Dropping out into The So Unknown

Artsy friends: I need your help!

I've been asked by a friend to knit something for her and she's said she would gladly pay for it. This is both exciting and a little bit scary for me (but mostly exciting)!

What's your advice on charging for handcrafted items? I've looked up a few things online which coincided with what a friend told me as well:

Cost of materials + Cost of labor = Cost
Cost x 2 = Retail

Does this sound about right? I'm no pro at knitting--whatever it is won't come out like lacey cobwebs--but I'm pretty good, I know a lot of different techniques/stitches, and I'm willing to try anything.

Is $8 an hour selling myself short? I mean, it wouldn't be pro-level work, and I'd enjoy it while I was working on it...

Any feedback would be helpful, whether you're an artist who sells their work (moonvoice, I'm lookin' in your direction...) or just someone who appreciates art and work.

Thanks!

This is before I ripped the whole thing apart to redo it in a smaller size. Will post a photo of the finished second attempt once it's done.

they think we're disposable
well, both my thumbs' opposable
spelled out on a double-word and triple-letter score

we won't stop until somebody calls the cops
and even then we'll start and just pretend that
nothing ever happened

Outlook: decidedly good.

I figure I should let you all know, although I haven't really posted about it much, but...

I got the job! The one I was really hoping for that's full-time, pays really well, has full benefits, paid vacation, and gives me a cost-of-living raise every year! I'm super relieved, and it's really affirming to know that someone wants me to work for them and they'll appreciate my efforts.

So now I can start saving money for going back to school, and I can do other fun stuff with money too, like PeaPod, and buy a computer for myself, and maybe, just maybe, get cable. Also, I would like to move into a nice apartment with actual rooms when my lease is up next October.

Ooh, and a Kindle.

And one of those neat aluminium fancy water bottles.

Okay. Budgeting is good. Breathe.

Hope you all are having as good a week as I am.

(The Christmas card post is to come...soon...)

I'm still alive.

Easter was good.

I'm at my parents' house now, relaxing, doing laundry, watching their digital cable.

Sorry to be so quiet lately.

Poll #1141568 Recommendations
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 8

Recommend a movie for me to watch. (No horror movies!)

Recommend a food for me to try/make. (Keep in mind: I have very little cooking skill, but I'll taste-try anything!)

Recommend a book for me to read.

Anything else you'd like to recommend?

This, and other photos of my apartment, now up at my Flickr page. Check it out.

Hi. I don't feel like writing an entry now, but I did have a good weekend. Got to see Sweeney Todd and 27 Dresses. Sasha is staring at me while I write this. More later.

ZOMG! For those of you who are DIYers, I found the bestest site EVUR.

Burda Style--open source sewing (patterns, etc.).

I am so gonna do about 12 dresses to wear for Spring...!

Happy birthday tinydaisy! Love you lots.