If you can buy this:
do you need this?
Patterns, projects and techniques
, by jd wolfe. 10 Comments
Crocheting, a craft that weaves warmth and love into every stitch, often prompts the question: should you crochet items for family members without charging them? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it involves a delicate balance between generosity, personal boundaries, and the value of your creative work. Let’s delve deeper into this heartfelt dilemma and explore the factors to consider before making your decision.
Consideration 1: Time and Effort
Crocheting is an art that requires patience, skill, and time. Each piece you create involves careful planning, choosing the right yarn, selecting patterns, and spending hours crafting every loop. Before committing to crafting items for your family, honestly assess your schedule and the time you can realistically dedicate to these projects. Balancing your commitments and ensuring you can deliver quality work is essential to avoid overextending yourself.
Consideration 2: Value of Handmade Creations
The beauty of handmade crochet items lies not only in their aesthetics but also in the passion and creativity that go into crafting them. Your creations are unique and hold sentimental value beyond what mass-produced items offer. When considering whether to crochet for family without charging, help your loved ones understand the effort that goes into your work. Explain the value of a handmade item compared to store-bought alternatives.
Consideration 3: Your Relationship with Family
Every family is unique, and your relationship dynamics play a crucial role in your decision. If crocheting for your family members brings you joy and strengthens your bond, it might be a rewarding choice. However, if you feel that the expectation of free items might lead to misunderstandings or strained relationships, it’s important to address these concerns openly. Clear communication can pave the way for mutual understanding.
Consideration 4: Setting Boundaries
Preserving the value of your craft while showing your appreciation for your family’s support is a delicate task. Setting clear boundaries can help strike the right balance. You might consider offering a limited number of free items per year or for special occasions. Alternatively, you could provide family members with a discounted rate, which reflects your craftsmanship while still showing your love and generosity.
Consideration 5: Exploring Alternatives
Crafting for your family can be a beautiful way to showcase your talent and share your affection. To ensure a fair exchange, explore alternative arrangements. If your family members possess skills or services that you can benefit from, a barter system might be suitable. This approach promotes a sense of reciprocity and ensures that both parties feel valued and appreciated.
Open Communication is Key
Navigating the territory of crafting for family members involves open and honest communication. Engage in heartfelt conversations about your craft, your availability, and the intricacies of each project. By sharing your perspective and understanding their expectations, you can work together to find a solution that respects your creative process while nurturing your relationships.
The decision of whether to crochet items for family members without charging is deeply personal. It involves factors such as time, effort, relationship dynamics, and the value of your craft. By finding a balance that aligns with your values and the appreciation you have for your family, you can create a harmonious and meaningful approach to sharing your crochet creations with those you love most.
GJ Amber says
Not only are we retired military, but we sell our handcrafts to the military. Even if you have the camo yarn, it will not look like any of the camo outfits being currently worn. I would say ‘Yes’ you need the chart.
Ghost Wylder says
I have used many of the Camo colors and none of them, not one, ever came out like the real pattern on the uniforms and other military items. But I will also say, it you want it to come out like the chart, then don’t use camo yarn but use the different colors and chart it.
Toni says
I have used 3 different brands of camo yarn & none of them turned out like that pattern, even with making a baby outfit out of one of the yarns. I will say they do make nice afghans, I have made 3 that sold before they were done & have orders for 2 more, just using a simple ripple pattern.
Barbara says
I have to agree, I like the chart.
Patricia Steeves says
I have used many different colors of camo yarn, and none of them look anything like real camo, especially when crocheted-maybe a little closer to the real thing when knitted. Use the chart!
AnnClaire says
Hi JD,
If you want to use the yarn you have, I would suggest something like a granny square so that the colors will puddle somewhat. Cammo yarn is not meant to reproduce the actual cammo pattern, just the colors. If you want an actual cammo pattern, I agree with the others, go with solid yarns and chart it out.
However, as you described the request, I think the yarn would work fine with a granny square motif.
cheers – AnnClaire
Beverly says
I agree with the above. Use the chart and appropriate colors to match. Crocheting or knitting with the camo yarn comes out pretty but it is usually in stripes, no the way true military camo is.
Michele Bentley says
i have made several afghans with the varigrated camo yarn and the folks thatbought them(military) where pleased with the way they came out.
it actually can depend on how you hook the peice up. i did swatches with one skein to mess with to seehow the colors work together.
i like the pattern too. i would like to try it.
jd says
Michele,
Do you have any pictures of your afghan or swatches? That would be most helpful. Do you recall what hook size and stitch(es) you used?
Thanks,
jd
Meadow says
Thanks for that! It’s just the answer I neeedd.