Come sell crochet plushies with me at the Farmers Market! Market vlog & breakdown!!

Come with me to the Farmers Market! In this video we also get real about some struggles with the crochet business plus a market breakdown of how much I made!
Patterns seen in this video: docs.google.co...
Items seen in this video:
smaller tiered wooden display shelves: amzn.to/3HIS0yT
bigger tiered wooden display shelves: amzn.to/443Nh5f
crate: www.joann.com/...
dog noses: amzn.to/3PSOS7P
dolphin baby yarn (for keychains): amzn.to/47Tsu4m
keychain claw clips: amzn.to/4aCXfNr
keychain chains: amzn.to/3U3pmPR
acrylic signs: amzn.to/4dX1EwC
fan with light: amzn.to/3yJJnm9
big wagon: amzn.to/3X75jlq
Find more plushie/display supplies in my Amazon shop:www.amazon.com...
More from me:
My Etsy: www.etsy.com/s...
Watch more vids on my channel: / @madebymandamal
Follow me on Tiktok: www.tiktok.com...
Follow me on Instagram: / madebymandamal
Follow me on Facebook: / madebymandamal
Thanks for watching!

[@lorrimonohon860]

Oh, Amanda, I am almost in tears for you. I totally get your concern for the next few weeks. I have been crocheting for over 50 years, and have been doing markets for over 30 years. Even with all that experience, I tend to find myself in similar situations. I live in southwest Missouri, and around here, almost all of our decent markets are in the fall. There are only so many weekends in September and October, and it never fails that I get booked for 3 large fairs (3-days each) in a row. I do have arthritis in my hands after all these years, but to be honest, it was more likely caused by the continual computer usage at my corporate job (which I am now retired from... YAY ME)! Anyway, for these next few weeks, my suggestion would be to concentrate on the small items that take you less than an hour. Another suggestion is to always have a project with you wherever you go. It may sound ridiculous, but you can get quite a bit of crocheting done at red lights, or while waiting. Just do what you can. Most importantly, if you begin to feel uncomfortable, STOP and take a break. Stretch your hands and forearms often. Once you are through this tough few weeks, you need to take a much needed and well deserved break. You are doing a fabulous job! Reward yourself. Hope this helps! BTW, I really enjoy your videos!

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you so much for this heartfelt comment🥹💕 this makes me feel better and those are some great suggestions. Congrats on retirement from corporate life and happy crocheting!! Thank you for watching!

[@kidsalbarwani1427]

Wow❤❤❤❤

[@loisyoung4662]

You crack me up! You did great! I love selling at Farmers markets! I get my materials on sale, but I do charge as if I pay full price, a buffer for if I do have to pay full price. That way, if a child comes to my booth and doesn't have enough money, I have wiggle room to be able to reduce the price for them. Love to see kids smile! 😊

[@HaruDoneYet]

Ooo that’s a good idea

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Good point! I still charge as if they’re full price for sure! It’s just nicer to see the smaller numbers in my pricing breakdown when I’m calculating sales😅 thanks so much for watching!!

[@Carlaiscrafty553]

I didn’t start crocheting until I was 54, after a long session my hands cramped and my wrists hurt. I found clover amour crochet hooks and I don’t have any further issues. I also knit and sew a lot so my hands and wrists get a workout. I hope you’re getting relief from your issues. Thanks so much for the great videos and for sharing all your information and what you’ve learned.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

This is really helpful thank you for the suggestion! Happy your hands are feeling better!! Thanks so much for watching!

[@jayc6159]

I’ve done farmers markets in the past my biggest seller has always been refrigerator magnets. Cats sell the best, kids will insist on a cat that looks like the one they have at home so I keep a variety of colors. Lower priced items seem to sell the best. I sell some garden and vegetable theme items but cats are a guaranteed win in my area.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

I love those ideas!! Thank you for this comment and thanks for watching!💕

[@angellalawton1591]

I liked watching this while I crocheted. It was like having a conversation but I didn’t have to talk. Lol. Keep up the great work.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

I love that🥹 it was so fun hangin witchuuu! Thanks for watching!!

[@cottontailcrafts1719]

I can usually crochet with no issues. It's when I dip into the Bernat blanket that my wrists bother me. I ren a 12 head embroidery machine for 12 years so I know the repetition of hooping my garments did some damage. I usually take a day off after Bernat and that helps. Compression gloves have helped too😊

[@MadebyMandaMal]

I hate some colors of bernatt. I feel like some are way tougher on the hands. I try to use chenille home slim and sweet snuggles lite as much as I can!! Sending good vibes to your hands🙃 Thank you so much for watching!

[@smellyfacecrafts]

I’m the same with my wrists. I find the compression gloves that you can get on Amazon really help me out and there’s videos loads of warm up videos on KZbin that help too 🥰

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Definitely going to check some of those out!! Thank you! Hope your wrists are hanging in there😅💕

[@RouziWood]

Thank you so much for raising the price of the unicorn! It is definitely worth $100 if not more! It is definitely a work of art!

[@MadebyMandaMal]

I definitely feel better about it now! Thank you! Thanks for watching!!💕

[@roserivett9000]

I love this vlog! I totally felt like I was right there, just hanging and chatting with you at the market ❤🤣

[@MadebyMandaMal]

I love that😂 thank you so much for watching!!💕

[@susyemariee123]

love your videos!!! I started going to my local swapmeet on the weekends and I have gotten to meet so many people and new customers!! I hope these next couple weeks for you go well!!! Also don’t stress on how much you can take as a weeekly restock is already hard enough ! 🤪 we appreciate all your hard work as everyone else!!!!

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you so much🥹💕 good luck with your swapmeets!!!

[@susanmdoucetsd]

I laughed out loud when you reapplied deodorant. I am a full time farmers market vendor from May 1sr to November 1st. Ours is 5 hours every Saturday. I create from 500 to 800 (CAD$) in inventory every week. Yes I spend most of waking hours crocheting. I wear wraps on my wrist that close with velcro. Those are my favorite so far because I can adjust the tightness easily. I also stretch and squeeze my hands and rotate wrists daily. I'm looking forward to hearing how your 5 weeks go.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thats super motivating!! That’s a LOT of prep!! you’re killin it! Thank you for the comment and thanks for watching!! Best of luck with all your farmers markets!💕

[@tfat9848]

So glad I found your channel you crack me up and I love the live play by play lol! ❤😂

[@MadebyMandaMal]

I love that😂 thank you so much for watching!!

[@suzie.in.stitches]

That was a lovely vlog! I really enjoyed it and glad you did so well! Hope the prep fairy sprinkles love on you this week and you get lots of items done for next weekend.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you so much!! Thanks for watching!🥹💕

[@jackiet8568]

I don't have a crochet business, but I do crochet to help with anxiety alot. When my wrists started to hurt, a friend told me to try wearing a sleeve thingy that you can get at your local drug store. It is for carpal tunnel. I bought a universal one so I can change hands but they also sell them for the right or left hand. I don't wear it all the time but when I do, it works. Hope that helps.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you for this info! I got some wrist braces and they’ve been helpful! Thanks so much for watching. Happy crocheting!!

[@jackiet8568]

@@MadebyMandaMal Quick Question... you have inspired me to head to Michaels and give their Loops & Threads Sweet Snuggles Lite a try. It's sooo soft! I immediately thought I was going to love it. I am trying to make the Free Turtle Pattern from The Friendly Red Fox and I am having a heck of a time starting the magic ring with this yarn. I just can't get it to close up and I keep tugging so tight I break it. Can you tell me what size hook you use when making plushies with this yarn? I have tried 4.5mm (the pattern recommendation), 5mm, & 6mm. The 6mm seems good but I am not able to close the ring with any of them. Wondering if you have any tips. I have successfully made this pattern with Hobby Lobby cozy Occasion, and even the Dollar Tree Chinelle and had no issue. I just love the feel of this Sweet Snuggle Lite and really want to make this work. ;).

[@snitchesgetstitchescrochet9371]

A little fruit and veg stand would be adorable there!

[@MadebyMandaMal]

I love that idea!! Would love to incorporate those once I find the time😅💕

[@animalsandlifelife5631]

First of all I love your videos.🙂 You're doing a great job. I myself run a small crochet business and I bounce between 2 local farmer markets so I know the strain of keeping up. My best suggestion on what to do for your hands and wrists is to always stretch before you start. At least once an hour stop and do your stretches again. Take note of the yarn that you are using because any added tension like when you use Burnet blanket causes more strain. Always wear your compression gloves. Go small with your product. You do beautiful work, but with the markets so close to gether, smaller works better. But most of all remember to give yourself grace. You're doing a great job! Cameron's cute creations on KZbin has a great video on stretches.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thanks so much for this comment!! Definitely going to be taking breaks and stretching more seriously and focusing on smaller stuff. Thank you for watching!!

[@MystLily]

research massaging your hands and doing hand-wrist arm exercises, there is heat therapy or cold therapy you can do on your hands and the best information for doing these things for yourself is to look up sports areas of help because it is the sports industry that puts so much into researching how to keep sportspeople going. Even as far as gloves I've found the design put into bicycle gloves is amazing compared to arthritis gloves

[@MadebyMandaMal]

I appreciate this comment thank you so much! Definitely going to look further n into those things!💕

[@Katerinacrochets]

Girl when I first started doing markets I had the same thing the best thing is hand stretching before you start crocheting I would start taking collagen it helps a lot I use the brand ancient nutrition it’s awesome taste great I get the vanilla and put it in my coffee and I feel like it helps joint stuff. But the hand stretches are VERY important 🤗

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Wait thank you so much I’m literally gonna get it😂 is it this one? www.amazon.com/dp/B07D41R677/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_J28HD44HEJFWA6D7MPEQ?linkCode=ml2&tag=madebymandama-20

[@Katerinacrochets]

@@MadebyMandaMal yes that’s it!! I hope you love it, I’m super picky about powder supplements some of them are so nasty 😷 but I promise this is so good!!

[@MadebyMandaMal]

@@Katerinacrochets I'M EXCITED thanks so much!

[@Tikitikihaha]

For the wrists cracking wearing wrist braces to bed really helps! And then wearing compression gloves while crocheting. I have arthritis and tendinitis so they’re a lifesaver for me with crocheting. Also stretching! Fingers, wrists, and pretty much everything on your arms.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you so much for the tips! Hope your hands are hangin in there💕 thank you for watching!!

[@gaelwhite65]

yes it is sustainable to crochet long term but you have to pace yourself. Prep for markets by keeping a standard inventory which means you may have to balance the number or type of markets you do with your inventory.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you for this!! This was definitely a learning experience of how much I can handle. I also need to stop booking events so close together🙄 thanks for watching!!

[@brpoor1]

Love this video! (And all your videos!) You are so relatable! Love everything you’re doing, keep it up! ❤

[@MadebyMandaMal]

That means a lot🥹💕 thanks so much for tuning in!!

[@karenc1564]

love your videos. yes, my hands used to crack. now I am limited to how much I can crochet. I do have arthritis in both hands and on each hand, the baby finger and ring fingers are tingly. my doctor said it carpal tunnel syndrome and so I have to pace myself with crochet. I have a giant festival (approximately 10,000 visitors) coming up on July 1st (which is Canada Day here - I am in Toronto) and I have been prepping like crazy., So far, I have over 400 items made, some are from last year's festival but this year I have focused more on chenile plushies and I am crocheting like a mad person here. I have been crocheting little things all year to increase my inventory in between custom orders. Don't stress out too much. You will be fine.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

thank you so much🥺💕 I’m sorry to hear about your hands but it sounds like you’re killin it!! Best of luck at your big event!!! Thank you for watching!

[@lizcarter6938]

I don't crochet HOWEVER I DO make handmade hair bows. Let me put what I do into perspective...... I cannot just make 1-2 same bows I have to make AT LEAST 12 of the same print/character and I have well over 500 prints/characters. I currently have my Etsy shop on vacation mode because I couldn't keep up. NOW I'm selling on WhatNot and 6 months in I am so busy I am only able to stream once a week. I know this level of business is NOT the norm for those who make hair bows. I am EXTREMELY blessed! I have emptied 7 packages of hair clips this week and there are 80 clips in each package. I have EMPTIED 5 bic lighters this week. I am BUSY and because I'm disabled and rarely leave the house, working for 10-12 hours a day is not uncommon. My hands/wrists/fingers ACHE like A C H E !!!!! There are times my fingers actually start cramping and curl into this distorted state that is just EXCRUCIATING !!! I am 53 years old and was in a bad accident that I put my hands up to brace myself and smashed the carpel tunnel so I've already had surgery on BOTH hands. I am in LOVE with The Equate brand Arthritis Cream it does NOT GET HOT and it's absolutely amazing at taking away the pain!!!! It's about $5 a tube and a little goes a long way. I also have a brace I wear on my wrists. Definitely take care of your hands!!

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Omg congrats on your business success!! That’s amazing!! Im so sorry about the hand pain I can relate😔 finally had to put my Etsy on vacation mode because I can’t keep up with the market prep plus the Etsy orders. I’m definitely going to invest in that cream!! Thank you so much for the suggestions and for watching!💕

[@camillescrochet777]

Love the vlog and your sense of humor. I am always massaging, stretching my fingers and joints. Ice helps inflammation, and, of course, taking a break. Like the earrings. If you love what you are doing, don’t ever give it up.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

thank you so much for the tips and the comment🥹💕

[@RouziWood]

I am going to be selling at my first farmers market next week 🥰

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Omg GOOD LUCK! you’re gonna do amazing!💕

[@minini5571]

You did great with your vlog! So glad you had a fun and successful market!❤

[@MadebyMandaMal]

thank you so much🥹💕 thanks for watching!!

[@cheridefries4980]

Loved your video! It looked and sounded like you really enjoyed yourself. 😁 Glad you ordered a brace. You should also be doing hand stretches before starting and break every 30-45 minutes. Can’t wait to see what you do next week! ❤🧶

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you!!! Will definitely be taking my stretching and breaks more seriously😅 thanks for watching!💕

[@mdp3827]

Loved the vlogging at the market. Shows your character which makes me smile. Xx

[@MadebyMandaMal]

thank you so much that means a lot🥹💕

[@leighrear9676]

Earrings are so cute

[@MadebyMandaMal]

thank you so much🥹💕 thanks for watching!

[@Connie.the.Crocheter]

Loved seeing you at the market and sharing your day with us. One suggestion I personally prefer is when you tell us what you have sold at the end is to show a picture of the plushie. I know you show your table at the beginning, but I like to see a picture too. Can’t wait until next week.

[@priscillahernandez2004]

I like that too, but it takes more work and time to edit that in. Maybe she didn’t have that extra time this week :) Given how much work it takes to crochet, make content, and do weekly markets, I think it’s fair not to expect the pictures at this time. Sorry for adding my two cents, hope it still came off as kind.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you so much for that feedback! So happy you enjoyed the video! Thank you for watching!!💕

[@susannacervantes921]

Just came upon your video. I have osteoarthritis and have used therapy for my issue. I believe as young as you are that you have many years of crocheting before you.but you need to talk to dr about this so you can prevent further damage to your hand. Take time to rest your hands when working.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you for this!! Hope you’re feeling okay💕

[@delonnickels9573]

Love your videos!!!❤

[@MadebyMandaMal]

thank you so much!🥹💕 thanks for watching!!

[@Babybearcroche]

Get compression gloves and wrists braces, it'll help a lot nut definitely take breaks and stretch before and after

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Definitely focusing more on my breaks and stretching!! Thank you!!

[@LNordine-yz2xn]

Oh my gosh I love your videos. I laughed out loud about the deodorant. Great job!

[@MadebyMandaMal]

thank you😂💕 gotta do what you gotta do sometimes😅 thanks so much for watching!!

[@SandoikStitches]

Loved your vlogs and thoughts!! I got a wrist brace a while back and I feel like its really helped me! Obviously I still take breaks and stretch my wrist but the wrist brace has been a great supplement to my wrist health! Hope it helps you too!

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you! I’m actually waiting for a new one to come in!! Hopefully that helps a bit! Thanks so much for watching💕

[@snitchesgetstitchescrochet9371]

Loved this blog!!! We got to see your silly personality so much more!!!!! Which farmers market is this? I'm in south jersey and always looking for farm markets to shop!

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you so much!! Message me on Instagram!

[@redbeanbat]

love your channel :>

[@MadebyMandaMal]

thank you so much🥹💕 thanks for tuning in!!

[@kjfreeman0866]

I’m the same with sweet n low! must be a crocheter thing!! 😂😂 Interested to see a video about getting good prices on yarn. I never buy anything full price either.

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Wait I love that I’m not the only one😂 stay tuned for that video I’ll have it out soon!! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Hookstohugs]

Great result!x

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you so much!!💕

[@amandaboehnlein8256]

I've been binging your channel all morning at work, had a quick question. How do you find out the price of materials per item? Super interested and I loovveeeeee all of your creations!

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Thank you so much for tuning in!! I use a pricing calculator! Here’s my video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXOxlXWDm5qnqNksi=vInNu1RedgUrTr9X

[@Staceysue64]

New follower. Girl you got to take care of your body. Your hands and wrists are telling you that you need to slow down it's better to slow down than to have it totally yanked from you. I crochet baby blankets to supplement my social security income I ended up with ECU which is severe tendonitis in both wrists there was nothing that can be done beyond physical therapy I have not been able to crochet anything for over a year now because it's just too painful...

[@MadebyMandaMal]

I’m so sorry to hear that😔 I’m definitely trying to pace myself from now on and really focus on breaks and stretching. Sending good vibes your way!! Thanks so much for watching💕

[@angellalawton1591]

If you have an Amazon shop, I would love it if you would link your wrist brace thingy!

[@MadebyMandaMal]

so I've had this one amzn.to/3x7ms3P cause originally I didn't want something that was on my hands. the pressure helps but I feel like it's not as supportive as I need it to be so I just ordered this one amzn.to/3VaSpjN and I'm still waiting for it to come in!! Will deff give an update in my next vid!!

[@angellalawton1591]

@@MadebyMandaMal yay… I am seriously gonna wait for your reply before I purchase because I’m very interested in not hearing the clickety-clack of my wrist lol Thanks… You’re awesome

[@cortneyscraftcorner]

Omg this last two weeks my wrist have been cracking. I’m too nervous to look up carpel tunnel 8:18

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Ya I think we’re definitely on our way there unfortunately😅 I’ve been using wrist braces which have helped a lil!

[@CozyStitchesBySerena]

Is there anyone in this community close to where you are that you could sell their stuff every other week for a percentage? Like 10-15 percent per sale so you can have a crochet break between and not lose money for being there?

[@MadebyMandaMal]

I get all in my head about it being ‘made by manda mal’ so I feel like I have to tackle everything myself😅 but I’m deff considering getting someone to help with inventory for the sake of my mental and physical health

[@whatthefairuse]

Deodorant 🤣🤣 Curious if you move things around as the day goes or do you keep it the same after selling?

[@whatthefairuse]

Wanted to add.. As a potential customer... 100 scares me lol 98 I'd buy it 🤷‍♀️ I realize its only 2 dollars it just sounds better

[@MadebyMandaMal]

Yes I do move things around to keep my table looking as full as possible! I try to always keep those wooden stands full with stuff🙃

[@tracywykoff1308]

I love this vlog! I wanted to do KZbin videos and vlog my process of starting my crochet business, but I chickened out! Yeap.... full buck of chicken 🐔 🐓🐣🐤🐥🐔🐓🐣🐤🐥 I figured it was better to just do the markets and not get so anxious I shut down everything! Watching this has made me realize I am being too much of a perfectionist! I actually loved how you made it your safe place to share with your viewers! I was so over-thinking this! I didn't feel judgmental or negative, but was empathetic and supportive. I actually celebrated every sale with you!!! I am definitely going to be brave and move forward with my social media thanks to your positive influence ❤😊🎉 it really is a safe place among friends/fellow makers 🥰🤗😁💗 THANKS FOR THE INSIGHT AND ENCOURAGEMENT

[@tracywykoff1308]

Also what helped me prep was a suggestion on another makers video: pick smaller quick items example: bees, frogs, whales, stingrays, chicken nuggets, gummy worms, etc. No sew is better if possible for time. Them make a goal list for each day between markets: Monday do 5-8 frogs, & 5-8 whales. Tuesday: 12 gummy worms & 6 nuggets... and so on. Maybe add 1 med/larger item if time allows that day. Figure out what sells best in your area and the average # of those items you should have on hand so you can make a advantageous list! I can't believe how much more I got prepped this way. I had 3 major markets a week apart and my 1st market I sold everything I made all summer so I was panicking for the next 2. But I did so good! My 2nd one sold $2,000.00 (but that included my giant elephant 😢 for $300.00) most of my other sales were $, $8, $10, $12 items to kids. I did have a few larger items for $30-40 in between that also went! My last one was Dec 2nd and I added my crochet hats I had made a couple years back to fill space and since it was colder they flew off thr table also.