Well My last Market for 2014. Nothing to get excited about but something I must tell you about. Two Ladies came past and one stopped to talk. I had a few Lace bowls (Owls) on the table. Suddenly she said, They are done with a Machine aren't they. I said Yes, Then I almost fell off my chair when she said anything that is made on an Embroidery Machine I don't regard as Craft. She then said Craft is something made by hand. A while Later another Lady came along and we were talking about my goods. I told her what the other Lady had said. She Looked at me and then said, "Excuse Me". Another Lady came to me and told me how much she admired what I do but she is at that stage of her life that she doesn't need any more things, but had to come and see what I have done since Last time she came.

I guess this lady doesn't think items created on a sewing machine are real crafts either.... she probably can't sew a lick anyway. I think that most people that really appreciate handmade items are crafters or wanna be crafters that maybe just don't have the time anyway. Did she invite you to her booth to see the real crafts? LOL

1 comment

by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

I seen to remember she said she owns a machine but I bet she doesn't know how to use it.

there are all kinds out there :(:(Hope it didn't hurt you to deeply and remember it is her problem NOt yours so let her own it ok Hugs

1 comment

by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

I wasn't bothered as I thought it was her loss. Not happy with narrow minded people.

I call them the craft snobs. I appreciate everyone's work whether done my hand or machine. I do handwork as well as machine work.

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

I get so jealous when I see beautiful projects on here.

by sewist1 16 Dec 2014

Nothing wrong with what you make. We all have different talents. It would be boring if we all made the same things.

There!!! You said it in a few threads below..."ignorant"!!! I love crafts and love doing them! Seeing this, I am afraid I was one of those ignorant people just last week at a craft show. I told one of the merchants that I bet she had a lot of fun making her things and she looked at me and said it was hard work. Yes, it is work, but for me, it is fun work. After all is said and done, the ones that have no clue should keep their mouths shut!

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

Some craft frustrated me - like making quilts but admire people who make them. I have a girlfriend who just makes them so quickly. I don't think I have enough imagination.

Years ago an old woman made a negative comment on my crochet work at a craft show, needless to say I felt bad and embarrassed It's truly amazing to me how thoughtless some people can be The woman that said that to you had no idea of the time and effort you put into your work and should have kept her thoughts to herself. To quote Thumper's mother "if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

Guess we can't all be perfect like Crafty people who use machines.

People who can not do critize.... That is why I don't do shows. Anyone who does not craft does not know what is involved or appreciate the time put into each item. They want it for free almost. I myself appreciate any hand made gift given to me. I know that the heart is put into it. It makes it special to me. Sorry for some people's lack of manners. Suzanne

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

People like this Lady make life more interesting.

I have only done 1 craft sale and will never do another. I know how much time goes into making things and I get so much more enjoyment from making something to give to someone than trying to sell to a picky person that does not have a "clue" about it. They are there for a "deal" well I won't let my stuff go for a "steal" but I will donate my time to those that I think need help. Sewing is not even taught here in our schools anymore, there is no appreciation for the craft but damn who do they run too when they can not hem their pants o sew on a button...darn they teach military men how to repair their own clothes but our schools refuse to teach the kids to be more self sufficient. kinda crazy.

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

I actually won a prize while in school for my Buttonholes. Don't think I have ever made one since.

interesting reading all the posts. Most of us have the ability to do anything by hand if we choose, but now and again the machine and it's own ability play a hand in what we choose to create. Never give a crafted item to a person who knows nothing about craft!!

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

I never give my Step Family any of the craft that I do. One comment years ago was, "What is that and what do you do with it"?

Just shaking my head!!! Thanks for posting! Hugs, Laura*

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

You meet all kinds at the Markets. 99.9% of people are really nice.

This is a great thread. I really have enjoyed the comments. Those who sew, craft, quilt, etc. know the time, cost and energy and always appreciate what others have done. I have tried many crafts to express my creativity. I'm so thankful that technology lets me make more now than I ever could have done before. I can't imagine my life without machines especially my sewing machines.

2 comments

by asterixsew 15 Dec 2014

I second your comments as this as there have been some excellent replies and its been very readable

by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

I just couldn't wait to get home and post these comments from that ignorant Lady.

Hee hee - I just read your comment about people who enjoy patchwork - my husband used that same line on me one day - Why do you cut up fabric and then join it up again - what a waste of time!! My reply - why do you go out and hit a ball with a specially designed club - object is to get it into a hole. Once it is in the hole, you bend down, take it OUT of the hole and whack it again. Each to his own I guess!

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

My comments on Quilting are because I do not have the patience but love the Finished product. Then again I make some really fiddly items as well which I find relaxing.

This story is really for Coral/olly in relation to making things for a raffle stall. I'd heard there was to be a raffle on the weekend to raise funds for a sick child so I made a bag and also embroidered on toilet paper one of Goodies By Gail's dog designs. I gave these items to a family who are friends of mine to take to the raffle. Later on in the day I had a message from them that they'd won 2 prizes in the raffle and allowed their kids to choose what they came home with. Yes, they came home with both items that I'd made and asked them to deliver, LOL. I could have made them their own of these at any time of course, but it was nice that the kids were thrilled with them!

3 comments

by cfidl 15 Dec 2014

great story Thanks!

by olly 15 Dec 2014

Good on you. Your donated items were much appreciated and loved.

by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

At least you know they went to someone who would appreciate them.

It goes to show how ignorant some people can be, if this not Craft well I have enjoyed doing what ever it is for years.. the arrogant lady in question was probably jealous she couldn't do what you do.. Marian

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

Love to be a fly on the wall when she is stitching her Quilt (by Hand). Her Friend I just realises had walked away. Maybe she has heard it all before.

Oh how funny . SOOOOOOOOOO if you use a sewing machine to sew clothes are you not actually making those clothes by hand ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? LOL.
You do GREAT work !!! KEEP IT UP !!!
Flowers for all you lovely talented people !!!!!!!!

2 comments

by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

Wonder if she thinks that all clothes should be made by Hand. Poor Lady - Wonder if her ears are burning?

by katmug 15 Dec 2014

That would be SOOOOOO time consuming, hey!!! Poor lady , alright ! Oh I would imagine they would be burning badly.

I think people who criticize like this are very sad people. They try to build themselves up by demeaning others. Aren't we glad we aren't that way :-)

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

WE are all Craft People.

Just goes to show there is always one 'JOBS WORTH,'person.
you should have a good laugh at her.
Hugs Pam.

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

I had fun telling all the other Craft people at the Market.

I also have had the experience of "where's the artistry in that?" Also, someone saw me knitting baby hats in the craft booth with a knitting wheel and said, "Oh that's cheating. It's not like it's homemade." Go figure.

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

Bet she went out to find the same knitting wheel.

Don't worry, the negative comment would be made by someone who does no craft at all. Have a happy Christmas.

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by mi30kaja 15 Dec 2014

I was just so surprised at her comments. I have had so many strange comments over the years. When John was still here we had a Fuchsia Nursery and always had some strange comments from Strange people so I expect one every now and then. Another for that Book.

I wouldn't let the rude woman bother me. I would just be smiling all the way home thinking my treasures have gone to a home where they will be appreciated.
I find those that can't do criticize.

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

It did not bother me but just had to let everyone know that we DONT do Craft.

hi, ypu must not let what she said bother you.it sounds like she is alittle jealous.maybe she would like to do that but cannot for some reason.you should have told her "sure it is made by hand. i had to put the thread into the machine, cut it. work it into shape. all done by hand.etc."if you sew some crafts on the plain sewing machine, it is called a craft. people are funny.kind of reminds me of what was said to me when i was buying a loaf of bread one day.a lady was upset cause the loaf was not sliced. she thought it was terrible and did not know why i would buy unsliced bread. i smiled at her and asked if she ever baked bread before. oh yes i did she said. so with a grin on my face i asked her if when she took the bread out of the oven if it came out already sliced. oh no she said, with another grin i said "well". she looked at me kind of funny and said, "i guess you are right.i did have to slice it." she took a loaf of the unsliced bread. it does not matter if you use a machine or a needle it is still a craft.just feel good about yourself that you could do these things.

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

WE should all get together and add our experiences and write a book.

That poor woman probably hasn't a crafty bone in her body. She is the one missing out. So let her go on her merry way and Craft On.

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

I regard a person like her as a "Loud Mouth".

I once made a gorgeous cot sized quilt and donated it to the primary school that my daughter attended. It was supposed to be raffled off in order to make money for the library project. I told them the "reserve price" and offered to even donate the raffle ticket book. The quilt was made up of 12 squares - each square had a different hand candle wicked animal. I then sashed them together and hand quilted around the squares. I arrived at the school market soon after it had started and was going to make my way up to the stall in order to help sell the raffle tickets, when I saw a lady walking to her car with the quilt draped over her arm. I was curious and approached her. She said that she had just bought this "darling quilt" for $15!!!!!!! She had haggled them down in price as well! I was furious. I approached the ladies who were running the stall and they said that the aim was to sell as much as possible on the day at a "reasonable" price. Just the thread in that quilt cost more than $15!!! NEVER AGAIN!!!! Had I of got there a few minutes earlier and seen the quilt for sale, I would have bought it back myself. Lesson learned.

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

You can bet that the person who sold the quilt was not a Craft person. Shame on her.

This is just one reason that I do not sell my work. Few people realize the creativity, skill, supplies, and time that goes into a finished product

2 comments

by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

You should sell. There is always one bad apple but it makes it more interesting to hear other peoples opinions.

by AuntAnnie 16 Dec 2014

No thank you! I was a commercial screen printer in a past life and no longer desire to please the unappreciative. I get too much joy by giving to friends and family. Don't want that feeling taken away again.

Some people are clueless. I can never figure out just why people do not understand the amount of work that actually goes into it. I notice that when I do craft shows, that the people who have booths are going around buying stuff from other booths.

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

I have even had some men comment on what I have for sale. Others are naturally not interested. You can always tell when a Man is interested in what his wife enjoys doing. They will stand alongside her and talk about the craft she is doing.

I have had similar experiences at craft fairs. I do feel bad for the people that do not understand what goes into a quality item. Some people DO understand and they are the ones that are willing to pay for the craft we enjoy.
As others have said -- all crafts takes tools to create anything. Just because our machines plug in -- makes it no different than a lathe or any other tool that plugs into an outlet in order to make a craft item.

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

I need you all to come to the Markets with me to let these people know what we all think.

My goodness! Well, I once had a teacher in high school (MANY yrs ago) say "Just pat them on their ignorant head, smile & go on." Don't suggest you pat them on the head, but just smile & say "have a good day." Their loss. WE know how much time & effort (not to say money!) it takes to make any of our crafts! And a lace bowl...mercy, I've only started one & ran out of time & thread!!

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

IN a way I admired her as she was making this quilt all by hand. It has taken her 3 years so far. Maybe she does not own a machine.

Some people are very cattish because they aren't able to produce anything beautiful!! Have a lovely day.

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

I agree.

'If ignorance is Bliss...' more power to this person. She has probably never attempted to do a 'craft' of any kind in her life time. What a shame! My definition of craft: to actively work at enjoying creativity in whatever form, it broadens the mind, feeds my soul and unleashes possibilities. It is also therapy as I get so wrapped up in what I'm doing time flies and there is never enough of that. It is definitely her loss! This is why I joined and fell in love with this site, it was like coming home, kindred spirits. Every ones talents are unique and beautiful and I am in total awe of this.Thank you everyone for your creativity and sharing.

2 comments

by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

I need you with me at a Market to tell these people what Craft is.

by Leaha 14 Dec 2014

I would gladly tell them, feel free to use my definition.

I guess it is her loss to think as she does. Too bad that she is missing out on so much with her attitude. I wonder what her friend thought about her comment.

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

I find that people who make statements like this are often jealous.

What gets me is how is items such as Avon, Pampered Chef just to name a few is considered a craft. I know some people think cooking is a craft I think its a necessity. My opinion only.

Cloreta

2 comments

by toet 14 Dec 2014

I am so lucky my DH does most of the cooking for the main meal of the day.

by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

Maybe we should regard anything - within reason that we make with our hands as Craft.

It's always the people who don't do any craft at all who don't realise the time involved in whatever craft you are doing. The times I've heard: Oh, you have one of those machines that do it all by themselves. Sometimes I invite them to come and try to let my machine do it all by itself for them. For some reason no-one has ever taken up the offer. And digitising is something a computer does - no skill involved.

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by toet 14 Dec 2014

Mops until I could not find a design for my need and rabbited on about it. I did not realize about the time and work that is put into even the smallest design. I take my hat off to the people that make the beautiful designs we use. A big thankyou Mops. Heather

by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

I have also had Ladies come to me and ask what brand of Machine I have and say. "Gee can they do that". One lady also has a machine like mine and has never used the embroidery arm. She was so excited when she realised what they can do.

How rude. A good answer would be, "oh, you mean without needles and crochet hooks, and any other tools?" I CAN'T do the things I used to because of my RA, but I can use my craft tool (ie embroidery machine/sewing machine) to continue to create.
Don't let the few ignorant people get you down. I am always telling people-"There are NO quilt police" (They have their snobbies , too)
Jo

5 comments

by toet 14 Dec 2014

Have you noticed the quilt police never show you any thing they have made? Merry Christmas

by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

Sorry Quilters but I came back with. I don't understand how people can have a beautiful piece of Fabric - cut it into pieces and then sew it all back together again. I upset my Quilt friends with this. Sorry!!!!

by Leaha 14 Dec 2014

Oh I love this, as it's also my statement to my quilter friends! It isn't that I disrespect their craft it's just not my cup of tea at this moment. This is too funny.

by jofrog2000 14 Dec 2014

Ah, but that's the part I love about quilting-taking different colors and patterns and blending them into something new. I just don't do it by hand! Anymore. I have a full sized quilt that I hand quilted for my Mom years ago, and a wall hanging that I totally sewed and quilted by hand, and am well satisfied when I now machine quilt. No mean feat in itself to get it to look well done not on a long arm.

by Leaha 15 Dec 2014

You are very right is your description of quilting...it is a very beautiful craft and because my mind doesn't 'see' the possibilities yet...for me it is an art form as well. I admire anyone who creates quilts. I would have to have husband do the piecing and arranging as he can 'see' the patterns and designs. It's just inexperience on my part.

Oh, dear. So sorry you were visited by a self proclaimed word definition police! Perhaps you should have replied that you don't regard anyone who is insulting as a nice person! I think it speaks volumes of your work that someone would seek you out, if for nothing else, to view your beautiful items.

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

I just think of people like this as "A Loud Mouth".

I think people who react like that, don't have a clue what craft is; what time it takes and how much work it takes to get things perfect the way we want it to be.even with a machine

2 comments

by airyfairy 14 Dec 2014

I totally agree Linda - people do not realise the work that goes on 'behind the scenes' with machine embroidery.

by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

Yes. I can't understand people who don't own a machine or even know how to sew.

I've heard this said before and your post has set me thinking. Is a wooden object made on an electric lathe not classed as crafted either?
I'm sure there are many other examples that could be quoted too.

Please don't let this woman's words stop your enjoyment of the craft we all here so much enjoy.

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

Someone also added Photography as a Craft. I would think that something that you make would be classed as a Craft. I just wonder about some people. We should all put these experiences together and Maybe we can write a book??

there are always people who think: by machine is not craft.
But most of the time they have never done something handmade thereselves. And don't know how much time and energy it costs to make it, even by machine.
Even with Christmascards i make myself, there are always people who react with : Oh you just made them yourself, ..is it cheaper to do it yourself?
I always wonder are these people so simple? it's much easier to buy a package of cards than to make them....
So just let it go and be proud of your lace bowls. We all know how it is, and how lovely your work is. Hugs, Gerry

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

Sadly my Family (Step Children) are not Craft minded and don't appreciate the time and effort that is put into something. I once did a Cross stitch of wolves eyes for my son and it has pride of place in his home.

You can only please some people. I expect she doesn't participate in any activities, (I am trying not to use the word Crafts) which will be her loss. Then you have the wonderful person who is interested in what you have produced since the last market. I have had equally odd comments about my work. You have not said if this market was more successful than the last

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by mi30kaja 14 Dec 2014

Yes It was more successful, but then you don't have to take much to be more successful then taking nothing at the last Market. Enough to buy my groceries for the next week.