Sunday, May 1, 2011
To Make the Dress or Not
Ok I am asking for advice..There is a lady who called me up. She had read the newspaper article about me. Apparently she saved it too. Anyway she would like me to make a baby dress for her. I have no problem making the dress..she needs it in 2 weeks..not really a problem there either. My problem is how much to charge her..So to my friends and followers, If I am to make the dress..she will buy the yarn and all ribbons and frills..she wants it in a size 18-24mo..I figure the cost of yarn alone to be about $45..SO the question is this..How much should I charge her? I can't post a pic it is too big..but you can find the pattern at http://www.crochetgarden.com the name of the pattern is Charlotte Belle. I look foward to hearing your suggestions..thanks so much
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13 comments:
We were discussing the same problem on Australiacrochet, it is always a problem..
I am sure someone will come up with an answer for you :))
Perhaps you could go to a babywear shop and ask the proprietor what they would charge to make such a dress. I know that some years back I read a list of charges (out of date now) that charged by the ball.
Vikki, I looked at the picture of the dress and it is so adorable. How precious would that look on a little girl??? If the lady is buying all the yarn and ribbons, could you charge an hourly rate for your work? I don't know how many hours it would take to crochet, but crocheting with your skill level is craftmanship, an artist's work and we are not talking minimum wage here. Could you give that some thought and come up with a charge per hour? Also, another thought, what would a hand crocheted dress cost retail? I would dearly love to see the dress when you finish it. Do you know what colors she chose? It will be an heirloom for sure! Thanks for you kind comments on my posts. Hope your decision will ocme easily for you.
Vikki, I must be bleary eyed from a migraine yesterday! Made two typos in my previous comment. Anyway, that is my excuse....
Hi, thanks for popping over, in answer to your question, I love using this brand bamboo yarn it so incredibly soft, I use it for the booties I make aswel. I have made another cardi in this and have handwashed it loads of time and it still looks lovely. The only down side is it makes up quite big so bear this in mind when choosing hook size. So glad you popped over and I've now found your lovely blog. xx
Hi there! I looked on the web awhile after reading your post..the dresses I've found most simliar to the Charlotte Belle were priced between $100 and $185. The higher price being for larger sizes..the lower price being for infants..
As crafters I think because we enjoy it so much and because we sometimes doubt our "abilities" for lack of a better word we don't put the right value on our work. Heres an example that might help you..I use to make Diaper Cakes for my friends when they had a baby shower to go to.(diaper cakes are in no way compared to crochet items) I had too many to do one time and a friend bought one at a craft store..she paid $65 for it..and I made them for nothing, they just bought the supplies..which didn't cost much at all. The point of the story being just because something comes easy to us doesn't mean it isn't worth a lot to others..don't doubt yourself and make sure you get compensated for your "gift". Hope my long winded story helps :) I hope you let us know what you decide and to certainly see this beautiful work of art once your finished..(if you decide to do it)
Thanks to all who have helped me with some insight..I will post a pic of the dress and let you all take a gander when it is complete..thanks again ..Vikki
&75.00 that's a tank of gas, so you can come visit your sister.
Love ya'
3 times the price of yarn. That's what I use to charge for my craft stuff! I would go to the round figure, because it is a special order.
Love you!
Mom (just my thoughts)
Just looked at the dress.. it is beautiful.
MOM..
Hi Vikki,
I just checked back to see if you had decided to make the dress and read your comment. How is it coming along? The dress is just so pretty, can't wait to see it. What colors did the lady choose?
Happy Mother's Day! Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Vicki,
Sounds like the square foot garden is for you, of course if you want to garden. Take a look into it. It is basic, mine is 4 x 4
16 cubic feet inside the box to plant..you add your own GOOD soil..
Happy day..Ultimate Doily book came in today...with the pattern I have been just drooling to make...
Gentle Wind...what a lovely name...I have to run to Michaels today to get yarn.....enjoy your day..oops I meant thread...
Too many women undervalue their time and efforts when they sew, knit or crochet for others.
A sad but wise seamstress once told me that if the creator undervalues her time and effort, it sets the bar very low. Women who need to support themselves with their needlework often wind up only getting a dollar or two an hour for their wage. On the other hand, charging too much may price one out of a commission.
So, the happy medium? How about minimum hourly wage as a guide, on top of the cost of materials? Keep track of your time spent on the dress and charge accordingly. If you can make a good guess as to how long you'll be crocheting, come up with an estimate for your client.
Commercial operations also figure in overhead so they'll keep afloat. This would include pro=rated percentages of electricity, working space and tools. Home workers may just figure in wear and tear on tools, special lighting, etc.
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