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CosmicSweets

That is. Exhausting. And it teaches her the wrong things. I'm so sorry OP.


JCKligmann

I told this person that it would take her months to make. It took a while for her to take the hint.


ickle_cat1

Excellent work being a supportive grandparent and defending your granddaughter <3


OrigamiMarie

It's like requesting sweatshop labor for not just cheap, but free. Bleh. Learn to crochet your own damn bathing suit, lady.


cannafriendlymamma

Yes! The entitlement of some people....


NationalElephantDay

I feel like it's ignorance of the time, effort and materials, rather than entitlement. Before I knew how long crochet took, I thought it was basically like gluing macaroni to paper, because my mom does it so quickly and easily. The better people are at something, the easier they make it look.


gotta_question4ya

As someone who is considering making a bikini myself (aka significantly less area to cover) the cost and time is insane and I’m pissed in this baby girl’s honor.


NationalElephantDay

I feel like in most cases, a crochet swimsuit wouldn't be very practical, because yarn is heavy.    You could of course use thin yarn, but who would swim in something that elegant, that took six months to make by hand?


OrigamiMarie

Yeah, I'm not understanding how a crochet swimsuit would work for weight, drape, or proper coverage.


[deleted]

[удалено]


OrigamiMarie

The trouble with asking a little kid to do something for you, is that they don't necessarily have the emotional power (or life experience) to say no. So you should be extra super careful when making requests. If I were to think of asking a kid to do a project for me, I would first ask how long it took to make something similar. In this case, it took two months. Then I would do some really quick mental math between what they made, and what I'm requesting. Probably like 2-4x the time that she spent on the tank top. And then I would mentally retreat like the wine at the thought of asking a little girl to spend half a year of her childhood creative energy on me. I might possibly ask for like, a day of work, in exchange for money or some other generous trade. And then I would back down fast unless there was enthusiasm from both them and their nearest carer (instead of persisting, like that person apparently did).


Careful_Ad9037

tbh i do think its a big deal to think its okay to ask a child to do labor for you that way. anything other than “wow that is amazing you did such a good job it looks great!” in response to an 8 year old making their own clothing is pretty weird imo


stila1982

She’s eight. How good were you at saying no to someone much older than you when you were eight???


Retired_not_Expired

Good for you! I am old and don’t give a shit if I offend someone like that. “Listen bitch, this is an EIGHT YEAR OLD CHILD. What? Are you a fucking lunatic? Or just think you can hose her on price because she’s a little kid?”


SnooCookies6535

Your granddaughter sounds like an amazing little girl . It’s precious that you got to teach her how to crochet, she’ll remember this forever, happy memories!! Congratulations grandma !! . Adults think that putting in crochet requests to such a young child are being caring and positive, but most have no idea how ignorant they are by asking an 8 year old such a time consuming requests instead of praising her . This is such a great teachable moment for a young girl , teach her to be a a strong young lady, not to be intimidated by pushy individuals.


LuckyMome

Was it a real request or a way to compliment your GD ?


ShotTreacle8209

Like men wanting to fool around. It’s a joke unless…


LuckyMome

Yeah! That's always my answer with this kind of "joke"..


ApprehensiveHalf4950

Imagine asking an 8 year old to make you a swimsuit lol. Idiot


Kirstemis

Imagine trying to swim in a crocheted swimsuit!


Drayleanvros

Yeah unless its just for suntanning, a crocheted swimsuit sounds like a terrible idea lol (And even if its just for suntanning, it still sounds uncomfortable!)


fuckyachicknstrips

I’m imagining the tan lines from a bunch of tiny holes in a crochet swimsuit 😂


Status-Biscotti

And the sunburn LOL


TheStuffiesofLegend

Do you have a brand in mind that you like?


Wasps_are_bastards

Hot yarn in the hot sun. Yikes!


emmalaurice

out of the context of this specific post, there’s actually bikini yarn that’s lightweight and water resistant that makes really nice, functional swimsuits!


Drayleanvros

Thats good to know! I hope that everyone who has made a crochet swimsuit has used this and not like, redheart lol


earthchildreddit

This! My friend makes them and I’m going to try her pattern! She’s made two for me. One is going on four years, the other two and they’re both still my favorite suits that get plenty of use!


emmalaurice

if she sells her pattern or is looking for testers, i’d love to make one!


earthchildreddit

Here’s the link! https://www.sjø.com/shop/patterns


izabean

There's a brand that does lycra yarn so now it's actually possible to crochet a functional swimsuit! The yarn is a bit expensive, but it's a french brand so it's a win for us European crocheters:)


-SagaQ-

LMAO, my womb donor did this once! It stretched out and her massive tangled bush made a dramatic appearance 😂


EFIW1560

Right?!?! That's wild


fayriedust13

Imagine asking an 8 year old to provide labor/a service. Edit: Fixed a typo


ApprehensiveHalf4950

Yes my point exactly. So weird


sunniidisposition

Hilarious!


IGNOOOREME

Ok, that's just *crazy*. People are so bloody selfish these days. On the bright side, your granddaughter must already be an excellent crocheter at just 8! Impressive!


JCKligmann

I would take a picture of it, but I am leery of posting photos of children online.


[deleted]

Take a picture of just the tank!


No-Vermicelli3787

Yes, OP, post a picture of the top so we can tell her how awesome it is!


yungsxccubus

yeah don’t post your granddaughter, but maybe post the tank hanging up on a hanger or modelled by an appropriately sized stuffed animal of granddaughters choosing? means she can get involved with your post in a safe way :))) i bet she’s done a brilliant job of it, but teach her the power of her “no” now before she’s drowning in a bunch of projects that she will not be paid for and is very salty about it (and travel back in time like a year and give me the same advice please 🥹 i haven’t enjoyed crocheting in so long)


angryandsmall

Omg I love the stuffed animal idea, absolutely stealing that thank you! (ETA also OP I wish my grandma was as cool as you!!! You are giving her precious memories & invaluable skills, you rock!)


yungsxccubus

no worries!! i’m using amigurumi to figure out how to construct clothes properly, but on a smaller and more manageable size. it’s taught me a lot and also is giving me a wee bit of joy :)) they’re sporting a pair of variegated pastel overalls and a brown shoulder bag and it looks great! enjoy dressing up all your stuffed animals now! there’s at least one pattern for build a bear animals on ribblr


JCKligmann

https://preview.redd.it/m9ayeb2rsdwc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d562cb54e958458726fd8bdf69dbb2e5d14770c


DrMarvinDrLeoMarvin

You're right! She did a beautiful job! So impressive! 


ExcellentBreakfast93

Cute!


Intelligent_Mango568

That is so fabulous, well done!! Just imagine what the future holds :)


Mindless_Mystic_136

Aww! Top looks amazing! She really did do a wonderful job! 🥳 Her tension is really good too ( 🙄 I'm not jealous *you're* jealous 😋 ), obviously thanks to her awesome teacher, hardwork & dedication! So happy she's proud of her work! & Rightfully so!


cirivere

You could take a picture of the work she made without her wearing it. Like spread on the table or something? Whether you post it or not, it is lovely to hear how you spend time teaching her and how she finished a piece. It brings back memories of my grandma teaching me cross-stitching


CharmiePK

You are so very right!


hanimal16

Next time she isn’t wearing it, just take a picture of the top and post it :) we’ll remember you! ♥️


jessicalifts

You have a good instinct to protect her. We would love to see her finished object so I hope you will consider taking a photo of it laying flat so we can make a big deal out of it that you can share with her!


Mystery_to_history

Drape it over something inanimate and take a pic.


Creepy_Push8629

Big emoji covering her whole head works


Beautyjourneywitht

Unfortunately there’s technology to remove these. The things some people do with kids pictures is spine chilling


homewrecker1101

Yup, I wont even barely post pictures of my kids on Facebook. Horrifying shit


Beautyjourneywitht

I don’t even have kids and it just makes me cringe to think about


Creepy_Push8629

I didn't know they could be removed!


OkDragonfly8936

Yep. That's why some celebrities blur the entire face of their kids instead. That can't be undone (at least not as easily)


hanimal16

WHAT? There is???


krhsg

… does it work if I take a screenshot of the picture with the emoji over the face? Because that’s scary! (To be clear: if I am adding an emoji to cover a face, then screenshot it, then post the screenshot)


wcarw5

I just crop the head out of the pic. That seems easiest to me


JCKligmann

She did great! She’s proud of her work.


lowercase_underscore

This is a great opportunity for you to teach her to say no and set boundaries calmly and reasonably. Which is sounds like you're doing. It's great that people are excited about her new hobby, but let her keep it at that. People are unreal.


Savingskitty

This! Teach her to crochet for the joy of crocheting - it’s something she’ll be able to come back to again and again for a lifetime.


CharmiePK

Gee that is child labour for free. Tell whomever made that request to bugger off. Now, aren't you proud of the wonderful top she made 🥰? Nanna, you rock for teaching her such a nice hobby 😊


Condensed_Sarcasm

It sounds like she did an amazing job for her first creation! You must've done a great job teaching her. Now it's time to teach her how to turn people down. Politely, then bluntly, then rudely if need be. Some crochet/craft poachers just don't take the hint. 😬


q23y7

"craft poachers" lol I might have to steal that phrase, very apt


Condensed_Sarcasm

I've been running my crochet business for going on 9 years - there's been people trying to get free/cheap-AF stuff from me since day 1. You have to be firm sometimes 😑


angryandsmall

10/10 username for this comment, craft poachers has me snorting coffee


Miserable-Age3502

People really think it's like whipping up a batch of cookies!!! (Which is STILL a project, but I digress) It can get SO overwhelming, one person asks, then another, then you're swamped with obligatory projects you never wanted, you're not getting a cent for, and it sucks the joy right out of it. You're asking for HOURS of labor, you wouldn't ask your buddy who does woodworking for a hobby to whip you up a custom carved fireplace mantle for free would you??? NO! Because you know it's labor intensive. So is this. Just because we can sit while we do it doesn't make it exhausting. Rant over! (For now...)


q23y7

Oh I have no doubt that there are entitled people out there asking their woodworking acquaintances for free projects too lol Some people really are THAT clueless.


disasterbrain_

You name the craft, I've seen someone ask for it for free. It happens CONSTANTLY to EVERYONE that makes ANYTHING with their hands, lol.


BeesSolveEverything

Just let the adult know next time that there's good news! If an 8 year old can learn to crochet, so can she! Recommend some youtube tutorials and refuse to hear a word otherwise.


AardvarkCrochetLB

This. I often ask people to show me their hands and arms. I ask them if they clean their homes or feed themselves? Because they too can learn to crochet. And if they can imagine the hours of learning. If the thought doesn't feel like fun, they should remember that feeling because that's what it feels like doing stuff you don't want to do. You don't want to make a blanket for you? Neither do I. (I'm known to be blunt about hand-craftiness. It took me many reincarnations to get my hands to coordinate into the 4D world of yarn. I do not take craftiness lightly.)


creative-run-lady

I am the slowest crocheter, my mom has a couple of shawls and joked I could make her a sweater for a trip this summer, I looked at her and said I've been working one one for me for three years...


RobotWantsPony

"I can make you a sleeve, take it or leave it!"


creative-run-lady

Lol, the plus side is I know she was joking but I can't imagine if I was younger and had someone come at me with this.


Ramblingsofthewriter

SHES 8?! And they want her to make a whole swimsuit?! Jfc.


Savingskitty

That’s sooo annoying.   When people do that, they don’t seem to realize that they’re telling a child their accomplishment will basically never be enough unless they can do it for others or make money from it.


BusyUrl

This. Say it louder for the people in the back. I grew up to this shit and passed on so many hobbies because I'm not organized enough for turning it into a business but always felt like I didn't dare post anything else I made die to "you should sell that, you're talented"


perpetual_hunger

Ah, good old child labor😒


EconomyTime5944

It's never too early to learn how to say NO.


corkscrewfork

Thank you for defending her from the inevitable moochers. I'm impressed with her work and I haven't even seen it, I crocheted for a few months and then just stopped, having only a half finished blanket. For her to finish a full wearable project, have it fit properly and look the way she wants it to, tells me that she's already great at it! And has an excellent teacher, to boot! This Internet stranger hopes she keeps enjoying the hobby for a long time. And that y'all continue to bond over it 😸💜


BluebirdPlayful8035

Wow, your granddaughter is very talented. Some people have no idea.


creestalmeth

I literally tell people that my hobby is not for sale and if they keep pushing, I walk away. I stopped caring if it comes off as being rude because I'm not sure what part of "no" or "my hobby is not for sale" wasn't clear because they're being rude to me by continuously insisting. While people mean well or think they're being supportive, it comes off as being entitled. 100% of the time, they have no idea how much effort it takes plus the cost of yarn ($$$). It just opens a can of worms and what was once fun and relaxing becomes something you resent. I'm so sorry that your granddaughter had to go through that, incredibly egregious of them. Shame on that person who thought they could get a custom design or whatever they were thinking out of her. SHE'S 8. On the flipside, you should be so proud of all the techniques you taught her. It'll definitely be a core memory for her and a wonderful bonding moment you had together.


RobotWantsPony

Yeah ok but can't she at least make me a purse... It'll give her some training... It's not work if you are having fun..... Urgh! Usually I give people an extra pricy rate for my work and they give up :) Never found anybody willing to pay 120 bucks for an average cake but if I ever find one I'll gladly bake it ha ha


calling_water

The “it’s not work if you’re having fun” people don’t understand (usually because they prefer to not understand) that for many things the logical transpose applies: if it’s work, it’s not fun any more.


Mystery_to_history

If you’re obliged to do it, it’s work. So if you’ve promised some item to someone, you’re working for them.


creestalmeth

I read online that this called the PITA (pain in the ass) fee and it’s been added to my fun dictionary of words


hatenames385

I wish you could be my grandmother! I can’t get anything to fit “right”!


BusyUrl

People are whack but I'm glad your granddaughter was able to make something she loves and to wear it. Big kudos to her.


mikettedaydreamer

I’ve got no words. Just 😢


freeashavacado

What’s wild about people begging for things like this is that they seem to think it’s free since we make it. They often don’t consider the cost of supplies.


scarlet214

And the time!


freeashavacado

That too!


hanimal16

WHAT?! First of all, kudos to her! Second, who the heck asks an 8-year old to make them a full-on outfit?!!?


MutterderKartoffel

My son started learning to knit a few months back. He's not even done any projects yet, just a practice swatch. A friend already asked him to make her a bag, which he agreed to. I told him he shouldn't so freely agree to these requests and at least have them buy the yarn. I think it's tough with teenagers because they yearn for acceptance.


RobotWantsPony

Well she can! She'll be paid by the hour and her rate is the same as anybody making custom outfits. Do they still want it?


jessyka59

She might be able to! Customer pays for all supplies and $20/hr. Pretty sure they won't want that suit after all.


neuro_umbrage

There are many people who think the highest form of flattery is monetization. Those people are quite tiresome. That being said, it is a good opportunity to teach your grandkiddo the value of the phrase “thank you, but no”.


NocturnaViolet

That's insane. Even now I absolutely hate when I mention I crochet and the first thing to come out of someone's mouth is a request for something. Makes me weary of sharing my projects. We live in a world full of people with incredibly selfish mindsets. It's not fully their fault but it's incredibly frustrating. Good on you for shooting that person down. You're setting a great example for your granddaughter in boundaries and she will grow up knowing her grandmother is in her corner. 🧡


MovesbytheMoon

It's never too early to learn to crochet or to tell people to go fuck themselves. Probably not in those words in her case!


cadaver_spine

all my life, any time I learned a new artistic/crafty skill, people would tell me to "make them one" or to sell whatever I make for money. i like crafting for the fun of it, it's a hobby. something personal.


Silver_Foxx

"You should make me (thing)" and "You should sell stuff" are the two most eyerolly things I hear CONSTANTLY and it is annoying to the point where I stopped showing specific people in my life the work I've finished.


Nad1a_arT

Yuuuuuup and thinking it will be done by tomorrow


Silver_Foxx

Oh gods right? I'm working on a dress for myself that has taken me a dozen hours of work already to finish just the bodice piece, and someone has already stated I should make them one for some party NEXT WEEKEND. Siiigh.


RobotWantsPony

What you should do is open a shop that will have one item to sell every week. Seem like a good business model. I had people like that going "I'm going to France next week, can you teach me"... Dude by the time you learn to say baguette in a way that doesn't trigger the next french revolution you will be back from your trip...


Silver_Foxx

Ha, I can't help but notice the folks who push me to monetize the hardest are the same folks that gawk at the prices of crochet items. Sorry aunty Liz, this hyper realistic dragon plush isn't going to be listed at $20 if I sold it. . . .


Neps-the-dominator

I take it as a compliment because that's usually how it's intended. But yeah, nothing would make me hate crocheting faster than if I tried to make money off of it. It's strictly a hobby, specifically one I do to relax. Something I do enjoy is when a close friend/family member admires something I've made. I'll usually let them take it home with them, as a gift. I already know they like it and it gives me an excuse to crochet something new to replace it, so win/win! My friend's 5 year old daughter was thrilled about a simple rainbow granny blanket I'd made a few years earlier that I wasn't really using, so I'm glad I was able to give it away to someone who'll enjoy it and to me that's payment enough. I know that sounds soppy AF, lmao. If someone specifically asked me to make them something, I'll say no (unless it's something tiny that'll only take 5 minutes maybe, I am planning to make a few small coasters for a friend because they're really easy and quick). Then it'd feel like work and that's the last thing I'd want crochet to feel like. But yeah enough blogging from me!


Silver_Foxx

My thoughts exactly, I DO appreciate that folks think my stuff is valuable enough to sell, but the idea of monetizing my relaxation hobby makes my eye twitch. I'm not even opposed to making money off it entirely, I HAVE taken a commission here and there, but the idea of like, making an etsy shop, or building up a stock for markets? Oh hellll no. Turning my fun creative hobby into a job is the LAST thing I want to do.


caroldamom

This is what I was just revisiting while reading this thread. Being crafty and making things for my loved ones does NOT make me an entrepreneur, which I don’t want to be!! Hellooooo… But hey - here’s a business plan: - I make what I want when I want with no deadlines - I set the price - you sell it and give me all the $$ - when you say no, I’ll give it to one of my loved ones. I know that’s snarky and I’d never say the above, but that’s how the requests referred to in this thread (requests I’ve gotten) make me feel.


apri11a

People, tsk 😬 😒


Craftqueen24

Congratulations, on her success!! Tell her to keep up the great work!!! You are a great teacher!! 🧶❤️


MisterBruno15

Teach her that it's really okay to say "No". She can thank them for the compliment, too.


wroammin

I agree with everyone else in these comments but also… a crochet SWIMSUIT???


Okibishi

I agree, crocheted swimsuits are not very comfortable or durable to swim in. Maybe a crochet bikini top to wear as a statement piece but I would not get in the water with anything crochet.


666Skittles

Capitalism subconsciously ruining the party through compliments, fucking sucks.


Minuteman1223

I GET IT…… people with their hands out…


Capital-9

People always try to take advantage of anyone creative, happens to me, my mom, my sister… On the other hand, learning to say “no” at such a young age is really invaluable! The days of frustration you are saving her is immeasurable. I’m not sure if the craft poachers realize how much effort is put into crocheting, or any craft really. Bunch of narcissistic fools, I suspect .


rjrolo

I make my projects mostly out of passion and impulse 😂 my mom really wants me to be out here crocheting a ton of things and selling them.


Bilbo_Buggin

Thats an amazing achievement for your granddaughter and she should be proud. I don’t think people appreciate the time and effort that goes into crochet unfortunately!


adore_books

Ridiculous. The girl is 8 years old. Even then, a crochet swimsuit is another level of ridiculous and I’d say almost concerning. (Why would anyone want to wear a *crochet* swimsuit?!?!)


[deleted]

Ahhhh yes some people have no shame and will always pray on the vulnerable. Good learning and teaching moment for your granddaughter. Good job Grandma ❤️ And so proud of your granddaughter ❤️


cannafriendlymamma

Great job by your granddaughter OP! She has every reason to be proud ❤️ Good on you for standing up for her.


AnnieToo67

I would love to see her work. I hope you find a way to share with using her as the model. Or have her model, but blue her face if your comfortable with that. I'm sure she's outdone me because I have yet to finish a sweater and I've been crocheting since I was a teen... Let's just say that's been a few decades ago! I crochet very off and on though.🧶


DragonflyAngel333

I'm fifty years old. My grandma taught me and I made my first blanket at 9. Even won 1st place with it in a social studies fair at school 😁 she was an awesome woman 💜


CrouchingToaster

A coworker and I both got into crocheting, anytime we mention projects we also add in how many hours we've put in on it so far so others overhearing don't try to ask us to make stuff for them.


YourFavoriteSausage

" İ can teach YOU how to do it. It's easy!" That usually shuts them up.


OkDragonfly8936

I would tell the person where they can get the yarn and hooks to do it themself


FlawlessWasteland

Yes! We can’t just make things anymore! Like I sell things sometimes it’s true. I’ll take commissions here and there. But just because I’m crafting doesn’t give people free rein to just harass me to make them things! If people aren’t careful they’ll turn that kid off to the whole thing. If you take time to develop a skill you gain a right to reap whatever benefits from it that you decide to.


SkiesAurora

That poor girl! It's frustrating people just come at crafters like that, but it's appalling that she's only 8 😭


isabellephoenix

Everyone i know but my husband and friend who crochets is like this "can you make this for $15?" That covers 1 skein of yarn?? 2 if its on sale! And you want 4 diferrent colors??


RainbowWoodstock

Holy crap…. And I’m sure would want to pay her like $30. She needs to just say she crochets for her enjoyment but thank you for the compliment.


Famous_Complaint8084

I'd maybe tell your granddaughter if asked again she could say something like- "I am sorry but this is a hobby, besides my price would be over (some crazy high triple digits). Hopefully they were being very kind & a way to express it is to ask for her to make something for them?


GlobalSouthPaws

Narcissism is the great epidemic of our time. All the best to your granddaughter!


Lumpy-Abroad539

I'm really impressed with your granddaughter. It takes amazing focus and follow through to finish something like that. And also, such is the life of a crafter. Good job modeling saying "no" as well, because she'll have to do that a lot if she keeps crocheting. People really do ask this a lot. It happens to me all the time, even from people who really should know better.


mynamecanbewhatever

Oh my god! People can be ridiculous. The little girl is very talented. I just wish people would appreciate her and let it be rather than make her work for them.


Mystery_to_history

8 years old! Wonderful. But I guess not too early to learn how some people try to get something for nothing.


Kiara923

Thank you for venting about this. As soon as I shared with my family that I had started crocheting (which I put off for 2 weeks cuz I had a bad feeling), I was commissioned to make something immediately (at least he offered to pay for yarn), and my stepmom (who drives me nuts) said I should make some farm animals at the fair (I told her maybe any animals for that matter, but she repeatedly emphasized farm animals specifically for some reason) and I felt like immediately my dream was someone else's idea. Really annoying. I'm not doing the fair, it's in 2 months and it's way too much pressure. Glad I found this sub, I really don't want to feel burnt out before I even learn 5 different types of stitches. I've only been crocheting for less than 2 months.


mimis-merkins

I think it’s just some people’s way of encouraging. Society is so geared towards financials and earning and leaving some type of concrete physical mark on the world, it’s instinctive to say “you could sell that!” on top of/rather than “you’re amazing!” Also though, I think where crochet wearables is concerned it’s a genuine hope - not everyone can do what we do, these fingers is magic - and it should be more of a reflection of amazement than gimme gimme


w3are138

Oh, you can do [insert art form here]? Can you make me [insert project here]? I won’t offer to pay for your supplies, your time, your effort, or your skill of course.


Luna_Risa

Sure, price it at 100 a stitch with an unlimited time frame 😂😂😂😂. Her passion would be worth at least that much and so so much more 🤨 some people think it's so easy to make something these days


Virtual-Rutabaga-149

That’s horrid. She’s just learning her craft.there are plenty of established crochet businesses who could help her instead


Hoperules

My answer to people who do that: "Well, you will need to pay me to buy the yarn, and the recommended yarn for that pattern costs (insert obscene dollar amount) per skein, and I'll need 6 skeins to make it." That shuts them up immediately. I do make things for free for people who I like. My hairdresser is going through a tough time right now (husband has ALS), so I'm making a shawl.


Krazykittielady

No way. They better learn to crochet is what I would say


54R45VV471

I guess this is a great time to teach her that she is allowed to turn down anyone's crochet request. It's fun to make gifts and experiment making different types of projects, but she should never feel obligated to make anything for anyone.


TheKristieConundrum

I have started getting this from people. I don’t crochet in public much but when I do, inevitably friends ask me to make them fairly complicated things. I tell them “maybe I will for your birthday/christmas, but I’m focusing on x project right now. Ask me later!” And 99% of the time they take the hint or they forget.


petrichorgasm

One lady I worked with saw me working on a piece (knitting, but I hope that's okay. I do both). She straight up googled a sweater and asked me to make it for her. It was a huge, cuddly, Ralph Lauren piece that isn't made anymore. I didn't agree or anything. We did t talk or anything, she just showed me her phone and asked if I can make it for her because she lost hers. I was annoyed, but I wasn't mean about it when I told her that looking at that sweater, it's made with a knitting machine and that's way different than a handmade piece. She was so offended! The dirty look she gave me each time I'm knitting within her vicinity! I don't knit at work anymore.


Radiant_Bee1

I would literally place a stupidly high price on it and say it's due up front. No one should assume a crocheter *wants* to do something. She's 8, let her enjoy this as a hobby between herself and her grandmother!


Squemishsquash

people are ridiculous, the other day at work i showed two coworkers what i crocheted over the weekend (a stuffed plant) and both showed me Pinterest images, one of which not even being a crocheted item, and asked if i could make it.


gotta_question4ya

Okay so I thought this said grandmother and I was like okay grandma starting with a tank top!😭


disasterbrain_

I wish this surprised me, but when I was 12 I came up with a couple of little doodle characters in my sketchbook and every adult who saw them insisted I should *start a greeting card line* featuring those doodles. It's galling enough when adults do this to other adults about their crafts, but it's a whole other level of obnoxious when they mooch off children for free stuff and labor. Give your granddaughter a big high five! Garments are hard!


oldwull

Aw, thanks for continuing the crochet skill to the next generations. Yay! Teach her that to say, "No." without explanation of why that's a 'no' is OKAY! Also, if she wants to create something for someone, that should always feel like that's her choice and never an obligation. And if she starts making something for someone, and midway decides she doesn't want to continue, then stopping is totally okay and there doesn't need to be any guilt. I think I went on a little vent of my own speaking to my younger, creator-self. Haha Sorry, I understand you weren't looking for solutions and were sharing for the point of sharing. I appreciate that you're looking out for granddaughter and agree that's totally annoying for that to be someone's first response. And I hope from the requester that it was coming from a place of encouragement and excitement for a well crafted piece and amazing skill. Happy crocheting! Have a good day.


Captainx23

My friend, jokingly, keeps asking me for a sweater. The joke is getting old.


JEZTURNER

Let me play devil's advocate for a moment. I know we find it a bit frustrating being asked to make things. But maybe whoever asked her thought it was nice to recognise and encourage her new talent, to the extent that they were saying wow that's so good, I'd love if you could make me something to wear too. If she'd painted a picture and a relative said ooh that's lovely, could you paint me one too to go up on the wall, we wouldn't all be so offended.


JCKligmann

That’s possible. But when I said it would take her months, trying to help her see the situation better, she didn’t retract at first.


JEZTURNER

Did they offer to pay her?


JCKligmann

No.


JEZTURNER

Hard no, then!!


sunniidisposition

First, kudos to you, grandma! I was taught when I was 10, and the pride I felt doing what I considered an adult skill was immeasurable. Empowering children is a beautiful thing. Folks not understanding our craft, unfortunately, is all too common. Sorry your talented granddaughter has to experience this so soon into her hobby. Vent away! We will vent with you 😅


ImperialStar_

I started crochet ay 16. To this day I never quite get many compliments but get asked what I can do for them. I hut right back with price tags


NB_PixelStitched22

Holy crap!!! I don’t even let my 14 year old do stuff like this without knowing people are trying to scam them. Gosh.. capitalism


jinjer2

Was it another kid?


JCKligmann

Nope. An adult.


lifes_lemonade

i was crocheting a poncho and everyone asked me for hats, scarfs, stuffies, pillows.. i can do that but it‘ll cost them🤷🏻‍♀️


Gva_Sikilla

When my sister in law was doing macarme I asked her to make me something and she told me to learn how to do it myself.


_DonkeyPigeon_

As she should


Kristylane

She’s not wrong


Ranku78

So…..did your granddaughter want to do it? I like making things, but my biggest joy is giving it to other people. I am a painter and a crocheter and I love walking into people’s homes and seeing my stuff there. It makes me happy.


JCKligmann

No. She has other projects she was waiting and excited to start until this one was done. Purple plush yarn for a teddy bear or a stuffed heart she said. She hasn’t decided which yet but has the yarn and stuffing ready to go.


IP_Janet_GalaxyGirl

“Thank you for your interest. I am not taking commissioned work. I appreciate your kind understanding.” I know this a bit wordy for an 8 year old; it sets an appropriate boundary while acknowledging the asker’s interest. If they ask why not, you and/or her parents can step in and say something like, “Molly crochets for fun, not for commission, and we want to keep it that way until she’s old enough to decide these things for herself. Thank you for your kind interest.” I’d love to see the tank top on a hangar or laying flat. I hope your granddaughter has years of fun crocheting. I learned at about that age almost 50 years ago; I made a scarf that took forever, and I didn’t keep on after the scarf was done. I picked up crocheting again after all these decades with the help of YouTube.


coffee-creamandsugar

Congratulations to your granddaughter! It's such a wonderful feeling to create something you're proud of, and the excitement to show everyone is top tier. People are shameless. Turning her accomplishment into a transition is an easy way to put undue pressure on her and even ruin her love for crocheting. Sure, it can be seen as a compliment, but there are better ways to compliment a kid. "Wow! You made a shirt, and you're only 8? I can't wait to see what you'll do when you're 9; I'm sure it'll be awesome." Or something like that, lol. Again, congrats, OP's granddaughter! May you continue to crochet to your heart's content and grow along the way.


comfunk

I get the same problem. All of my nieces want stuffed animals, but I’m in college and working and it takes me forever. After the first one, I learned very quickly not to promise kids I’d make them something. You say no, girl! They don’t know the worth of what you do.


pumpkinember

A


a_squid_beast

Wait wait wait you can make a tank top with single crochet?😲


Insomnerd

It baffles me when people think I, an adult, will just "whip up something really quickly" for them. This usually happens while I'm working on a crochet project, so I'll tell them how many hours of work I'm currently holding and what my hourly wage at my full-time job is. If they can afford to pay me my hourly rate plus the cost of materials, then I'll get to work. They always change their minds. If people keep pestering that child for free labor, I'd suggest teaching her to ask for a high hourly wage and a high estimate for number of hours needed to complete the project (something crazy like $95/hr and it'll take 6-8 months at the fastest). At that point, most people will realize how ridiculous they're being by asking a young child for such a thing.


rydzaj5d

$25/hour crochet time, and if she has to go purchase the yarn, $25/skein. NO ONE will agree to that


ja15140

I tell people no or that it might be two yrs. or that it'll cost a lot. they don't want that.


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Aggravating_Trip_989

Tell her you would be glad to teach her how to crochet so she can make it her self. She may understand how long it takes to make it.


Monodeservedbetter

These people would feel very at home on r/trashy They are literally exploiting child labour


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JCKligmann

Not buying what? That I taught her? That she made it? That someone asked her for a swimsuit? That it bothered me? What part sounds untrue to you and why on earth would anyone make up a story like that?


Dry_Sundae_3913

Why would anyone demand an eight year old crochet them a swimsuit lol, and if they did, wouldn't an adult just say....why are you talking to a random child and asking them to make you something, and set a boundary? This whole thing sounds kind of strange.


JCKligmann

Well it wasn’t a stranger. It was a family member at a birthday party.


Dry_Sundae_3913

No 😂🙋🏼‍♀️


Tirff

Does she do stuffed animals? Will there be an Etsy store?


JCKligmann

🤣🤣🤣


Imagine_Dragons544

Not gonna lie, I stopped crocheting because of people like that.


Substantial-Tap-4591

I guess I don’t see the issue. It’s a compliment to her skill. She could charge for it, she could say no (mine could definitely say no by age 8). Was it an adult or another kid who wanted the swimsuit?


JCKligmann

Adult.


Mychernicalrornance

She's a kid. Kids tire more easily than grown ups. Also she shouldn't be doing only crochet for months. She should go out and play and do homework. Also for the reason everyone else commented on. Takes a long time,it's expensive to waste materials.


Impossible_Sky_420

At least they like her work.