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Monday, November 25, 2013

Bartering for Crafts FTW!

Crochet Despicable Me Minion hats for Halloween Minion costumes

Ok, last Halloween-related post of the year – promise! This year, let's just say I got sucked into making a few costumes for 3 friends' kids. Despicable Me minions hats to be exact. However, I have a firm habit of not making crafts for money, only gifts. That's at least 4 evenings per hat, given that I'm working more hours now and have less free time at night. I was looking at many hours of intensive crocheting (mainly because of the multiple parts – hands, eyes, googles, mouth, etc.) for probably nothing more than a thanks. Now I love my friends, but in this season of my life, I'm desperately needing sleep more. And God just told me to cut down on my commitments. Gaaaahh... what to do?

Halloween Despicable Me Minion costume with crocheted hat
Not sure she fully appreciates all the time and effort that went into this hat ^_~
When I adamantly refused Friend #1's offer to pay (as usual), she came up with a brilliant idea: "Why don't I babysit Dexter for 2 nights so you and K can go some date nights?" OMG, you are brilliant! O_O From now on, I am totally bartering my crafting skills (when socially acceptable, like for last-minute Halloween costumes). Friend #2 will actually be dog sitting for us while we're out of town for the holidays. Friend #3... I'm pretty sure that was a freebie. :)

Crochet Despicable Me Minion hat for 3-year-old birthday
This is the only picture of kid #1 wearing it because he couldn't stop ripping it off and staring at it in amazement. Fuzzy heart feeling #^__^#

Update: here's the link to the pattern I used. Good luck, everyone!

Question:
Have you ever bartered your crafting or other skills? If so, what did you ask for in return?

6 comments:

Dee said...

This is cute with the hands on each side.

A Gamer's Wife said...

I thought so too! Very good pattern; highly recommend.

Claudia said...

Hi:
I been looking for a tutorial of how to make the arms and hands but i can't find anything...!
Please Help!!!

A Gamer's Wife said...

If you purchase the pattern, she has super good pictures and video tutorial links. Good luck!

iluvlil_lion said...

Loved your minion hat!! :) I just have a question for you can you tell me how you did the hands and the googles for it? I would appreciate the help thanx :D

A Gamer's Wife said...

Sharon - sorry, I accidentally deleted your comments! What I meant to say is that you can buy the pattern from Cathy Ren at this link:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/minion-earflap-hat-beanie-with-changeable-goggles

Good luck!