Monday, October 06, 2008

That was then

How many times has this happened to you? Someone finds out you knit and the next words out of their mouth is...

..."Will you make me..."
..."I want you to knit me..."

I find this happens quite often. Some of the time, I tell people if I have time I will make them whatever it is they are asking. And more often I tell people I don't have the time, but if they want me to teach them to knit, I would be more than happy.

Unfortunately most of the time it is family members who expect knitted items whenever they see something they like and know I can make it.

About six months or so ago my mom told me to make asked me to make her a mobius. At the time I told her I didn't have the time and I would make it when I can. Well that was then.

I finally had time to make the mobius for her.

Mombius

Mombius2

I will probably give it to her for her birthday next month (if I don't forget I have it and get her something else).

I am really curious though, do a lot of people ask you to knit or make things for them when they find out you knit/craft. And if they do, how do you handle it?

5 comments:

CraftyGryphon said...

Heh. I've had complete strangers ask me to make them something, figuring it would be "cheaper" than buying it in the store. They're quickly disabused of this notion. (Typical exchange: "Well, it's about $150 for the yarn, and I charge $15 an hour - which is half my hourly rate, really, since I'm really slow, so something like this poncho would cost you about $850 to $1,000." "You're kidding." "Nope." "Nevermind.")

Family KNOWS I'm slow, and any that doesn't, I ask "Okay, sure - will you still want it in four years, after I've saved up for the materials and had time to finish it?" Very seldom do they decide to risk it! (This might not work if your family knows you knit quickly, though.)

Anonymous said...

Hi,Hon. It's good to see you posting a photo or two on flickr these days.
So, about your question; I whittle, and I get that question all the time. I couldn't get what it's worth to whittle something. It's a labor of love or it just doesn't work. It's way too hard and time consuming. I have to be in the mood or it doesn't work either. So I just have to say that. And people get miffed. Unreal, huh? And btw, I'm wearing the socks you made for me right now. =)

French Nanny said...

Yes, people ask me all the time. Recently I was asked if I could knit a dog coat as the ones in the pet shop were so expensive, and last week (5 weeks to Christmas) a friend asked if I could knit her a gold 'cardigan sort of thing' like her sister has... knit in fine yarn, etc., etc. To be ready for her to go away with, for Christmas.
I always say the same thing - if possible before they ask - that I don't do commissions - I just have too many other things to do. Then I tell them how expensive yarn is, and how many hours the project would be likely to take!
Usually they start by saying 'I wanted to ask you a favour...' and I cut in with 'if you're going to ask me to make something for you, I don't do commissions'.

Michelle said...

CraftyGryphon ~ Something similar happened to me a couple of years ago. When I told the person that the yarn itself was over $180, they looked at me in disbelief. They must hav thought all yarn was under $5 and acrylic.

Camille ~ I hope the socks are keeping you warm. The kids are loving the rainstick, especially Little Monkey. He listens to it with me everyday.

Pearlyqueen ~ That is a good standard response, "I don't do commisions." I am going to have to try that.

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