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Home craft business

by Ann
(San Diego)

Ultimate Knitting Machine

Ultimate Knitting Machine

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

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Knitting Machine with 2 Strands Yarn
by: Linda

Hello Sheila,

Yes there are machines that can knit with two strands of yarn. They are referred as "Bulky Knitting Machines" I do not know of any new brands but I do know Brother and KnitKing made these.

You can still find these models though but doing a search on the internet.

Just be sure to do your research and make sure the machine is clean of oil and rust and has all it's parts.

Best of luck
Linda
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		machine question
by: Sheila

Hi,I have a Felted Purse business and am suffering from Golfers elbow and thinking about purchasing a knitting machine to continue my business while my elbow heals. My question is this. Can any machine knit with 2 strands of worsted yarn at a time, since I knit most of my purses with 2 strands of yarn? Thanks, Sheila
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Earn extra money at home
by: Ann

Hello Linda,

I wanted to let you know my frozen shoulder is healed, and I am back in business. Had so much back-inventory, that I now have two local shops who carry my products.

I tried the manual knitting machine - it did not work out for me, and I returned it. I would really like to find a excellent electric knitting machine - I think you mentioned Brothers, but I have a difficult time finding them (possibly used) to purchase.

Really appreciate your support during my healing process.

Take care
Ann
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ultimate knitting machine
by: Ann

Hi Linda,

Thank you so much for responding : ) This was a knitting and crocheting business. Scarfs, ponchos, wraps, etc. The supplies were merely yarn, and I will not meet the minimum annual purchase amount due to my shoulder.

I thought at one time, if I limited my work to one hour or so per day, and stretched alot, maybe I would be okay. So I gave it a try, but my arm froze worse than before - so I have to stop for now. It can take two to three years - or more to heal a frozen shoulder, or so the doctor says.

The sweater machine is a challenge - many trials and errors to go through. So I'm taking a little break. I wish I had just bought my yarn at walmart, and not tried to push it. My advice to others is take it easy on your arm, and try out the knitting machines.

If I find a Brother on sale, or maybe find a demo to try, maybe it will be easier. Until then, I'll go back to the ultimate knitting machine in a week or so and keep trying. Thank you so much for your encouragement.

Take Care,
Ann

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Hi Ann,

Have you given any thought to writing and selling patterns? If you can knit and come up with some new easy patterns for beginners, I am sure you could than put together a beginners guide.

This would take the work off your shoulder and give you a means of income. Think of what you know about knitting and create an ebook. Maybe something like hints, tips and ideas for the beginner.

Let me know how you are doing and if I can be of any help.

Most of all heal. Do take care of that shoulder.
My best
Linda

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