I realize I've never really talked about working from home before. Many designers also work "real jobs" in addition to free-lance crocheting every waking moment. I don't know how they are so productive in such a small amount of available free time.
I, however, am now a full-time Mom and full-time crocheter, which makes 2 full-time jobs. I've read tips in the past about working from home. All sorts of nice thoughts, like having a dedicated work space, working set hours, having a separate phone line, etc. Those are nice ideas, but they haven't worked for me.
Work space. Work space is a really funny idea. I have my "crochet room" which houses my bookshelves, filing cabinets, printers, dressform, etc. I have my "stash closet" that runs half the length of the house, off the "crochet room" where I keep all my stash, more files, notions, etc. But I don't really work in there because it's boring. I don't want to be shut off in a room away from
So, my workspace is every available square inch of coffee table, sideboard table, laundry basket at the end of the couch, at my bedside, etc.
The idea of set hours is an attractive thing, but really, I crochet every spare minute of the day. Depending on deadlines, I may crochet late into the night, early in the morning. I just crochet whenever I can. I usually save pattern writing for when I can concentrate, after the kids go to bed or on nights when Captain is away. When the kids are home I am usually in 'production' mode, doing the actual stitching. Sometimes I can design while the kids are underfoot.
I think, in some states, if you work from home, you can deduct the use of square footage and odd things as business expenses. I don't, though, because in my house, the line where crochet begins and crochet ends is invisible.
Here's a really funny photo that a childhood friend just sent me. This is taken in June 1984 in front of the house I grew up in. I am in the middle of the bottom row, with my hair in my face. It was the Michael Jackson era, and we all had shirts from Velva Sheen that had the name of his song "Beat it" on the front. All except for poor Stacy, because by the time she joined the "club", we had bought out all of Velva Sheen's stock of "Beat it" decals. She doesn't look too happy, does she? poor thing. Go ahead and laugh. Laughter is good.
3 comments:
Hello Ellen, my name is Solange, I'm brazilian, I like crochet, paint, embroidery, I teach this things, this is my job. On the spare time I take care my home, my husband, my daughter, my mother-in-law, my father-in-law, three dogs and one garden. I have a atelier, but I can't croche there, I can't find time for this. I prefer to crochet in front TV, at night after the"kids" went to bed. See, we have almost the same problem, you're not alone.
I'll stay here sometime, your blog is beautiful.
Hugs and kisses
Solange
I find it difficult to crochet for pleasure - I can't imagine trying to meet deadlines!! I think you are amazing :) Have a great day! Haley
"I think, in some states, if you work from home, you can deduct the use of square footage and odd things as business expenses. I don't, though, because in my house, the line where crochet begins and crochet ends is invisible."
Yes, in MA, you can deduct your office as a business expense based on square footage. It HAS to be dedicated as a work space, though, so your living room can't count. But your crochet room definitely could. And that would be a nice expense to write off, if nothing else.
Oh: I started making a purse today with the LB Suede! Thanks! It's much easier to work with than LB Chenille. I'm very greatful for that!
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