GIVING IT AWAY

 

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 3:53:08 PM

The oversized doll is over 35 years old 
3 Rag-dolls I made (not for sale)

Today I attended a workshop related to writing, of the many take aways there was one that applies to everything I do: Be true to yourself. 

I have been knitting, crocheting and sewing for decades now, and I rarely sell what I make.I have made a few things for profit but, the pressure of having to mass produce what I do is discouraging.  I did make money selling soap but that is because my batches were so large that there was more than I could use. 

Crafting ain’t cheap, the cost of equipment, fabric, threads, and other supplies add up.

I have a Cricket Maker: Cost $300, Heat Press $100,  starter kit $70  and various accessories (card stock, vinyl, t-shirts, caps, and other items needed add up!

Machine Embroidery - The machine cost $350, my supplies include thread, stabilizer, patterns, and the medium I am going to sew on, 

Machine Sewing and Quilting- My machine was a gift the Serger cost around $250 - 

  Hand Embroidery and quilting - I have hoops of various sizes starting around $2 and up

      The supplies for sewing, quilting and embroidering  by machine or hand include: 

          Fabric  $5 a yard and up

        Thread various types depending on the project cost $5 and up 

        Needles various types depending on the project cost $2 and up 

        Stablizer

        Interfacing

        And other miscellaneous items depending on the project example: buttons and zippers  

Knitting and Crocheting Knitting needles and Crochet hooks

                        Yarn

The biggest expense is the cost of my time. I spend days, weeks and months on these projects because I do original, one of a kind pieces. From planning, purchasing supplies, execution to delivery, on any given project, if I charged what many crofters charged most people would not want to pay. The truth is store bought often cost less than homemade.  The lowest hourly rate that I am aware of is $20. 

Example: If it takes you seven hours to make a baby quilt using 3 yards  of fabric I could charge $250  I have gifted over 5 baby quilts and the fabric each with original designs, one special order with 4 different fabrics needed. 

So why do I give it away? Because I like blessing people. I enjoy when I gift something I made and someone appreciates my work. There are a few individuals who offered to pay me and I declined.; a gift is a gift. 

However, if you are going to sell your products, you need a to know what each item is worth and what you are willing to do to market it. As I enter 2026, I have request for 3 carry-all bags, that include hand embroidery, a ragdoll and a pair of wide leg pants. I do not like making clothes for other people but this is for my great aunt, she is 95 years old, and what she wants she will get! I also have to put a zipper in her carry-all bag, that was gifted to her by someone else. I have at least 3 individuals who want me to make them quilts. Yes, some will pay me! 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.