Now you know

[swapnae]

why I'm a Misfit (my blogging name)...I went into a bookstore the other day and asked nicely for crochet books. I was told that nobody does crochet much because crochet products are available so cheaply here. I could get lots of embroidery books if I wanted...

Trust me to pick the one hobby which can never be a paying one in India:blush

 

To underline this, today we went to a craft fair here and as usual there was a stall with crochet (all thread) items for sale. It makes you cry, but a 4 ft by 5 ft tablecloth sells for as little as Rs 150 (about US$ 3.60), while dresses for little girls are available at Rs 35 (less than a dollar, about 84c).

That tablecloth would probably take me a year to make!!!:sweat

 

My husband says, (only half-jokingly) "You better give up this hobby of yours, it has no economic/practical value)....":ohdear

 

What is a misfit to do?!

 

I really envy all those living in places where they can actually sell things they make/give things to people who could use them.

 

I am weird!

[TepperWear]

Well, it's a little different in the USA but not much. I live in NYC and if you go down to Chinatown or to any streetfair you can find ponchos etc for much cheaper than I could sell one for. Granted, they're mass produced so alot of people will have the same thing, whereas mine are one of a kind, but still. People don't care about that. Everyone is looking for a bargain. Just be glad that you're not the woman who made that tablecloth.

[swapnae]

Just be glad that you're not the woman who made that tablecloth.

 

Well, actually, as I mention around the net, these things are made by rural/traditional craftspeople, for whom it is the only means of livelihood. They obviously tend to work a lot faster than I ever could. Someone supplies them the raw material and buys the finished stuff from them. The tradition started with some American missionaries who taught these women (their forebears) the craft.

[crochetdiva]

Oh my, I would love to buy several tablecloths from the dear lady that made them and pay her more than she is asking. It would cost a fortune and take me a lifetime to make one. I think I need to travel to India. My husband's first wife made and sold a tablecloth many years ago for $1200. A bit steep, but it was amazing and took six months to make. I wouldn't spend that much on anything my children could ruin with one easy spill. But I am glad she was paid so well for it.

[Sabra]

Yarn and such being relatively expensive here, I am certain I could buy crocheted products for the same price, if not less, than I could make them for. I just cannot force myself to buy something I can well make myself. It's similar if you sew. For the price of thread, notions, & fabric, you can probably buy something ready-to-wear cheaper...But it's the difference in having pride of creation or not.