Last month I was at the barn knitting ringside while D#2 had her lesson. I was working on a pair of Retro Rib socks done in the Trekking XXL. Another rider’s Dad was sitting there as well and we were happily chatting away. He said something or other about the socks and how nice they were and how he wouldn’t mind having a pair of handknit socks himself. I asked him what he would pay for a pair of handknit socks. He gave it some thought and said he would pay $15. In no way was he hinting around for me to knit him a pair — this truly was a simple conversation and he was amazed to hear how much yarn costs. If you can suspend for a moment the amount of labor involved, most people have no idea how much yarn costs these days.
I realize that I have blogged on this topic in the past. Further, I realize that I get a bit emotional when it comes to this subject and I start to rant and wind up sounding like a shrill harridan. I will say that I get asked to knit for other people on the average of twice a month. It is tiring.
How much is that sweater in my knitting bag? With the holiday season approaching, I would like to direct your attention here.
purlingswine 
I completely agree. Although I don’t have nearly the talent as you and your ladies, I do whatever I do for myself. When I was in one of my “creative moments” in jewelry, many told me to go into business. I always declined because then it was not the labor of love and would take all the joy out of my creations.
I am reminded of a quote by Elizabeth Zimmerman “A well made sweater, knitted with good will and good wool, is beyond price…”
I don’t knit much for other people. I am going to knit my dad a sweater – but he insisted on buying the yarn. Which is fine with me.
Everything I’ve ever given away has been beyond appreciated, so it feels good.
Totally right though – to do it for pay would probably take the fun out of it and would cost a hell of a lot of money.
$15 for socks? can you even buy that at the store when the socks is also pure wool? anyway… thanks for your comment at my blog.
To me it’s as important as sex. If I love you I’ll give it to you for free (or maybe just if you have a nice ass). If you ask me for it for free, then you think it’s of little value and if you offer to pay me for it, I think we all know what you’ve just called me.
Of course I’m psycho …
first, may I say I LOVE rabbitch’s analogy! I don’t know who you are, but right on sister! And second, ( in the cowardly lions voice) The nerve of that guy!
I always give knitted stuff away. Certainly not my aran sweaters but I happily knit and gift baby items, scarves, bags…whatever. Socks, they’d have to be pretty special. The person–not the socks!@!