Measuring matters
On measuring and tracking what matters, CraftDoodling Designs updates, etc.
About ten years ago, I was selling handmade crochet items. A friend had visited and was admiring all the things I had made and asked me how long it took for me to make a headband. I don't remember my reply. Then he quickly launched into a mental calculation of the number of items I could make in a day, what I should be charging to make an income of X amount, etc., and suggested that I should probably look at opening an Etsy shop after some market analysis. 📈
While my friend saw my crochet hobby as a potential business opportunity, I had a different view of it. I had just decided to quit my 12-year IT career 🧑💻 to care for my two young children. We were also looking at moving halfway across the world.🌐 Crocheting was something I did to distract myself and I was delighted there happened to be a few people who were interested in buying from me.
In whatever spare time I could manage in my day, I filled in orders as they came, making headbands, ear warmers, hair barrettes, bags, baby clothes, keychains. I taught myself to sew 🪡 and took orders for lining crochet bags from my other maker friends as well. I had participated in three craft fairs in that 2-year period. I had also written and released a couple free crochet patterns just for fun, and was trying to get better at knitting. 🧶
Looking back at that time now, I am pleasantly surprised by the variety and number of things I had managed to accomplish. I don’t remember the details of what items sold well, what was in high demand, how I priced them, etc. 🤷 But I certainly made some money. Could I have done better by setting up a specific, measurable goal and working methodically towards it? Maybe!
✨But then what I remember most about these days is how I designed my days around my toddler's schedule, how he loved beads and 'tich markers' and was very excited about the sound of the sewing machine.
✨As orders kept coming through each others’ referrals, I remember some very kind comments and feedback from my customers, and I am ever so grateful that I had orders to fulfill until even the very last few days before our family had to move.
Would it have been the same way if I had focused on strict business metrics and goals? I don't know. At that time I was just grateful to be able to stay with my children when they needed me and have a somewhat paying hobby for distraction.
That's right. My kids were the focus, while the hobby-business was a distraction. I would have made myself miserable if I had switched things around. I am saying all this in retrospection, but at that time it was mostly gut feeling.
However, things have changed since then. 🙂 Now that I have been designing patterns consistently for a few years, I have tried to measure and track various technical and business aspects of pattern making - quality and clarity of patterns, feedback from testers and customers, what kind of patterns are welcomed at different seasons, balancing pricing and accessibility to name a few.
My own personal experience is that once you start measuring something you cannot remain neutral. 🌡️ Measuring gives you direct insight into your own actions and habits, that can be used to make informed decisions and to improve your situation.
My thumb rule is to just measure a handful of things that actually matter and make sense to me at the current stage of life. There is no one right way to do it. Too much of tracking doesn't work for me and I believe ultimately, the most valuable things in life cannot be quantified. ❣️
The internet is full of advice and examples about measuring and tracking that people undertake for their personal growth and achieving their goals. I am eager to hear about things you keep track of and how they help you. ♥️ Please leave a comment.
CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES
I’m planning to release Pretty Little Brioche Scarf on March 7th. It is a beginner-friendly brioche scarf that comes in 3 sizes. I love small accessories and designing this one was a lot of fun. My testers have made some lovely scarves as well. I can’t wait to show them all to you. 🥰
PLBS Scarf - Coming on March 7th I have started working on two other designs and a few class ideas. But none of them are shareable yet, sadly. I will keep you posted as I make some progress on them.
FEATURED PATTERN
Esse shawl is one of my earlier shawls when I started experimenting the long and shallow shawlette/scarves for smaller accessories. I designed Esse with a cable & lace stitch pattern that I loved. 😊
Do you like this shaping or prefer larger shawls? Let me know!
Esse is available on Ravelry and Payhip for download. ❤️
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE
Currently reading 📚
Code Name Hélène - Ariel Lawson
Just finished reading 📚
Something in the water - Catherine Steadman
Watchmen - Alan Moore
Until next time,
Kavitha. ♡
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As my daughter is debating turning her craft hobby into a business - especially since her job may be disappearing - I've found this full of helpful counsel. I'm passing it on to her.
As for shawls, with spring approaching I love the long and shallow shape. It makes it possible for me to wear a hand knit without melting!
I really appreciate your thoughts about measuring, and why to do it. Thank you! Also, I like the long, narrow shawlette shape- I find the easier to wear. The simple brioche scarf is so pretty, and it looks like it would work for different gauges too.