Author: Alison  –   Updated: February 2025

Crochet in Cosmopolitan: My Piecework Journey

How It All Began

The Advert

One morning, as I flipped through the local newspaper, a small advertisement caught my eye:

“Crocheters wanted. Meet me at the Table View Mall café at 12 noon on Saturday. – Jenny”

As a crocheter, I felt like this message was meant for me. Curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to go.

When I arrived at the café, I quickly realized I wasn’t the only one. Around 25 to 30 women were already there, chatting over coffee, each seemingly drawn to the same mysterious ad.

A few minutes past noon, Jenny arrived—tanned, with long blonde hair and a confident presence. She carried a bag filled with little squiggly items and placed one in front of each of us. Then, she passed around small balls of colorful shirring elastic along with ten decorative beads per person.

New Item

The mysterious squiggly thing turned out to be a barefoot sandal—a delicate crochet accessory worn on the beach. It looped over the big toe and wrapped around the ankle, decorated with African beads for a boho-chic summer look.

Jenny smiled at us and said, “Make me a sample just like this one and meet me back here next Friday at the same time.”

There was excited chatter as everyone examined the materials and planned their approach. I headed home, sample in hand, eager to give it a try.

The Challenge of Crochet Piecework

Crafting the Sample

The pattern itself was simple, but working with the stretchy shirring elastic? That was another story. The elastic pulled and shifted, making it tricky to get the right tension. After multiple attempts and testing different hook sizes, I finally produced a sandal that closely matched Jenny’s sample.

When Friday arrived, I sat at the café, sipping my coffee, waiting for the crowd of crocheters to return. But no one else showed up.

At five past twelve, Jenny walked in, spotted me and came over to check my work. She examined my sample and nodded in approval. Another woman arrived soon after with her own attempt, which also met Jenny’s standards.

Out of the dozens of women who had shown up the previous week, only two of us had followed through.

The Start of My Crochet Business

Summer Stitching

And so, the work began.

Jenny offered us $50 for every ten pairs of barefoot sandals. She then sold them at her flea market stall at Green Market Square for $25 per pair.

I crocheted whenever I could—early in the morning, late at night, and during stolen moments throughout the day. This was no small feat, given that I had a six-month-old baby, a toddler, and two school-aged children (eight and eleven years old). On top of that, we were in the middle of a home renovation, which left our kitchen in disrepair for months.

Onwards

Still, I pressed on, determined to meet my weekly quota.

Each Friday, I met Jenny at the café, exchanged my finished barefoot sandals for cash, and collected new materials for the next batch. This routine continued for six months, keeping me busy throughout the summer.

Jenny’s stylish designs, along with her sun-kissed feet, even made their way into Cosmopolitan magazine. And there, in the glossy pages, was a photo of the very barefoot sandals I had crocheted.

What I Learned About Crochet Piecework

Commission

Although this chapter eventually came to an end, it was a rewarding experience. Here’s what I learned:

• Piecework is great while it lasts. It provides a steady income but is often seasonal or temporary.

• You need the skill to do the work. Crocheting with precision, especially with tricky materials, is key.

• You need the time to commit. Even small projects require dedication, especially when juggling family life.

Looking back, that summer of crochet and barefoot sandals was a turning point for me. It taught me the value of my craft and opened the door to future opportunities.

Who knew that answering a small newspaper ad would lead to seeing my work featured in a magazine?

Author Bio

Alison is a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger. She combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

Read more about Alison’s crochet journey.

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