Home craft business

by Ann
(San Diego)

Linda,

I'm so happy I have found you. I started my home craft business in the Fall 2007 (The Bonnie Craft Shoppe).

I worked so hard the first three months to keep up with the demand of purchase amount (for each year the company wants me to spend $1,200).

I worked very hard, now I have a frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). I have just started to research the knitting machines since I won't be able to knit or crochet by hand for about three years (and then for family only so I don't re-injure my shoulder).

I think you are right about using a simple machine to start with. I think I will buy the ultimate sweater machine (deluxe) - perhaps at michaels with a 50% off coupon ?

I will buy a smaller machine also. I've heard we can make granny squares with a knitting machine ? but I haven't found a pattern yet. I have just joined your site, but I'm not going to give up just yet. I'm going to read and learn and keep trying.

Can you tell me the best way to successfully sell my products ? I've tried craft fairs - and sold little (wraps, ponchos, scarfs, etc.), but now - I am moving on to afghans (it seemed this is what everybody asked for).

Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge. Take Care, Ann.
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Hi Ann,

The home craft business can be difficult to break into if you don’t have contacts. But there are many ways to get started and it looks like you found one although it sounds like you over did it. I do not quite understand what business you were in that cost you $1,200.00 per year. Is this including supplies, or was it plus supplies? Was it knitting and crochet or other crafts?

I am sorry you hurt your shoulder; we do tend to overwork when we are working our own business. You mention buying a knitting machine. Please be aware this also takes plenty of shoulder action pushing the carriage back and forth. So please let yourself heal completely before attempting this.

You mention an Ultimate knitting machine to start with. Yes I have heard of them but have never owned one so I can’t say one way or another as to how good they are for continuous production work. I have always owned Brother machines because they were very sturdy and held up to the constant work.

Maybe we will hear from others that own the Bond knitting machine and they can tell us how they hold up. I do know some love them and some do not. But than that is true with any brand.

As far as making crochet granny squares on a knitting machine, I can’t say. Of course you can make any size square you want in about any design you care to create but it will always be knit not crochet and I don’t know if you can make it resemble crochet or not.

Afghans are great made up on a knitting machine. You can make them up fast and have beautiful designs from lace to weave and more. (Again this is from my machine experience). There are lap robes for the sports fans, hats, scarves and mittens. Slippers, booties and baby blankets for gift items. All make up beautifully and quickly on a knitting machine. Knitting machines was my main bread and butter.

I know there is a lot of “I don’t know” and “ifs” in this message but there is not enough information for me to comment on certain aspects of your business.

I hope we hear from many others that are working their own craft business or in the process of beginning one.

Glad you found Knitting n Crochet, we want to share business, charity and pattern ideas here.

Hopefully you will find the information that will be of help to you.

Linda