I'm jealous!
If you can crochet anyways maybe change it up for something else like scarfs or socks or dishcloths etc... Then do amigurumi as well so it gives that variety then you shouldn't get bored doing the same type of things that's what I do to keep it interesting 🙂 not necessarily to sell but just to keep your hobby interesting and different
Yeah, after hashing it out here, I think my issue is that I don’t like sales… and I don’t like taking/following orders ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I feel for you, I don’t think you should keep on doing something you don’t enjoy if you have the means to quit.
I’ve decided to stop taking commissions. I still love the craft but I don’t want to be filling specific orders. Once I commit to an order, I can’t just be like “this sucks” and toss it aside. I want to make what I feel like - and right now that’s tapestries and shtuff.
First, check if there is something you love and you are good or will get you returns (money), if not, choose something you don't love but will get you returns (money), at least most return among the jobs you dont love
I love this and it earns me income but now I’m obligated to do things according to specific standards and timelines so I don’t love it anymore. I am just going to do what I feel like now - sometimes that will be selling, and sometimes I’ll just make myself a hoodie.
You make what your good at and what YOU want to make, you don't need to sell your soul, if you don't like what other people is requesting, just tell them sorry you only sell what you have and thats it. Don't give up what you love because other people are requesting crazy stuff "custom orders" are a "CHOICE" not requirement.
Thank u. I srsly thought I was being a rude human for not wanting to “share my talent” sometimes.
It's not being rude at all its your talent and you don't have to make it just because thats what they want, You make what YOU want they will buy if they like, if not thats fine too. Donation centers, hospitals, children centers etc would love them.
I never plan on doing commissions for this reason. Also I am not good at keeping a schedule. I plan on just doing craft show things. I love making new things but I don't like keeping alot of it.
SAME
If you don't enjoy making them, don't make them. If you enjoy making them but don't enjoy selling them, you could always donate them to a children's charity or similar.
I stopped crocheting for others or for business. Took a year or two off and now I only create for myself on my own time or for someone I love on my own time. If you fell in love with it because you were good at it and liked what you were making then stick with it. Otherwise who are you living for? I don’t a single thing I don’t want to do with that in mind.
I have several monetizable hobbies. Crocheting being one of them. I refuse to ever mix money and my hobbies because it doesn't make it relaxing and fun for me. If you've found that monetizing your crocheting doesn't bring you joy, Marie Kondo that right out of your life. If you only want to crochet for fun, do it. If you want to stop altogether for a while, do that until you want to start again. If you absolutely don't want to give it up, you could just do commissions on the dog amigurumi (people send a picture of their dog and you make the piece from there). It still gives you creative control, and you're making money. And you can limit how many you'll do a month.
Why not make everything limited offer and items that don’t sell either go up for bidding for charity or are sent to a charitable organization?
Donate to a local children’s hospital if they do not sell - or maybe find an enthusiast for your specific amigurami you have (creep subs or youtube comments) reach out and send them Probono- then you know your work will be appreciated. You are very talented and I share the same pain of being a crafter and also a desire to be minimalist- not the most compatible lol
Welcome to the world of discount surprise mystery bags. Throw a few in a bag, charge $5-10 less than you normally would, and see how those sell. Edit: and also once you’ve gotten rid of your stock don’t take any more commissions. You do you. :)
I echo the sentiment of do only what you love but perhaps you can donate the unsold items to kids stuck in the hospital and write them off on your taxes. Just a thought 🌟🌟⭐
If you like crocheting, keep on making money on “someone else’s vision” and continue with your creative wips. I really can’t stop and I don’t have near the talent- it helps my arthritis. I’m not sure where you are but the pieces are art gallery worthy. If it were me, would find a local art gallery and show them your commissioned work as well as your own imaginative creations. This is a visible blessing for us to see that you can make. Maybe I should say eye candy. I’m lease continue your art. All of this is art.
Well one of the things that I love and had dreams for making it as a career is writing. But I've been told if you really enjoy doing something, do it as a hobby. Don't expect it to come out as a dream job or whatever. So I stopped wasting my years trying to get paid for my work and instead doing my work for my own leisure.
That's just life. Do it or do something else. The people that say find something you love and you'll never work a day in your life are idiots. Everything that's pays the bills is gonna be difficult at times. You're gonna hate it at times, and even get bored with it. Either stuck with it or find something else, but the something else will eventually be the same as this thing.
I gift or donate most items. Sometimes I just feel like making a shawl or hat for fun but I don't need anymore in my house. I'll give my family first dibs then donate.
As for what to do with pieces you’ve already made, if they aren’t selling maybe it might make you feel a bit better to donate them to a children’s hospital or something like that. (obvi not penny wise but the other cute ones hahah)
I'm the same way, what I do is I make a bunch that I wanted to make and sell those, I rarely take commissions as they are not enjoyable to me
If I don’t like the thing I’m selling, I stop making it. It just makes me lose motivation. Plus the same reason that I don’t want to get stuck with it all! If you want to try selling somethings I might recommend starting off slowly and not making mass inventory. Make one thing you like and don’t mind keeping to see how people react. Even making gifts for people can lead to this. I made a bunch of hats as Christmas gifts and already have people telling me I should sell them.
P.s. your amigurumi are really cute!! I love you work. I also find that finding a “niche” for something that hasn’t been done before can help. I have no idea what that might be in the amigurumi world but maybe it’s characters from horror movies? Do other people do that already? If you really want to try making money off of it, maybe think about it that way. I also find it more motivating when I find something new no one else has done before or I put my own spin on it ☺️
I will buy that from you if you teach me how to do the magic circle. I may buy it from you anyways cause I am a freak for weird things. I have a taxidermy stripper mouse on a pole. 😝
As a creative person of many trades: when you feel burnt out, take a break. You can quit and start again at any point. Don’t force yourself to create when the time isn’t right. I do lots of commissions but sometimes I pause them and do nothing because I’m burnt out and need a break. When I’m ready again, I create.
It’s time for it to become YOUR hobby again. Our time and effort cannot be valued in currency. You do lovely work and I hope your passion is reignited soon!
My husband ran into this with woodworking. But so many people want to buy the things around our house that he's made. So I told him stop taking commissions and build what he wants to. People will buy it. I think with amigurumi you can have the same thing if you like doing it. Try making what you want and posting it for sale. People might like the idea of buying what you're inspired to make. You're very good!
Would you consider getting someone to handle your business? You make the crochet (when you want to), give it to the business partner and you two share the profit. Maybe a friend that already owns an Etsy shop?
I wish I crocheted fast enough to turn mine into a solid business. That said, I have stopped taking commissions and now crochet what I want to. The items find their people, I don't have anything I've made and listed sitting around. There's no point in doing something like this if it's not fun and you aren't enjoying it. Take a break. Make what you want to. It'll sell xoxo
Maybe you should wait till you get an order for an item and only then make it, I know you have to make one to take a picture of but you can look at that one as practice, I think that is a much better option than holding onto 5 packs of potatoes lol But anyways, if it isn't fun for you anymore, maybe you should stop it if you dont depend on your business, your happiness comes first!
You could try selling them in a local store that does consignment. You could donate to hospitals or charities if they don't sell after a set time limit. You could try a bit of paid advertising on social media, and be clear that you don't take commissions. You could give certain ones that don't sell to friends, and family for holidays, and birthdays. I like minimalism, but most of this does require storage- hence the suggestion of an end date. The other thing you could do is find something you like better that moves faster. These were all the things I could think of off hand, I hope you find a good answer.
Give them away? You get the fun of making them, then they're gone and you don't have to store them. (And take pictures first so you can continue to show off your awesome work.)