Nittineedles

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My Craft Market Stall

Port Alberni began holding a Craft Market in 2011. When I heard about it I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to get rid of the contents of three tote boxes. A lot of it was baby items and I had been told by my children that there would be no more grandchildren forthcoming. It was only $10.00 per Sunday and if I didn't feel like going I didn't have to. I had one table available which we set up under a covered walkway. On cooler days it was downright frigid as the walkway turned into a wind tunnel. I covered my table with an old tablecloth which was totally inadequate for the size of the table. A good day at the market meant I had sold at least $10.00 worth of merchandise and broke even. There were plenty of days when I sold nothing.

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Craft Market Stall in 2011

I persevered and this year, Port Alberni Craft Market's forth year in operation, things have changed a little. I now have a shelter with walls to protect me from the sun and rain, three tables on which I display my wares, professionally made signage, generous, appealing table coverings, a custom made business card holder and a large plastic woven mat so I'm not stepping in oil or pine needles. Business is booming and I am having the time of my life.

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Craft Market Stall in 2014

PS: I thought I was all set until I saw the last photo. Now I'm thinking I need a small clothing rack to display all the sweaters and dresses hanging from the roof.

posted on July 21, 2014 7:46 PM ()

Comments:

wow well done woman i have started knitting again been doing dolls for grandies and jumpers with hoods
comment by oldroan on Aug 8, 2014 12:26 AM ()
Hopefully that customer doesn't come back.
comment by crazylife on July 23, 2014 10:53 AM ()
Keep your fingers, toes and eyes crossed.
reply by nittineedles on July 23, 2014 8:28 PM ()
Today the craft market - tomorrow the stock market!
comment by nursekim on July 22, 2014 8:57 PM ()
Never! I don't gamble.
reply by nittineedles on July 22, 2014 9:15 PM ()
I think you might be well rid of the woman with the escalating wish list for her custom pullover. Even if she found yarn for you to use, she would probably second guess everything about it once it was done. You should get at least half of your fee when you begin the work and the rest on completion.
comment by tealstar on July 22, 2014 7:16 PM ()
I learned my lesson the hard way. I don't even buy the yarn until I have a deposit in my hot little hand.
reply by nittineedles on July 22, 2014 8:11 PM ()
Around here they say that craft items can never recover the time and money spent making them. I worked some local events when my ex was selling photography. Printed t-shirts sold well, photos? LOL The typical comment one over-hears is "I could do that".
comment by jjoohhnn on July 22, 2014 5:40 PM ()
I hear a lot of, "I could do that" and even more, "I've done that". If it was all about the time and money, I wouldn't be doing this at all. I LOVE knitting. The icing on the cake is that people like my work and pay for the items they want. I take that money and buy more yarn (quality stuff), spinning wheels, drum carder, super deluxe ball winder exotic fibres to spin and any thing else that catches my eye.
reply by nittineedles on July 22, 2014 7:05 PM ()
Great news.
comment by elderjane on July 22, 2014 5:38 AM ()
reply by nittineedles on July 22, 2014 12:18 PM ()
Wonderful -- Delighted for your talent and your deserved success!
comment by marta on July 22, 2014 5:23 AM ()
Thank you.
reply by nittineedles on July 22, 2014 12:19 PM ()
P.S. Do you offer custom knitting to Craft Market browsers?
comment by tealstar on July 21, 2014 10:42 PM ()
I do. As a matter of fact I'm currently working on a commissioned shawl for a craft market customer. Sometimes it's more trouble than it's worth. Last Sunday a lady saw my Striped Hoody pullover pattern and wanted me to make one in a size 4, even though the pattern only goes up to size 3. I said, "I can do that" (just add a few stitches here and there). Then she said she didn't want a pullover. She wanted a cardigan. I said, "I can do that" (just leave off the kangaroo pouch and make two half fronts instead of one whole). Then she said she wanted it in the exact same colours as the picture on the pattern and I said, "I don't have any of that yarn left. You find some yarn you like and I'll knit the sweater." As I didn't tell her what the yarn requirements were I'm pretty sure I won't be hearing from her again.
reply by nittineedles on July 22, 2014 12:16 PM ()
It's great that the Craft Market is working out and, best of all, you're having a good time.
comment by tealstar on July 21, 2014 10:40 PM ()
Your stall would fit in great here at any of the many undercover markets that operate all year, $10 is the usual charge cheaper if its a permanent stall
comment by kevinshere on July 21, 2014 9:18 PM ()
Comparable as $10.00 AUD is $10.08 CAD.
reply by nittineedles on July 22, 2014 12:23 PM ()
I'm so glad to hear that the craft stall is prospering.
comment by troutbend on July 21, 2014 8:24 PM ()
Each year has been a bit better than the previous. I just might be doing this for some time to come.
reply by nittineedles on July 22, 2014 12:24 PM ()

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