Another month down, another monthly recap on the blog! If you missed it last month, I did a poll over on my Instagram page at the beginning of the year asking if people would be interested in seeing the monthly financial breakdown of what I make as a small, part-time, independent crochet designer, maker, and blogger. The response was an overwhelming, YES!
I was a little nervous to put this info out there last month (if you missed January’s recap, you can find it here), but the response I received was very positive. The goal for these posts is never to come across as bragging or “woe is me” (depending on your perception of the numbers). The goal is to add another voice to the mix, be transparent about what some months are like as a small independent crochet designer, and generate conversation and community around the topic, which is exactly what happened when I posted the highlights version on Instagram. One person even commented they tried designing, but weren’t making much from it and quit, assuming it was just them or they were doing something wrong. But seeing my post put their experience in a new light and they said they might even give designing another go. That it itself makes sharing this information worth it for me.
So, without further ado, February’s numbers!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase from that website, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, see my Disclosures page.
1. Etsy (Patterns)
This month I released 2 new pattens (the Sandy Shores Beanie and Sandy Shores Messy Bun Beanie) and had a birthday sale at the end of the month, both of which usually generate above normal sales. (Missed the pattern release or sale? Make sure you are on my email list to always be notified of these events!) Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case this month. My best guess for the lack of new release beanie sales is that I released the patterns too late in the season. I’ve tried releasing hat patterns in February in the past, and historically, they don’t sell as well immediately after their release, but tend to pick up as we get closer to fall again. While February felt like a slow month, comparatively, I did about the same last year, so it may just be the time of year.
However, I still sold 11 patterns on Etsy in February.
Patterns sold: Rustic Summer Cup Cozies (2), Gemstone Cup Cozies (2), Coffeehouse Santa Hat (2), Riptide Headband (2), Drifting Leaves Beanie (1), Bonfire Beanie (1), Gemstone Beanie (1)
Gross income: $51.30
Minus Etsy processing, listing, and transaction fees: $10.24
Net profit: $46.01
2. Ravelry
Patterns sold (2): Gemstone Cowl (1), Rustic Summer Tee (1)
Ravelry
FREE on Blog
Etsy
Ravelry
Gross income: $7.75
Minus PayPal processing fees: $1.30
Net profit: $6.45
3. Handmade Items
$0
Again, Etsy SEO is something I have a hard time wrapping my brain around, so this is something I am working on for online sales. I also hope to do some markets a little later in the season, which should help generate income from my handmade products,
4. Affiliate Marketing/Blogging
I am an affiliate for WeCrochet/Knit Picks and Lion Brand. This month I made $4.50 in commission. Thanks for the cup of coffee! 😉
I also found where in my blog stats I can find the revenue I have accrued from ads. In February, I generated $0.13. Yes, 13 cents. Since June 2021 when I started the blog, I have earned a total of $1.21. I won’t see a payout until I accrue $100, so it’s going to be a while before I actually get anything. I’ve also signed up for Google AdSense, which I will hopefully be switching over to soon, and should hopefully be a little more productive than the generic ad revenue from WordPress.
Affiliate + Blog Profit: $4.63.
Total Income for January: $57.09
Total income for 2024: $101.02
So, a slow start to the year, but somewhat similar to last year’s numbers. My goals for this upcoming month are to release a lightweight headband and cowl pattern for spring, try to get a better handle on Etsy SEO, and look into some spring and summer markets.
Happy stitching!
