I made another shirt. Didn't turn out quite like I wanted but whatever. This is why we practice, right? Still using up the yarn I'm not thrilled with. I like the yarn just not for this. But I have like 5 pounds of it from a failed Bavarian crochet blanket. I don't necessarily buy new yarn to make prototypes, just use whats on hand. I'm thinking the cuff around the body is too large? It looks different on the dummy.
"The pattern says I can't sell what I make. Can I sell?"
If in the US, the short answer is yes. The Supreme Court ruled on this a few years ago. The author can say anything they want, they have no actual right to say you can't sell what you make from their patterns. You CAN sell what you make. You can NOT sell the pattern. The pattern is copyrighted to the author. Also, you can't just put your name on the pattern and say it's yours. This will be fund out and there will be legal repercussions.
It's good form to credit the author of the pattern when selling your makes. Something like "Handmade by (your name), pattern by (author's name)."
Do you sell at fairs? Online? Etsy?
I know there are lots of free patterns around but I still like to get books. If I like a pattern then I'll like the rest of the patterns in the book by the same person and I also get to support the artist. So it's a win-win.This is one of my favorite designers, she has so many great patterns and so many that aren't in this book. Megan Lapp is know as Crafty Intentions on Facebook, ravelry and Etsy. The patterns look like they'll kill you but I promise they're easy! Not beginner level easy but still easy. She hs so many fantasy creatures done in a unique way so you won't cringe when you see one of her patterns.
Don't forget about your local library! These can be great sources for new patterns and ideas. It's a great place to go an unwind for a bit, search through books, sit and flip through them. Or if you're still not ready to go to a pubic place, many offer curb side pick up when you reserve online. I have access to so many books through my library network. Some books I think I want to buy to keep I end up passing on when I check them out from my library and find out it's not for me, some I end up loving and get right away.
Most libraries in the US are linked to the CAT system. It's basically a nation wide system so libraries can loan out books to other libraries in other states. Shipping may take a while but it does work.
Do you go to your library often? Do you have more than one local library?
I've been trying to branch out in to more useful things with my crochet. Things other than dish clothes/dusters/etc. So I've decided to try clothes. Now I've made a few things like sweatshirts before but nothing that really needed to fit. I think starting with shirts is a good, simple idea. This is my first try. I'm not thrilled with the yarn but it's what I had one hand.
So the last yearish I've been having problems with my hands. These problems usually end with me in a brace of some sort. I can't really hold a hook so I can't crochet. Someone had suggested a "knitting machine" to use during these times. I'm not too sure but got one anyway to try it out. It is easy to use without having to be very dexterous and it does let me do yarny things when I can't crochet but it's just not the same. Also, not sure why the parts are called needles cause they're hooks.....
Have you had to adapt your crafting for an injury, illness or other? What was it and how did it work out? At the moment I'm using the "knitting machine" to stash bust and make a ton of hats and stuff for donations.
So I see a lot of people say "I just learned to crochet. I'm going to start a YouTube channel and teach people how to crochet/my patterns/etc!" Please don't do this. If you're new to crochet, or any craft for that matter, don't make a social media account to "help" or "teach" people how to do it. I would encourage a social media account to show your journey with this new craft and let people know it doesn't happen over night and takes persistence. It would be beautiful to see someone's journey and watch them get better and better! Practice makes progress!
However, it's infuriating to see someone who can't tell their ass from their elbow in a craft trying to "teach" people. Please learn the terminology, how to move fluidly and to proper way to do things. Also, if you have small kids, please try to record when they aren't screaming. I would love to see an account that blossoms from "Learn with me!" to "Here's a simple pattern anyone can do and one I started with." Instead of frustrating veterans in the craft, encourage and stand by new people. Let them know they aren't alone and they have someone to learn with. Only a newbie can fully understand, even though we were all new once, it's not the same.
Do you have a crochet social media account? Please share!
