The Crocheting Mom

I started crocheting years ago as a means to stay awake long enough to watch a movie at night with my husband.  Fast forward about 5 years later and I've made that hobby into a business.  I'm here to tell you that, YES, you can make money with crocheting.  It's amazing how these days you can make money doing your hobby, what you love to do.  I'm proof that it's possible.  Don't get me wrong though, there will be work involved, but as I continually tell myself with each new venture, you have to start somewhere!

I love craft fairs.  It is so much fun to get out there and meet your customers face to face, and to let everyone see your wonderful creations first hand.  That being said, they are not easy.  There is a LOT of planning to do before hand to make sure everything is ready for that day.  Between figuring out what items you want to show off, and what equipment you'll need to have with you, you're sure to forget something.  I have compiled an all inclusive check list with tips and necessities to get you ready for those money makers, I mean craft fairs!

Guest post by Jason (aka The Crocheting Mom’s silent IT Specialist, Web Designer, Critic, and Husband) First, thank you for your interest in following my wife and joining us on this quest called raising kids, building a small business, and all the while keeping our sanity in check.  Second, I’m very sarcastic, but I love my wife and her drive to grow this business. So how did I end up with yarn and crocheted inventory in my master bedroom, crocheted work-in-progress by our living room couch, and pieces of excess yarn throughout the rest of the house? Easy… I’m married to The Crocheting Mom.

Do you need more energy during the day?  I know, that's just a silly question.  It's more rhetorical than anything.  Whether your a parent, a student, or just someone who works hard for the money..(sorry, had too), we all need a little pick me up throughout the day.  There are many people who have a strong aversion to coffee, and some who can only drink maybe one cup of it a day.  Then there are people who LOVE tea, and people who can't stand it, like me.  So what is one to do, when one has had enough coffee, and doesn't like tea?  I have the answer for you!

It’s that time of year again. All of us crocheters love craft fairs, getting out there to meet fans and fellow makers. The problem is the weather starts warming up, and suddenly our best sellers change. Cold-weather items (hats, scarves, thick blankets) don’t feel like “must-haves” in spring and summer, even if they’re adorable. Warm weather shoppers lean toward lighter, practical items and quick gifts, especially anything that feels seasonal, kid-friendly, or useful right away. I’ve been to quite a few craft fairs now, so I feel like I can help with this shift. I usually opt out of spring/summer fairs because the sales don’t always cover babysitter fees and my sweet, precious time. That being said, I have noticed what does sell. Here are 9 crochet items (with pattern links) that tend to do well at warm-weather craft fairs.

I love Melissa and Doug products! They are so well made, and are very educational and developmentally appropriate for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.  As an affiliate with Melissa and Doug, they have given me permission to let you all know about an amazing deal they are having right now!!!!  By clicking on my link posted in this article, you will receive 20% your total order over $50!! Those are amazing savings.  Hint, Hint:  It's never too early to start Christmas shopping!!

Do you have picky eaters?  I know I do!  Making meals for them is sometimes just plain torture.  I have three children, and at dinner time, not one of their plates matches another!  It can be so nerve racking at times! I just have to take a step back, and know that it is important that if I am giving them options, at least they are healthy.  The most important thing, though, is that they have protein on their plates. 

Craft fair crocheters are always looking for new products to sell at their events, as am I. I have done a good amount of fairs and have learned the ins and outs of what sells and what doesn't. From what I have experienced, people are usually just at fairs and farmer's markets to browse. They don't necessarily have the intent to buy. Coming to your event with only high-priced items is definitely not a smart move.

When my husband and I first started talking about having children, we both agreed, we would be completely happy with whatever extra-curricula activity they chose to do, as long as they picked something.  And so far, we have followed that belief.

         All parents know how expensive babies and children can be, having to buy diapers, wipes, food, toys, etc.  Why not save as much money as you can by making your own baby wipes.  If you use one tub of wipes per week, your family will spend, on average, $123.24 (based on huggies wipes at $2.37 for 64 wipes). Wouldn't you rather pay only $30.81 for the same amount of wipes per year?  Here's an easy way you can make these at home.